Ottawa artist Marie Levine wants you to display Hanukkah menorahs all year long

While her broken glass efforts get a second life as grave-marker stones.
Artist
Ottawa artist Marie Levine creates fused glass designs of Hanukkah menorahs which are bursting with colour and energy. (Vicky Lam photo)

Marie Levine started creating fused glass menorahs in Ottawa after discovering her synagogue’s gift shop stocked only the traditional pressed-metal designs that originated from places like China or Pakistan, and had been on the shelves for thirty years. Now her menorah designs, with bright colours and shapes, are on display at museums and gift shops around North America—including the Gardiner Museum in Toronto, and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg.

Levine is inspired by storied artists including Kadinsky and Monet, and even by Bible stories such as Joseph’s coat of many colours.

She’s featured in The CJN’s magazine this winter, and she sits down with The CJN Daily to explain why people should show off their Hanukkah menorahs not just during the Festival of Lights.

What we talked about:

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The CJN Daily is written and hosted by Ellin Bessner (@ebessner on Twitter). Zachary Kauffman is the producer. Michael Fraiman is the executive producer. Our theme music is by Dov Beck-Levine. Our title sponsor is Metropia. We’re a member of The CJN Podcast Network. To learn how to support the show by subscribing to this podcast, please watch this video.

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