Pittsburgh-based glass artist Ron Desmett will present a visiting artist lecture at 5 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 27, in the Bloch Learning and Performance Hall at the Creative Arts Center. The event is free and open to the public.

An exhibit of Desmetts work is currently on view in the Mesaros Galleries through Oct. 12, along with works by fellow glass artist Kathleen Mulcahy.

Both artists worked to build the Pittsburgh Glass Center (PGC), an internationally recognized glass institution where they remain a vital part of the Artistic Leadership Team.

They have been named Permanent Artists in Residence at the PGC in honor of their outstanding achievements in the arts.

Desmetts sculptural black glass vessels, entitledLidded Trunk Vessels,are truly unique. Hollowed-out tree trunks are used as the molds for the blown glass works, while a smaller trunk is used for the lid. These vessels reference figurative sculpture and Japanese ceramics, where beauty resides within imperfections of the form.

Desmetts background also includes painting, ceramics and mixed media sculptures.

Desmett and Mulcahy have worked as independent artists on projects for installation in private glass collections, homes, corporate offices, public art projects and solo exhibitions throughout the United States.

His work is included in collections at the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Smithsonian Institution and the Cleveland Museum of Art.