World-renowned glass artist, sculptor, and designer Robert DuGrenier, M.F.A. ’79, joins Redbird Buzz to discuss how his ending up at Illinois State was one of the first steps to career success in the art world. DuGrenier, a 2018 Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame inductee, came to Illinois State as a graduate student, sight unseen, after being recruited while studying at the Hornsey College of Art in London.
DuGrenier’s works have included the creation of high-end installations for museums and architectural projects, glass chandeliers and pieces for private residences and hotels, and even the 1/12th scale model of the flame for the Statue of Liberty, from which the French artisans sculpted the new flame.
Tune in to this episode to hear how DuGrenier’s work has helped to advance the science of hermit crabs, about his impact on Nickelodeon and the Kids’ Choice Awards, and how he’s revitalizing his small Vermont hometown through farmers markets and community pizza nights.
Redbird Buzz is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts. Transcripts of each episode are available online at Alumni.IllinoisState.edu/Podcast.
