Some of Australia's leading glass artists will leave Australia today to take part in one of the world's major annual exhibitions of contemporary glass art in Chicago. 

The artists will be part of the 17^th Annual International SOFA (Sculpture Objects & Functional Art) exhibition, which will take place at Chicago's historic Navy Pier from Thursday 4 November to Sunday 7 November 2010. 

Kirra Galleries will exhibit the work of twelve Australian Glass Artists at SOFA, showcasing a variety of techniques.

Mr Peter Kolliner OAM, Gallery Director said "for six years, Kirra Galleries, located in Federation Square in Melbourne, through its policy of promoting Australian Contemporary Glass Artists internationally, has taken the work of some forty artists to the renowned SOFA exhibition with the support of the Australian Government through Austrade and the Australia Council.

Mr Kolliner said, "Kirra Galleries attendance at SOFA Chicago has resulted in many of our emerging artists gaining recognition from international collectors and galleries."

"Their works are now included in many of the most prestigious private and public collections in the USA.  Through this exposure they have also gained international representation allowing them to make a full-time commitment to their art."  

Kirra Galleries is now a destination for individuals and international Art Glass tour groups who include a visit to Kirra at Federation Square as part of their itinerary. 

"This year we will be represented by our Gallery Manager and Curator, Suzanne Brett and the Gallery's Administration Manager, Vicki Winter".

"The success of Kirra Galleries' exhibition at SOFA is supporting the development of international markets and recognition for Australian artists, providing new and emerging glass artists the opportunity to gain international exposure."

To celebrate and promote the artists and their works being exhibited at the 17^th Annual International SOFA (Sculpture Objects & Functional Art) exhibition, Kirra Galleries have released a Special Report - Click here to download.

Artists being showcased in the 2010 SOFA exhibition in Chicago include:

George Aslanis - Melbourne (Monash graduate)
Masahiro Asaka - Canberra
Tegan Empson - South Australia
Annabel Kilpatrick - Melbourne (Monash graduate)
Brent King - Melbourne (Monash graduate)
Jennifer Ashley King - Melbourne (Monash graduate)
Ruth McCallum-Howell - Melbourne (Monash graduate)
Simon Maberley - Canberra
Ruth Oliphant - Canberra
Tim Shaw - South Australia
Crystal Stubbs - Victorian - regional (Monash graduate)
Emma Varga - Sydney

Media Enquiries:
Ron Smith, Corporate Media Communications, Kirra Galleries 
Mobile: 0417 329 201 

                             Emma Varga

Kirra Galleries