Pictured: Visitors enjoy the latest exhibition from the Basch Collection. Courtesy of: Ringling College of Art and Design.

Visitors to Ringling College of Art and Design’s Basch Gallery have been able to view the latest glass art exhibit from the personal collection of Richard and Barbara Basch. Entitled Nature in Glass and curated by Mark Ormond, this seventh exhibit from the Basch Collection showcases 31 pieces reflecting the artists’ engagement or interest in the natural world. The gallery holds regular viewing hours and the staff is friendly, but for those looking for a more in-depth experience, Barbara Basch herself hosts guided exhibit tours every Wednesday morning at 10:30am.

“Because sharing it is even more fun than having it,” Basch said when asked about her collaboration with the college. Walking between and around the many cases and stands, Basch weaves her stories for the audience. This piece was inspired by the artist’s trip to the icebergs of Antarctica. This one represents an artist working through the loss of his son. These were commissioned by the Basches from a good-natured young artist. The stories are important, said Basch, because “nothing is spontaneous in glass.” Decisions are not made lightly. And as a collector, getting to know the artist can be as important as experiencing their art, “because we’re living with their expression.”

Open since Jan. 9, works collected for the global exhibition represent countries and cultures ranging from Japanese to Inuit to the requisite Italian finery and American artists, including a piece from Italian glass maestro Davide Salvatore, whom Basch hints will likely be the focus of next year’s show. One series showcases the rare uranium glass, only found in the Czech Republic. A handful of works from Sarasota-favorite Dale Chihuly join the ranks, bringing the artist's singular style to a collection boasting near every method of glasswork from cold-cut to blown to fused and even a delightful layered still life of glass panes and ink. But to appreciate the stories behind the work, you’ll have to take the tour.

“We want Sarasota to be the Mecca of glass,” said Basch of this latest push in a concerted effort to elevate glass appreciation in the community, including last weekend’s Art Glass Weekend. “There will always be something happening if we have our way.”

Nature in Glass runs in the Basch Gallery through Mar. 19. Tours with Barbara Basch are every Wednesday at 10:30am.

Pictured: Visitors enjoy the latest exhibition from the Basch Collection. Courtesy of: Ringling College of Art and Design.