For over a thousand years the Master Glassblowers of
Murano have taught their sons the art of creating beautiful
glass. Afro Celotto is a part of this glass blowing family.
Our appreciation of his pieces is enhanced by understanding
the skills needed to create each unique work of art. Afro’s pieces
require technical innovation and expertise as well as imagination.
Afro has completely mastered the most sophisticated glass blowing
techniques. His pieces are new and energetic and his color
palette challenges existing boundaries.
Afro Celotto was born on August 24, 1963. He started
working with glass when he was only 14 years old.
Since these early years Afro has been producing some of
the world’s most beautiful art glass. Even though he is
considered a “youngster” in the world of glass blowing,
Afro is quickly becoming recognized by collectors for
his technical ability and artistic expression.
After many years at Effetre International, Afro took
his skills to La Murrina where he filled the position of “First Master”. Here he specialized in two of the oldest
glass techniques: filigrana and murrhine. Later, Afro
returned to Effetre International, now with the title of “Maestro”.
In 2000, Afro, with two talented friends, Luca Vidal
and Carlo Tagliapietra, opened his own studio on the
Island of Murano. For many years previously, Afro
worked within the old tradition where great glass
masters executed the designs of others. In this new
century, he has moved beyond excellence in execution
and now, finally, feels free to devote his attention and
focus to his own artistic aesthetic and unique designs.
It is in his own studio where he captures the beauty
of light and movement in his glass creations. Afro is
taking this ancient art form in bold new directions.
Afro Celotto has exhibited, demonstrated and taught
classes in many countries around the world, including
Italy, United States, Canada, China, Israel, England,
France, United Arab Emirates, Germany, Holland,
Austria, Russia, Australia and Switzerland. His work
is widely collected and represented by many of the most
prestigious art glass galleries in the world.
Afro has demonstrated glass blowing with Corning Museum and in many cities, such
as Houston, Grapevine (TX), San Francisco, San Jose, Berkeley, Palo Alto, Chicago,
St. Louis, New Orleans, Cincinnati and Louisville. His work is shown at the most
important art glass shows in North America, including SOFA (Sculpture Objects &
Functional Art) Chicago, SOFA New York, PalmBeach3 and Wheaton Village.