Rex in the

Delaware Valley

Rex B. Cravat moved his glass sculpting studio from Taylor’s Falls, Minnesota to Brion Galleries in the summer of 1998, right after we’d opened our doors to the public in Lambertville/West Amwell, NJ. The picture at right is the first view Rex had of  his new studio  (the building on the left of the courtyard).   Rex and his noble companion Coco, a handsome shepherd-mix, moved into the vintage colonial house (center right photo -- the white building.) next to the gallery. He shared the house with Glenn Hogan, his  friend from home.

Rex came to us with over 30 years of experience, well-known for his exacting depictions of nature.  As our resident artist, Rex gave generously of himself and his talent to his fellow artists, his students and visitors alike.  He especially loved to demonstrate the art of flame-working glass to children, who always left Rex’s studio with a smile on their faces and a Cravat original to take home free of charge. 

Over the years, Rex became quite a popular personality in Lambertville, NJ and its sister city of New Hope, PA.  The lights glowed from his studio windows all night. While he worked at his torch,  he  listened to the deep radio voice of Art Bell interviewing physicists, psychics, historians, clergymen and kooks until six in the morning. While living in the Southwest, Rex had gotten into the habit of working only during the cool hours of the night. His addiction to Art Bell kept this inverted workday in place even in the bitter winter nights of the Northeast. Rex’s taste in people was just as diverse as the guests on his favorite radio show – he could get along with just about anyone.    His visitors ranged from artists and scientists to bikers and scoundrels, all very interesting folks.  Guests to Rex’s studio usually got a good story,  good fellowship and a beer.  And, sometimes, even a game of pool.   Rex also hung out at Fran’s Pub in New Hope, where he played pool for beers.

Top:  The back courtyard of Brion Galleries. 
The door to Rex’s studio is on the left, partly
obscured by the weeping cherry tree.

Center:  The vintage house where Rex lived. 
Bottom:  Brion Galleries main building (front view).

 This is the last known photo of Rex B. Cravat. 
It was taken in August of 2001.
He is pictured with  most of his favorite things: 
his silly binocular glasses, a cigarette, a beer
and a pool stick.  Of course, he loved
Coco & his Ford pick-up truck more!