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Glass artist Stephen Rolfe Powell will join Hunter Museum guests for a gallery talk next Thursday.

Artist Stephen Rolfe Powell will present "A Glassy Midsummer's Eve" on Thursday at the Hunter Museum of American Art, 10 Bluff View.

"His sensuous vessels are a molten kaleidoscope of color with edgy names like 'Salacious Jitter Gaze," officials said in a news release about the internationally known glass maker.

His works can be seen in the new "Jellies: Living Art" gallery at the Tennessee Aquarium and in the Hunter's permanent collection.

The evening starts with a tour of the temporary glass exhibit that features Dale Chihuly's "Laguna Murano Chandelier" and includes a tour of the permanent collection with installations by Powell and many other glass artists.

The Palate Bistro Cafe will be open during the evening, and a cash bar opens at 6 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., guests will gather in the Hunter auditorium to hear Powell discuss how he fuses fire and liquid glass, illustrated by images and video of his glass-blowing process.

After the talk, he will answer questions and sign copies of his book, which is available in the museum store. "Jellies" merchandise will be offered at a discount.

Cost is $15 for Hunter members, Tennessee Aquarium members, students and faculty; $25 for nonmembers.

Registration is being taken through the aquarium's Web site, www.tnaqua.org, or by calling 267-FISH.

The Hunter may be reached at 267-0968.

EVENING IN BLUFF VIEW

Hunter Museum's Avant-art Interest Group will take reservations through Thursday for a gallery talk and sculpture stroll with artist Andrew Crawford on Saturday, June 27. Crawford, creator of "Pure Americana," will lead a gallery talk and tour of his work with Angie Supan, manager of River Gallery, which features Crawford's work in its gallery and sculpture garden. The evening begins with a wine and cheese reception at River Gallery at 6 p.m. The gallery talk and stroll start at 6:30 p.m. Dinner at Back Inn Cafe in the Bluff View Art District will start at 7:30 p.m. (limited menu, prices vary). Call 267-0968 for reservations.