Local glass artist to exhibit new work at Bigfork Center

An exhibit titled “Grounded: Life Force in Glass and Metal” features new work by Bigfork artist Lee Proctor. The series celebrates the earth and nature with delightful and luminous seeds, pods, flowers, and more.

Proctor was inspired by a relatively new therapeutic concept called “grounding” or “earth-ing.” As most of us spend our days walking in shoes on asphalt streets—disconnected physically from the earth—the therapy encourages practitioners to spend time walking in bare feet to connect (or to reconnect) with the earth. Such practice is believed to balance and heal the body. “Grounding” therapy was created by Montana-born Clint Ober.

Proctor believes that communing with nature is central to our health, life force, and well-being. Proctor’s exhibit will feature a grounding rod that visitors will be able to hold and experience. Fun, interactive, inspiring educational programing will be held throughout the exhibit including:

- Glass Blowing Demonstration at Lee Proctor’s Bigfork Studio, Saturday July 14, 11 a.m. to noon, 233 Coverdell, Bigfork.

Join us for an amazing opportunity and rare event. See and learn how Proctor and his team make such magnificent creations. Free for members, $5 for non-members.

- Artist Talk with Lee Proctor at the Bigfork Art and Cultural Center on Saturday, July 14 from 1-2 p.m. Meet the artist and learn about his work, technique, and inspiration.

Lee Proctor lives and works in Bigfork. He has been creating glass and forged metal works for more than 25 years. Already an accomplished metal artist, Proctor attended the esteemed Pilchuck Glass School to learn the art of glassmaking. His studio has evolved into a state-of-the-art glass blowing and casting facility, allowing for limitless possibilities in glass, metal, sculpture, and architectural works.

Proctor’s commissions range from small tabletop pieces to large-scale architectural works: railings, lighting, tables, and sculpture. His expertise allows him to integrate various metals with blown or cast glass resulting in unique, exquisite creations. Proctor is gifted at listening to and working closely with clients to realize their vision for commissions. “I have always treasured the mystery, the unspoken, unexplainable aspect involved in the creative process,” Proctor said.

Proctor designed and fabricated new doors for BACC’s gallery. The doors are a stunning combination of metal and glass inspired by Flathead Lake and the surrounding landscape. The doors were purchased by an anonymous donor.

See more of Proctor’s work at the Art Fusion Gallery, 471 Electric Avenue and at Frame of Reference Gallery in Whitefish. For more information on Proctor visit his website: https://www.proctorstudios.com