Sunday 10/19/25 (Day Late)

October 20, 2025

On Sundays I reflect.

I didn’t drink alcohol this week. Yesterday I didn’t have a single spare minute, so here we are this Monday.

I spent the weekend in Philadelphia, finally attending my first Parlay. This was the fourth year of its existence.

What is Parlay?

Parlay is an independent show produced by Max “Kinda Glass” and is also synonymous with the greater weekend that has been taking shape over the last four years of individual glass shows as part of a larger collective “Parlay”.

Parlay is elevating the glass pipe art movement.

It’s a series of curated showcases of some of the most impressive work of the year. It’s bringing community together from around the world. From artists to collectors and everyone in between, there was a true sense of community this weekend in Northern Philadelphia.

A lot of people in the scene have experienced ups and downs recently. Some of us, like myself have taken some space from the scene and industry events, some of which no longer even exist.

Parlay was the most important glass event I’ve attended in a long time. I look forward to continuing to being a part of its evolution.

So I attended Parlay first. This was a group show inside and a major sesh out in the huge private yard. Glimmer, a sub show by Snic and Cole was especially exciting to me featuring lighting concepts from both artists.

At some point I walked the mile up to the Pottery Gym, a second venue featuring a half dozen individual shows including JAG’s “Cashed” ash tray show, and AKM’s “Objets D’Art” exploring a new installation approach to his iconic skulls.

After dinner with Susie Silbert, who is curating an incredible museum show about the scene I made my way to the GZ Variety Show. Jerry the Parrot Guy was a major highlight, boasting two beautiful Macaus on his shoulders and a few smaller birds on his arms. Uncle Terry and his kung fu magic act was my personal favorite of the night’s entertainment.

I delivered my Snodgrass skull pipe to a friend and long time supporter, and we finally enjoyed its function together. It was one of the most important pieces in my personal collection, but I’m glad to know it will be in a special place.

The primary reason I came to Philly this weekend was as to support my friend Germ and his annual Krushmore BBQ on Sunday. As he says, we shlepped all over all weekend including a trip to a restaurant supply place in New Jersey. I’ve thrown enough events to know how helpful an extra set of hands can be. This time over 750 people came through, all of whom were fed and had water. We raised thousands of dollars for an organization called As I Plant This Seed that provided programming for kids at their community center “The Treehouse”.

One of the best feelings of the entire weekend was being able to pull in a van and have ten hands on deck ready to help unload and take things wherever they were needed. I met a lot of new people just asking for help and having such a willingness to support the community from anyone and everyone.

And after an exhausting day we concluded everything with “The Cup Show” produced by Mike Raman and Front Street Gallery which was absolutely legendary! Guggenheim Cups galore (IYKYK). A sculptural resin cup. Cesare Toffolo had a group of cups too. It was one of the most impressive showings of borosilicate cups, and the live glassblowing in the back shared more of the process with an audience eager to see more.

I’m just buzzing with excitement about this weekend, and eager to return next year. Today I’m on a train to NYC.

My friend Yoni and his wife just had their first baby, and I’m thrilled to have the honor to come meet their daughter and share some time together. Without Yoni, I wouldn’t be writing this blog to you today from the perspective of a person having chased his dream. Yoni believed in me over a decade ago, and supported me at a time when I may have otherwise given up. Today, I cherish all the time we get together.

And when Yoni goes to bed at 8 o’clock, I’ll make my way over to second dinner with Whiskey Craig. He and Jean put me up in the same era as Yoni, and I’ve had the privilege of watching their daughters grow up as well. It feels like a full circle thing, and I can’t wait to take laps on the mountain with the kids who are better every year and always excited to visit Vail or wherever we connect.

How refreshing it is for me to get out of my bubble. These trips to the east coast have been fewer than they used to be, and I wish I had more time here. The weather cooperated and I spent half the weekend in a tshirt. It’s nice to be back here. I’ll spend some time around Manhattan just enjoying the city today and tomorrow. Then it’s home to the mountains.

Thanks to everyone who shared space at such a magical weekend celebration of art and culture. This was deeply refreshing.

Enjoy your Sunday,