Making a Difference
Bob and Florence Werner
18 | FLORIDA GRAND OPERA
season
When you enter the home of Bob and
Florence Werner, their love of art glass is
overwhelming—not only demonstrated by the
size of their personal collection, but also from
the incredible stories they can tell you about
their travels and the acquisition of each and
every piece. FGO has been fortunate to count
the Werners, both of whom presently serve on
FGO’s Board, among our loyalist supporters for
more than 25 years.
This year, their special contribution to FGO
(that only they can make), is the beautiful
artwork on the cover of this season’s
program book. You may not be able to tell
from the photo, but that is a beautiful life size
kimono, by Markow & Norris, entitled Summer
Zenith Kimono, 2013. It is fabricated from
and found object. It holds a place of honor as
you enter their residence but currently is on
loan to the Lowe Art Museum. As I discovered
during my visits to their home, seeing this piece and their collection up close, is a very moving experience.
For the past 26 years, the Werners have been collecting art glass from all over the world. They helped to launch or expand the
careers of several artists including David Bennett. (You must look at his work.) http://www.bennettglassart.com/default.htm When
the Werners met him, much of his work represented horses and as wonderful as it was, it didn’t speak to Florence. She said “I like
people, the human form,” and so began his creation of acrobats, dancers, and people in motion, all thanks to Florence’s request.
Bob had an incredible impact as well. Being that Bob is a metallurgist by training, he helps glass artists solve structural and material
integrity issues. So many artists owe their newfound abilities to render glass in a way they had never done before, thanks to Bob
Werner.
The Werners also enjoyed all of the friends they made while collecting and traveling. “Often while one member was working, the
“Those friendships are so important to us.” The tales Bob and Florence tell of their world travels to collect glass are enthralling.
exciting time for them.
So how did this all get started? Florence tells of how her mother use to give her little glass miniatures. “She put them up on a shelf
in her bedroom. I grew up but never outgrew my love of glass!” Bob and Florence shared with me that when they had the time
and wanted a hobby that they could enjoy together. “I love all of the colors in the pieces, but teal is a great color,” says Florence.
As you view their collection, you can certainly see Florence’s love of teal. They have devoured everything they could to learn about
the art form and certainly now are experts and known collectors.
In the true spirit of the philanthropists that they are, they have bequeathed their collection to the Lowe Art Museum at the University
of Miami. This incredible donation has spurred a campaign to expand the museum’s gallery space and the Art Glass department
Bob says, “It is great to know you are leaving a legacy, a gift that everyone can enjoy for many years to come. It’s a good feeling
that anyone can experience.”
–SUSAN T. DANIS
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