Prior to receiving this donation, Bergstrom-Mahler Museum had only two pieces of early work by Rick Ayotte. The new pieces better represent the complexity and creativity of Rick’s work and the career he has passed to his daughter, Melissa.

Jan Smith, museum executive director, said the museum wanted to expand its representation of Rick Ayotte’s work and she mentioned this to Rick several times.  While at a conference last year, Rick and his wife Clara introduced Smith to their friend and long-term collector Gordon Park.  They asked him to consider donating a few pieces to the museum.

 Park agreed to donate five paperweights to the museum collection and build on its rich history and legacy in this genre.

 “As the museum changes to meet visitor needs,” said Smith. “We are excited about opportunities to grow our collections and maintain a prominent position in the glass world. We are pleased also to extend our relationships with glass collectors and share in their passion for the medium. One of our most important directions is to use our collections to enhance glass education and make the museum an exciting place to visit.”