John Mims competes at last year's Flame Off. Photo by Nick Henry
For the 10th annual Flame Off fundraiser, the Sonoran Glass Art Academy (SGAA) is gifting downtown with its white-hot glassblowing competition. Hosting the event at the historic Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St., ups the hip factor.
“For the last two years, the Flame Off has been held in a warehouse near the airport on South Tucson Boulevard,” explained Alexandra Berger, SGAA’s associate director. “The event lost the excitement of a big crowd in a venue so far out of downtown, so this year, we focused on finding a venue that would bring back our Tucson audience and gain momentum in the public eye. After some searching, we made a connection at the Rialto Theatre. We cannot wait and are so excited about this great new downtown partnership! We hope to hold the Flame Off at the Rialto for years to come.”
Started in 2001, the event has outgrown several venues (Philabaum Glass Studio, SGAA’s studio, Barrio Brewing Co.) and with the size of the Rialto it is sure to be a good fit. Berger said the event will have 24 flame workers both on the stage and in front of the stage with a streaming video feed to insure great viewing.
Make sure you eat your three squares on Friday, February 3 as you’re going to want to enjoy this affair from start to finish. Doors open at 6 p.m. with sizzling entertainment (a combo of fire dancers, burlesque and hooping troupes, Berger said) at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. The competitive glassblowing is set for two sessions, 7 p.m.-8p.m. and 8:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
Here’s how it works: “The first heat will include 12 individual competitors making pieces within the theme ‘Fantasy of Fire,’” Berger said. “The second heat will feature four teams of three artists. Two teams will face off in a head-to-head competition. We’ll leave those themes as a surprise. This year’s competitors will include a mix of devoted, seasoned competitors along with a slew of fresh blood.”
The glass artists are from all over, giving their time and talent to creating pieces SGAA then auctions off that night in order to raise money for SGAA’s youth development programs.
Seattle artist Sabina Boehm, who has been blowing glass for 18 years, said she has participated once before and does it because of her “love of the school and love of this kind of event! The people, and the friendly competition and support” has her coming back.
“After the competition, local band 8 Minutes to Burn will bring down the house with their great grooves!” Berger said. The band plays from 11 p.m.-1 a.m.
Advance tickets are $15 general admission, $22 for reserved balcony seating; door prices are $18 general admission, $25 for reserved balcony seating. More details at SonoranGlass.org and
884-7814.
