June | 2022 | Open Studio

‘This jar of marbles just beckoned to me.’ The center image, photos by Ben Michael, shows four views of a “Hybrid Caged-Cat’s Eye.” Find more of these close-up, back-lit beauties on Instagram at @bent-o-gram. The right-hand image is a contemporary model with dichroic glass. “There’s a lot going onl LIke if you were looking at a globe from outer space, with rainbow storms.”

Today, the marble – that little, swirly, colored round glass child’s toy you associate with, like, the ‘50s — as art. Ben Michael, who happens to be WESU’s general manager, and wears other hats, too, as you’ll hear, has lately become a marble aficionado – and more, a marble artist! And he’s far from alone but is part of a helpful, generous, mostly online, but also locally in person, community of marble-minded people. They always want to know: ‘What’s in your pocket?‘

Marbles. Who knew? My conversation with Ben — my first time in a long time in the actual studio! — overflowed the allotted hour. You can find the remainder at the “overflow audio” link above.

Also, check out Ben’s eclectic music show on WESU, “Keep It Movin'” He says, “Enough chatter! Put on another platter!” His choices often respond to events of the day. Find it on every 2nd and 4th Friday from 4:30 to 6:30 pm EST on WESU, 88.1 FM, and wesufm.org

One last thing before we get rolling, as it were: WESU is a community supported radio station that relies on the generosity of people like you, who won’t find programming like this anywhere else. It’s free form, folks! And it’s a labor of love by volunteers like me but it also costs money: money to keep the equipment going and the tiny staff paid. C’mon. You know it’s important. It’s not enough to love college radio. You’ve got to do what you can to keep it going. Please go to wesufm.org and do what you can. Thanks!

A book with a timeline of marble history is one of many reliable resources Ben relies upon!

Best guess is that this was from a ballot box. Many marbles have commercial and industrial uses.

Ben’s marble (right) is his take on a rare, busier Christiansen marble from the turn of the century.

Top and bottom: part of the cement crucibles in which glass is melted.

A big marble that topped a stickshift! “There’s a whole world of people collecting just these.”

An Akro Sparkler, one of Ben’s favorites: “There’s a lot going on in there.”

“I got a lot of favorites.” There are pieces of real mica in these German marbles from the turn of the century.

“Are you thinking about marbles all the time?” “Sometimes.”

Called a “Wasp.” Blood red! Goes with my boo-boo!

“All marbles are snapshots in time.” They have “weathered storms.”

Top and bottom: a Peltier “Liberty”. Peltier was one of the first and best American marble companies. The sparkles make them especially sought-after.

An ocean marble inspired by Ben’s son Sam.

“My ‘Yellow Jacket’ That one I’m keeping!”

“I love them and I document them but I can’t keep them all!”

“My duds!” Ben’s earliest, overcooked attempts. He works on his marbles after the family’s gone to bed.

One of Ben’s marbles in a dragon claw. He gave it to me! Thanks, Ben!

Listen to the episode

So, here at Open Studio, we love art – art in galleries, art in museums, art in artist’s studios – but with summer just a little more than a week away, you know where we REALLY love art? You got it. Outdoors! Today’s episode is a leisurely stroll through West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square, where the West Hartford Art League and the town of West Hartford teamed up for a second year to beautify those white concrete barriers that are marking off the outdoor dining areas. It’s an inspired idea that makes so many people happy, especially the18 talented amateur and professional artists from near and far who competed for the pleasure of getting house paint all over themselves so passersby and diners could enjoy bright colors and remind themselves of the power of art.

One last thing before we get strolling: WESU is a community supported radio station that relies on the generosity of people like you, who won’t find programming like this anywhere else. It’s free form, folks! Ian i’s a labor of love by volunteers like me but it also costs money: money to keep the equipment going and the tiny staff paid. C’mon. You know it’s important. It’s not enough to love college radio. You’ve got to do what you can to keep it going. Please go to wesufm.org and do what you can. Thanks! Okay, on to Blue Back square, then West Hartford Center. Enjoy!