Italian glass artist Lino Tagliapietra has received the 2012 Phoenix Award.
Mr Tagliapietra, from Murano was given the award at the 42nd gala banquet held at the Danieli Hotel in Venice, Italy.
The award was given in recognition of his contribution to the glass industry in the field of glass art. The ceremony was attended by Mr Tagliapietra’s family and close friends.
Unlike many of the award’s past winners, Mr Tagliapietra’s is not directly associated with large-scale industrial glass production.
He has dedicated his life to exploring the artistic possibility of handmade glass and the teaching of some of the world's most talented glass blowers and artists.
During his acceptance speech Mr Tagliapietra spoke about the pleasure and enjoyment in sharing his skills and teaching others during his 67 years working with glass.
Mr Tagliapietra joins a distinguished list of recipients who have been recognised by the Phoenix Award Committee for their contributions to the areas of glass production, science, education and art.
