David, Laura & Melanie

"Pomp & Bebop" Revisited
The James Fund, Sick Kid's Hospital and Glowing Panes

This project is a tribute both to James Birrell, who died at the age of 8 of neuroblastoma, and to Gundar Robez, the late glass artist. Gundar was a family friend to the Birrells. Laura's long time friend and Gundar's, David Wilde, also a glass artist, spearheaded this project. Gundar's piece "Pomp and Bebop" was the inspiration. With glass donated by Hollander Glass Canada, David, Melanie and Laura spent several weekends cutting glass, firing the kilns, and grouting. The installation took place at the end of March and was a success.

Shortly after the formal pictures were taken, a family arrived on scene. The little boy in the stroller became captivated by the fused little green train that ran along the bottom of the piece. (Added as a tribute to the James Fund for neuroblastoma research at Sick Kid's.) The parents were encouraged to wheel him right up to and touch the softened glass. He stayed and played with the glass for almost a half hour, listing off colours, talking about the engine and touching the glass. It was the most rewarding experience and although no money was exchanged, all are much richer because of it.