DATE: April 14, 2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News from Touchstone Center for Crafts
FARMINGTON, PA – Touchstone Center for Crafts presents Veteran Obsolete, an exhibition of works in glass by U.S. Army Sergeant and combat veteran Geoffrey Bowton, on view from May through July 26, 2025.
Bowton draws inspiration from his military background and deployment experiences in the Middle East. His work explores the complexities of war, post-traumatic stress, and mental wellness. Using symbolic materials, Bowton’s sculptures act as navigational tools through fragmented memories of service and recovery.
In the artist’s words: The narrative behind my work focuses on the aftermath of combat deployments and the mental health challenges faced by veterans. By using military gear as symbolic elements to depict the life of a veteran post-service, I provide a window into the struggles that many veterans endure, and the lasting effects of traumatic events.
The exhibition aims to raise awareness, foster empathy, promote dialogue, support veterans, and offer artistic inspiration through powerful visual storytelling.
A public gallery reception and opportunity to meet the artist will be held on Saturday, June 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All are welcome. Visit touchstonecrafts.org for details on veteran-focused activities and discussions, including a Veteran Appreciation Day on Saturday, May 10.
In addition to the exhibition, Bowton will offer The Therapeutic Art of Mask-Making, a five-day workshop from June 23–27, 2025. The workshop explores the therapeutic benefits of mask-making as a creative outlet for enhancing mental health through the medium of glass. Participation is limited and advance registration is required. Participants should have intermediate-level experience in glass working.
THANK YOU to our sponsors: Allan Dodds Frank, Michael Robert Frank & Marilyn Dodds Frank with The Agnes Dodds Kinard Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation, Blank Rome, Nemacolin, Pittsburgh Glass Center, Chipps Residential Services, Brenda Friday Design, Fayette Pipe Company, Drs. Paul & Diane Kiproff, Phantom Cruisers Car Club, Anonymous, Enscoe Long Insurance Group, Somerset Trust Company, Fayette Legacy Partners of Janney Montgomery Scott. Funded in part by the Fayette County Tourism Grant Program. A full list of sponsors can be found online at touchstonecrafts.org.
Learn more about the artist at geoffreybowton.com.
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For more information about Touchstone Center for Crafts, please visit https://touchstonecrafts.org/, email info@touchstonecrafts.org, or call (724) 329-1370.
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About Touchstone Center for Crafts… Touchstone Center for Crafts is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization with a mission of “advancing excellence in arts and craft by educating and encouraging individuals to develop technical skills, good design, and innovative artistic expression.” Touchstone offers immersive learning opportunities across various disciplines (blacksmithing, ceramics, metals/jewelry, glass, drawing/painting, & various special topics). Through workshops, professional exhibitions, artist residencies, and studio internships, traditional techniques are preserved, while advancing craft techniques into the 21st century. Nationally recognized instructors are engaged to impart their knowledge, attracting participants from around the country to learn alongside masters in their field, all while being immersed in nature on a 230-acre campus in the scenic Laurel Highlands.
For more information, contact:
Dean Simpson, Communications Director, marketing@touchstonecrafts.org
Touchstone Center for Crafts, 724-329-1370