"River Fusion"
Bonnie Rubinstein © 2008
In honor of the first anniversary of the University Center, Bonnie created this fused glass sculpture to represent the Kinnickinnic River. The main branch of the Kinni, as it is known locally, flows through the community of River Falls, while the South Fork of the Kinni flows through the University of Wisconsin - River Falls campus. She took her inspiration from the natural beauty and offerings of the river, using multiple layers of colored glass fused as one, to show the depth of the river as seen from above. The river is surrounded by images of stones and waves of grass along its banks.
A skilled glass fuser, as well as environmental designer, consultant and educator; Bonnie is intrigued by the challenge to successfully integrate glass into new functional architectural uses. She often uses fused glass to celebrate nature's grandeur.
Fused glass is formed by cutting desired shaped of molecularly compatible glass, layering them, and heating them in a kiln to 1460°F, at which time the different layers become one. Each of the eight panels produced for this piece was in the kiln for several firings, totaling up to 60 hours per piece.
"River Fusion" symbolized the green design of the University Center and the commitment of UW-River Falls has towards a sustainable community.
