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Flame Run contemporary art glass studio will be showcasing the work of Jason Chakravarty, a versatile mixed media artist whose work often includes a signature feature -- an astronaut dressed for space travel.

The exhibit, which was named after a common mispronunciation of the first letters of the artist’s last name, opens July 6 and runs through September 1. An opening-night reception begins at 5 p.m. with a demonstration at 7 p.m.

“The astronaut who may be sitting on a park bench, carrying a canoe or climbing a ladder, represents each of us and our metaphorical journey through life,” said Chakravarty, who is the Director of Operations for Neusole Glassworks in Cincinnati. Chakravarty, 35, also teaches at the College of Mount St. Joseph, University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati State.

Chakravarty chose an astronaut because of the mystical, uncertain way we feel about space travel. He hopes the ambiguity of the person in a space suit encourages people to relate to his art personally. “The astronaut could be anyone of any race, male or female,” he said. “I want people to put themselves in the astronaut’s place and feed off that into their own story.”

Chakravarty typically works with cast glass but his latest work also incorporates the illumination of neon gas using the same technique that is used to light commercial neon signs hanging in storefronts or restaurants. “Jason incorporates a lot of different techniques that you don’t often see together and there are interesting themes behind it all,” said Brook Forrest White Jr., Flame Run owner.

Chakravarty’s latest work also reflects the public’s obsession with social media. “I’m fascinated with the way relationships are linked and maintained in this new social networking world.” He commented that through social media, a person can become more up to date with someone whom they have never met than with the happenings in a long-term friend’s life. “It is something I think about a lot in my work,” said Chakravarty.

About Flame Run:

Flame Run, owned by Brook Forrest White, Jr. of Louisville, is located at 815 W. Market Street, just steps away from the Louisville Slugger Museum, the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft, and the Louisville Science Center. Flame Run at Glassworks showcases contemporary and original glass creations. It also includes a working glass-blowing hot shop, welding shop, gift shop, gallery, and an offering of classes for beginning glass artists. Hours are: Monday through Friday 10am to 4pm, Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment. Log on to www.flamerun.com or call (502) 584-5353 for more information.