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When completed, no words
were spoken or were needed.
They knew they’d done what was
needed and the work continued
silently until the plate was re-
moved from the second rod and
placed into the cooling oven by
Grawey, by then wearing heavy
elbow-length gloves and face
protection.
Others who work with Toraa-
son include Rick Melby, with
whom he worked in Asheville
and relocated to Peoria so they
could continue working together.
Another who relocated here is
Geoff Dunn, whom Toraason es-
timates has made nearly 400,000
ornaments.
Toraason is a student of the
history of glass, noting it was
brought over from Europe with
the Pilgrims and was the first
industry in the United States. But
glass as a medium for fine art is a
much more recent movement, he
said, and one he hopes will make
a comeback and prosper.
“I think everything should be
made of glass, of course. But I
think glass as an art medium can
continue to do very well here
for a long time. Peoria has been
home to many fine artists and
I am humbled to think I can be
considered among them.”
Editor’s note: In each issue of The
Peorian we will profile a member or
two of the area’s arts community,
which could be a writer, painter,
illustrator, musician or actor. If you
know of such a person you’d like to
see included here, let us know at
editor@thepeorian.com
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