June 18, 2024
By Eva Copeland
In the heart of Ohio’s Glass Town, a celebration of midcentury barware culture is stirring up excitement. The nation’s first event dedicated to this unique era, Bottoms Up, is set to take place June 21-23 in Lancaster.
Lancaster, known for its rich glassware legacy, is the perfect backdrop for Bottoms Up. The event is a tribute to the artistry and design of midcentury glassware, a time when glass was not just a material but a canvas.
The revival of Gay Fad Studios has been the catalyst for this event. Founded by trailblazer Fran Taylor, the studio was a premier midcentury glassware producer from 1939 until 1962. The studio was reborn in 2022 under the ownership of David and Jason Annecy who added 50 new designs which maintain the quality and aesthetic of the vintage collection.
Bottoms Up is a celebration of vintage glass. Attend mixology sessions and learn how to create classic midcentury cocktails, mocktails, garnishes and bitters. Or take part in making/painting midcentury ceramics, creating fused glass coasters, or blowing glass stir sticks. Explore a Midcentury Vendor Show, opening VIP Cocktail Event, or the closing Home Tour Cocktail Event.
Lancaster is honored to host special guest artist Shag who will present his signature works of vibrant consumerism inspired by commercial illustrations of the fifties and sixties. He will be available for signings, a presentation on his career, and for several pop-ups featuring his celebrated midcentury style. A special print has been created for the show. Several of his gallery pieces will be showcased at the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio (DACO).
On Saturday, DACO will host a fashion gala include signature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and music by Lancaster’s very own, The Steve Cox Jazz Quartet. A stunning fashion show will feature couture by five Ohio-based designers: Casey Immel-Brown, Esther Sands, Logan Baldauf, Chawis Saelim and Mya Staten.
“We have a wonderful, diverse group of designers in the runway show,” DACO Gala Producer Celeste Malvar-Stewart said. “DJ Pastel will provide a vibrant ambiance as the models walk the runway, and afterward, we’ll offer cocktails, desserts and a special opportunity to meet the designers and models in the parlors.”
The Ohio Glass Museum will host a Cocktail Party and Glass Demonstration with artist Jonathan Capps who is also an associate professor of art at the Ohio State University. Attendees will enjoy cocktails while seeing the process of creating beautiful glass. It’s a great opportunity for visitors to engage with the museum’s exhibits and gain a deeper appreciation for the craft of glassmaking.
The city has a rich history in glassmaking that dates back to the early 20th century. The Lancaster Glass Company, founded in 1908 Martin family, was a significant producer of manufactures colorful, depression-era glassware until 1937.
Anchor Hocking acquired the company in 1924 and renamed it the “Lancaster Glass Company” in 1937. The plant remains in operation today.
One of the most anticipated events is the special return of Columbus’ infamous Kahiki Supper Club for the weekend! Shipwreck Shirley’s will transform O’Huids Gaelic Pub into a Polynesian paradise, featuring replicas of the famous Kahiki’s dishes and drinks.
You can enjoy homemade Mai Tais, Portlights, Suffering Bastards, and Captain’s Grogs, all recipes from the Kahiki made by renowned tiki bartenders. On Saturday, there will also be a tiki DJ and Mohana Dancers. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the legendary Kahiki’s atmosphere and flavors. Don’t miss out on this tropical treat!
On Sunday afternoon, visitors will have the opportunity to see between 200 and 300 antique cars as they stop into town Sunday afternoon as part of the national “Great Race“.
Bottoms Up will consist of 40 participating local businesses and 21 national vendors offer 50 activities and events, and 30 classes, spanning a 6-block downtown radius. A complete list of restaurant features, specialty tours, ticketed events and shopping experiences can be found on the Visit Fairfield County website.
All events will be held within Lancaster’s downtown. A shuttle service map is available here.
