Raymond artist participates in glass marble hide and hunt

By Mary-Therese Duffy

Between social media and the internet, it’s not easy to come by a true sense of wonder and surprise anymore but that’s exactly what was inspired many times over at the Raymond Village Library last Saturday, as glass artist, Jen Fuller heated her torch to 4,000 degrees and demonstrated the making of marbles.

Marble making in process as Raymond residents look on

Who would think that marbles would take the day by storm and infuse such fresh energy and delight in those who took the opportunity to watch and enjoy?

Invited by the Raymond Arts Alliance, Fuller began exhibiting her glass works of platters, bowls, pendants, and marbles at the library, the first week of May and has been the recipient of glowing compliments that have included: “wow, it really transforms the space to something full of light and energy!” and, “everything is so beautiful!” 

But she really out did it all, when arriving at 7 a.m., she set to task of building a small work studio in front of the library entrance, complete with gas tanks, flame, molds, kilns and a three sided glass barrier so people could watch up close. And watch they did as sturdy rods of glass were heated, fused with others, molded and cooled into magnificent marbles of color and shine. An added bonus was Fuller’s collection of what came to be called magic marbles that grew iridescent and glowed with even more radiant hues when placed under a black light.

But wait - there’s more! Posting clues on Facebook, participants were encouraged to use them to hunt for two marbles planted surreptitiously on the library grounds. Hunting diligently, frustration burst into delight as children spotted the colorful orbs and ran back to waiting parents, treasure in high hand. 

Fuller has placed 4 more marbles in the Lakes Region hidden at various parks and trails. Find the clues on Facebook at Maine Art Marble Hunt and Hide and join the fun! 

And do stop by the Raymond Village Library (Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) to check out your favorite books and to see Jen’s full exhibit on your way!