Then to now
AO Glass
March 1st - March 29th
Opening Reception : Saturday, March 16th 3-5pm
Frog Hollow Craft Gallery is thrilled to announce an exhibition showcasing the exquisite works of Burlington’s very own AO Glass. Co-founders and married couple Rich Arentzen and Tove Ohlander operate a nationally recognized glass-blowing company in a 10,000-square-foot space on Pine Street, at the creative heart of Burlington. The exhibition will feature a stunning collection of glass pieces produced by Arentzen and Ohlander over the past 20 years, highlighting the craftsmanship and innovation that has defined the studio’s artistic vision. AO Glass has established itself as a leading force of contemporary glass in the state, blending traditional techniques with modern design sensibilities. The exhibition at Frog Hollow Craft Gallery will provide a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts and collectors to experience some of the early work by Arentzen & Ohlander up close while taking a peak at what’s in the pipeline for their production in 2024.
“Rich and I are pleased to have the opportunity to show our work at Frog Hollow this year, some of the work we are showing may have even been present at Frog Hollow 15- 20 years ago!”
-Tove Ohlander
Visitors to the exhibition can expect to be captivated by a diverse range of glass artworks, including vibrant sculptures, captivating vessels, and objects to decode their innovative processes. Each piece on display reflects the dedication to craftsmanship and artistic expression that has made AO Glass a beloved stop on anyone’s visit to our city. AO Glass is currently evolving into a local destination and experience center, and this exhibit offers an opportunity to both look back at past glass art and learn about the new direction. The AO Glass exhibition at Frog Hollow Craft Gallery will run from March 1st to 29th. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the history and magic of AO Glass firsthand.
MORE ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Rich Arentzen and Tove Ohlander met at the Orrefors (Sweden’s National) School of Glass in 1994. In 1998, ran a glass-blowing studio in the Oslo area of Norway, and drawn to Burlington, they moved to Vermont in 2007 to start AO Glass. Rich and Tove brought both of their perspectives together at AO and built a company based on their separate approaches to learning the craft. Their two glass traditions and aesthetics - Swedish versus Italian- American - come together in a complementary way and they see themselves as protectors of the craft - literally “keeping the fires burning” while providing jobs and contributing to Burlington’s creative economy. “Being accepted at Frog Hollow in the early 90s was a personal validation of myself as a young craftsperson and enabled me to take the first steps in turning a budding obsession with glass into a business. It taught me how to balance my artistic process with the needs of a gallery. We have persevered through the ups and downs of the arts and craft market, online shoppers, and the disruptions of COVID-19. I am proud that our relationship is now into its fourth decade.” - Rich Arentzen
Today, both Arentzen and Ohlander are present at the 10,000 sq. ft. Pine St. factory. They and their skilled team continue to provide clients with high-end glass components, glass gifts, and tableware. AO Glass maintains its Nordic connection by importing Swedish Glass from Glasma in Småland, one of the world’s best manufacturers of eco-crystal pellets.
