It was a crisp winter night in L.A.; well crisp in a California kinda of way. I’m sure some of the hosts at tonight’s event would laugh and tell me what crisp truly means where they come from. The hosts tonight, a group of friends from Philadelphia, some who transplanted to L.A., some of the Delphi, are actually just in town for the their event to support bringing their solid brand of brotherly love to the frenzy that is the area known as Melrose. Melrose as a street has much to offer on many different blocks as it stretches across the middle of L.A. from West Hollywood to deep south Los Feliz or north downtown. For tonight we hit the more famous area of Melrose, thrift stores, apparel shops, jewelry, DJ gear, rock n roll fashion, some clubs, eateries and even a few really cool theatre groups. Why have we come? The Grit City gang got their Philly friends with this glass gallery called Illadelph; say Ill-A- Delph. Yes the place is Ill in a good way and no I don’t think I’m qualified to say “ill” but for the sake of explanation I did.

Illadelph is hosting an Amazing show to celebrate the release of “Smoked Volume 1” a book of words and interviews of some the scenes best glass artists from around the country. The book is a masterpiece pulled together by the team at GritCityInc, pulling together Cutting edge creators using to latest innovations in glass blowing colour, technique and, of course, style. The creativity in the designs will absolutely blow your mind.

“Smoked Volume 1” brings you 159+ pages of incredible photos (not an easy thing to take photos this good of glass art) and comments from the artists themselves.

A general feeling of friendship filled the event even though many were meeting for the very first time.

As artists met each other, names or monikers were connected to the actual person and fans welled with excitement to connect with the creator they so admired.

My favorite pieces came from Jahnny Rise of Glass Revolution who was given very short notice to get his piece done but was able to deliver a creation that included deep thoughts and symbolism. Jahnny brought together birds, faces and fire within his piece to symbolize the ceremony and the circle of life. I also marveled over a pieces by Snic incorporated glass and copper using an oxidized copper look to wrap the glass sculpture in. I also loved the shear beauty in the zulu like sculptures created by J.A.G., short for Just Another Glass Blower. What an understatement as he is anything but ordinary in his art. A couple of the most epic pieces came from Nate Dizzle and Pakoh. Nate using oxidized copper similar to Snic to wrap a glass piece nearly fifty three inches tall. Pakoh’s large piece brought together multiple mediums, again using copper but non-oxidized along with glass and images burned into the glass creating a RhubGoldfarb type piece connecting the images together.

There were so many things that just blew me away. Freeek’s creative glass blowing torch, Mr. Gray’s elaborate necklace and Darby’s awesome glass Samurai Sword.

Take a look at the links provided to find out more about GritCity publications and events; the artists and their work as well as how to visit Illadelph gallery. Make sure to check back as we will try to cover the release of Volume 2. Yes Volume 2 is on the way and taking submissions Now; see The Grit at www.gritcityinc.com

*(for more about the book and future books contact the publishers and creators at www.gritcityinc.com)