In conjunction with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and in celebration of the 120th anniversary of the Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site, Visit Springfield commissioned local artist Mario Clarke to create 120 beautiful glass blown orbs with a signature glass anchor carefully attached to the bottom that embraces the spirit of the Dana-Thomas House.
This new, unique program is a first for visitors of all ages and is a one-of-a-kind experience that allows you to explore and enjoy various locations and sites throughout the city, while looking for one of the limited-edition pieces.
Ten locations throughout the city will participate by having the art in various outdoor locations throughout their site. All locations will be outdoors and will be accessible. (40) glass orbs per month will be dispersed in these locations in the months of June, July and August. The first round of orbs will be placed June 3.
Once a visitor or resident finds their glass piece, they are instructed to let us know by posting it on our social media pages that will be dedicated to the project. Then it’s theirs to keep!
A project like the Art Glass Adventure not only amplifies the 120th Anniversary of one of Springfield’s most treasured sites, but it allows us to have a distinctive experience with our visitors and residents with hopes to spread the excitement and
uniqueness of our city.
Participating Locations:
Dana-Thomas House
Springfield Art Association & Edwards Place
Lincoln Memorial Garden
Vachel Lindsey Home
Lincoln Tomb
Comer Cox Park
Washington Park (Carillon area and outside Botanical Gardens)
Lincoln Home Neighborhood
Route 66 Gate 2 Experience at the IL State Fairgrounds
Southwind Park
Each unique, one-of-a-kind blown glass piece was created by local artist Mario Clarke. Mario Clarke received his bachelors in graphic design and photography at Illinois State University in 2017. He returned to ISU as a Grad at Large to further his passion for glass blowing. His work consists of large scale figurative and abstract bodies of work. Mario is now the first glass blowing instructor at the Springfield Art Association.
Learn more on the dedicated Art Glass Adventure landing page: https://www.
About Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau –
The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau (SCVB) is the official destination marketing organization for the City of Springfield, Illinois. As a department of the City of Springfield, the SCVB markets the capital city as a unique convention, meeting and leisure destination to Visit.Live.Work.
