STRASBOURG.- The Second edition of "Strasbourg, Capitale du Verre" will be open from October 26 to November 26, 2007. The first edition of « Strasbourg, Capitale du Verre » in 2006 has gathered almost 40 000 visitors. In 2007, the event should welcome an even broader audience with the TVG-Est that links Paris to Strasbourg in only 2h20! « Strasbourg, Capitale du Verre » is about to become a key event for glass amateurs at an european scale.

A concept created by ESGAA (European Studio Glass Art Association), this event brings forward in 15 exhibitions all artistic aspects of glass: design, decorative art, architecture, sculpture, and photography.

This event takes place in a historical and cultural context closely related to glass. It is indeed in Alsace and the surrounding area such as Lorraine and the Vosges where French glass-making industry was born, including Baccarat, Lalique and Saint-Louis...

Even though for centuries, this material was mainly used with decorative and utilitarian functions, glass has become, in a few decades, a medium commonly used in contemporary art. This event aims at establishing an artistic interest in glass, both for amateurs and professionals.

The European Studio Glass Art Association was created in Strasbourg, France in 2003 by Dr. Laurent Schmoll to redevelop the interest in glass art.

With over 80 members from different European countries, ESGAA aims at creating an environment in which collectors, museums, galleries, artists, critics and glass amateurs can interact. Glass is a creative medium as important as bronze, marble, plastic and is undeniably at the center of many contemporary works of art.

Laurent Schmoll created the concept of « Strasbourg, Capitale du Verre » in 2006. Strasbourg is an ideal location for this event because of its accessibility to Europe and now - with the new TGV - to Paris.

It is in the Alsace region that crystal glass-making was born: Saint Louis established itself in 1586, Meisenthal in 1704, Baccarat in 1764.

In 1900, this luxurious craftsmanship becomes art with the talented creator René Lalique. His new iconography changed the field of design entirely.

Strasbourg also offers two schools where glass-making is taught: the Ecole Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs and the Centre Européen de Recherche et de Formation des Arts Verriers.

In June 2007, Saint-Louis will open a museum in Saint-Louis and present its archives and collection to the general public.

In 2009, Lalique will also open a museum conceived by French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte in Wingen-sur-Moder, the only place in the world where Lalique produces its cristal.