Friday, April 26, 2013

My Famous Dog House


Tropical Retreat -  4’ x 4’ x 3’
A huge supporter of public art and an animal lover, I jumped at the chance to participate in a local project that would help the Humane Society. Area artists and architects were asked to build full size, functioning dog houses. After a period of public display, the houses would be auctioned to benefit the charity.


Tropical Retreat took over six weeks to construct. We started with a plywood substructure, painted the interior and covered the entire exterior with thousands of cut stained glass pieces and fused glass shapes. It was unveiled to the world on live TV, on a morning news cast. That night, it was showcased at a black tie, cocktail party held at a European car dealership. My doghouse was prominently displayed between two exotic sports cars, a no price tag Maserati and a way too many zeros, Porsche. Later, it was displayed along with the other dog houses at, Tampa International Airport. There it drew considerable attention. I received numerous phone calls and emails from locals and people just passing through. They told me how much they loved my colorful, mosaic dog house.  


A journalist from England heard about the project. He flew into town to interview the artists and take pictures of the unique structures for his news paper. I was asked to bring my dog with me to the interview at the airport. Shadow, my black lab was young and full of energy. I brought Jessie, my middle school age daughter along to help hold her. When it was time to have Shadow’s picture taken inside the dog house, she was more interested in licking the photographer’s camera lens than standing still. Jessie was given the task of running Shadow around the potted palms that decorated the airport restaurant’s outdoor seating area. After several laps, Shadow was happy to cooperate and pose.


When the photo-shoot was over, our group walked through the restaurant’s crowded bar area. Shadow was leading the way, wagging her tail. Jessie was dutifully holding her leash. The photographer and I following close behind. It was one of those moments I’ll never forget. It was such a great feeling to have my artwork recognized. All my hard work and the many hours I’d devoted were appreciated. I was on cloud nine.


 Then we passed a table of four and I heard a woman say, “Look! There goes the famous dog. And the famous dog trainer and the dog trainer’s mother…”  

I had to laugh. I still do.

Dog trainer’s mother is not so bad.

Chase your dreams,  
Lisa

New Local Class
Join me for a fun filled day!
Painting with Frit
Saturday June 1, 2013
Lecture, Hands-on, 9am – 4pm
All skill levels
THE STAINED GLASS STUDIO OF CLEARWATER
29146 U.S. 19  Clearwater, FL 33761
Please call for availability   Dates subject to change
727-786-7070       www.katglass.com      Email: katglass@aol.com

Now on YouTube
Lisa Vogt Glass Artist
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhOifd7wukk

Fused Vessel Sinks and More
4-Day, hands-on workshop
Class size is limited to four.
Register online at www.LisaVogt.net
May 14-17, 2013
Sept. 24-27, 2013
Jan. 28-31, 2014
Feb. 18-21, 2014

1 comment:

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