Class Glass by Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady While gold may be the most precious metal, to me nothing is more beautiful than blown glass. The artistry and colors has always fascinated me. I recently drove almost 200 miles to see a Dale Chihuley installation in Shreveport. My fondest memory of Germany is the glass museum in Passau. And my peak glass experience was in Sweden where I watched the skilled craftsman at Kosta Boda make remarkable pieces. I even tried my hand at glass blowing in the Corning Museum in upstate New York http://www.travellady.com/Issues/August05/1543LookMom.htm. Maybe that is why I appreciate this art form so much.   David Gappa with Vetro Glass Blowing Studio in Grapevine and Dallas artist Xavier Zamarripa have joined artistic forces to establish one-of-a-kind wine decanters. The collaboration of artists brings an exciting exposition of hand blown glass and hand carved stone designed to enhance the experience of tasting great wines.
Two artists’ receptions featuring these exclusive wine decanters will take place this April. The collection of nearly 50 stone and glass wine decanters will be displayed at Xavier Zamarripa Gallery in Dallas April 19 (6-10pm) and at Vetro Glass Blowing Studio and Gallery in Grapevine on April 26 (6-10pm). These one-of-a-kind wine decanters will range in price from $300-$16,000 and will be available for sale on both evenings. Both receptions feature wine and hors d’ oeuvres. Live glass blowing demonstrations will take place at Vetro the night of the reception. IF IT IS GOOD ENOUGH FOR THE VATICAN,
IT IS GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME  Trained at the Vatican Studio in Rome, Xavier Zamarripa learned the ancient art of mosaics to depict traditional art as well as people, emotions and designs. Xavier’s mosaics have been translated into other art forms including glass, stone and iron work. His pieces and artistic designs are features in churches and private residences across the country.
WHERE ELSE WOULD YOU BLOW WINE DECANTERS
BUT IN GRAPEVINE Vetro Glassblowing Studio & Gallery, located in the heart of historic Grapevine is a state-of-the-art facility where nationally recognized glass artists specialize in hand-blown glass. David Gappa’s work ranges from large-scale contemporary lighting installations to decorative glass sculptures. Vetro's art glass can be found in exhibit in museums, galleries, and corporate and private collections nationwide.  Both events are free and open to the public. Xavier Zamarripa Gallery is located at 100 Oak Lawn Avenue at the corner of E. Levee Street. Vetro Glassblowing Studio is located at 701 South Main Street #103 in historic Grapevine in the Train Depot parking lot. For more information call David Gappa at Vetro Glass Studio at 817-251-1668, or visit their website at www.vetroartglass.com.
Madelyn Miller is a travel and food writer who has a large collection of art glass. Read her stories on www.travellady.com, www.carladynews.com, www.yogayaya.com, www.chocolateatlas.com, www.teaAtlas.com, www.cocktailatlas.com www.coffeeatlas.com | 
