On exhibit are Mark Peiser's sculptures depicting parts of the Hale Telescope, a 200-inch, f/3.3 reflecting telescope at the Palomar Observatory in California, US, named after astronomer George Ellery Hale. 

Mark Peiser, one of the instrumental individuals at the beginning of the American Studio Glass Movement was Penland School of Craft's first resident glass artist in 1968. Mark was also one of the founders of the Glass Art Society. In 1972 he purchased the lot next door to Penland and built his home and studio where he has been since. From there he has helped the artists working in glass move forward through his innovative techniques and his experimentation with glass compositions. Never stopping his ongoing experiments he has recently developed a white opalescence glass to replace the one that was deemed to be hazardous by the EPA. The glass is about to be manufactured in the US and distributed around the world. Just another point how Mark has continued to work toward helping the arts community by his tireless devotion to the development of glasses that perform in very special ways.

Visit Bender Gallery to learn more about Mark and his amazing work and career.