A rapt audience watched as Afro Celotto, world-renowned glassblower, created beautiful works of art during first and third periods Wednesday.

Assisted by his friend from the Bay Area, Mark Murai, Celotto began the day by making a hat commonly worn in Italy, the Balero hat, out of glass. He also “pulled cane” or stretched patterned glass into rods. During third period, he made a vase using the glassblowing technique, encalmo, by creating bands of color on the vase by connecting cylinders of colored glass.

Onlookers were amazed at his skill and dexterity with the glass. Students who attended were thrilled with the opportunity to watch Celotto work.

“I think it is really awesome that we get such a unique high school experience to see such a talented man work,” said sophomore Paloma Mansour.

After the demonstrations Celotto stayed behind to answer questions and sign autographs. His easygoing and friendly manner encouraged students to approach him and ask him questions.

This visit to Paly was the first time Celotto ever visited a high school. According to Kenneth Tolces, Celetto’s North American representative, Celotto enjoys teaching students and was happy to give a demonstration at a high school.

Celotto was born and raised in Murano, Italy, the oldest glassblowing community in the world. He became an apprentice glassblower at age 14 and quickly rose to become one of the world’s foremost glassblowers.

Many glassblowers delegate tasks to others who execute their designs, but Celotto takes a hand in each and every piece that is signed with his unique signature, according to Tolces. Because of the way he works and the interest he takes in all his pieces, Celotto can only tour about two or three times a year.

On his tours, Celotto gets to display his work and give demonstrations. Touring internationally also provides Celotto with opportunities to sell his work in many markets, according to Tolces.

“The U.S. market is especially good for him, but his work can be found in many places” Tolces said. “Collectors like his work, and he is in demand around the world.”

More information about his studio and his work can be found at www.afrocelotto.com.

Editor’s note: This version contains fixed grammar mistakes.