First Reception & Exhibit of 2026: Unspoken Words
- Ashley
- Feb 7
- 3 min read
The Holiday Art Market officially wrapped up on January 31st. Emily and Julie immediately began preparing the gallery for our first exhibit of 2026. All consigned artwork previously on display was refreshed and moved into the Galleria shop. These space transitions are no small feat — lots of heavy lifting, ladder climbing, rearranging large pieces, and redirecting lighting to prepare the space. Who needs a gym when you work at the Arts Center?!
By Wednesday, February 4th, glass artist Auden Wolf arrived to begin installing his exhibit, Unspoken Words. A few smaller pieces broke in the process—an inherent risk when glass is your chosen medium, I suppose. Having seen the exhibit fully installed, it’s hard not to marvel at the time, precision, and care that must be involved in keeping so many fragile works intact during transport.
Once installed, Auden’s work fully revealed itself. Unspoken Words is a deeply thought-provoking and emotionally layered body of work that’s felt as much as it is seen. His artist statement offers insight into the personal experiences behind the work, bringing it all together.
Artist Statement
During my childhood, I was raised in a restrictive environment that didn't allow me to speak.
Making writing the only tool I could use to hear my own voice. It gave me control and safety
when I didn't have either. Every piece in this show is a response to events in my life when my
input wasn’t allowed, finally giving me a say and a space to reflect. My writing is either carved,
formed, or drawn into glass, giving each word a sense of permanence and importance. I give my
words their own sense of being by allowing them to be distorted, blown up, or shattered, granting them their freedom and the ability to breathe. This show is the ending of my unspoken words and the beginning of my true voice.
Dead glass, enamels, and pate de verre footprints
Several pieces stand out immediately. My personal favorite, To be Welcomed (installed in the south gallery), is a sequence of devolving welcome mats. Glass footprints are strategically placed along the pathway. Aside from the powerful imagery, the footprints truly appear as though they are made of freshly fallen snow, left behind in the traveler’s wake. They’re delicate and quiet, blending seamlessly into the space while still drawing you forward.
The largest single glass artwork in the exhibit incorporates cigarettes and some of Auden’s mother’s ashes—a piece that carries clear emotional weight.
Cigarettes, moms ashes, glass sheets, and enamel
Pate de verre letters
Blown buckets, glass frit, metal, and chain.
Blown Heads and enamels.
The exhibit also includes a collection of decorative vases in white, blue, and soft pink hues. These pieces were formed through traditional glassblowing, shaped by breath and movement while the glass was molten. Several of these pieces are currently available for purchase.
While viewing the exhibit, I learned how the pink glass is made (and immediately went down a bit of a research rabbit hole). The pink hue comes from adding gold to the glass—microscopic gold particles dispersed throughout the molten material. These particles absorb blue and yellow light while scattering red and pink light, resulting in that soft, opaque blush color. It’s a fascinating reminder that science and art are often deeply intertwined.
The opening reception itself had a great turnout, with a mix of familiar faces and a few new ones we were happy to welcome. The atmosphere was comfortable and inviting, with easy conversation among friends and neighbors, and complimentary refreshments for everyone to enjoy.
For those who weren’t able to attend the opening reception, Unspoken Words will remain on display in the Galleria through March 14th. I highly recommend a visit to experience this exhibit!
Our next exhibit and opening reception will take place in April, and will feature Charles City High School students. We’re excited to see what this year brings, and to continue supporting artists so they, in turn, can share their creative work with our community.
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