From Origins to Horizons: The American Studio Glass Movement

From Origins to Horizons: The American Studio Glass Movement, will survey studio glass from its beginnings in the 1960s through today, presenting a wide variety of works and themes throughout its history. The exhibition, opening Fri., June 14 and running through Oct. 5, will showcase the movement that brought glassworking in America out of the factory and into small studios where artists acted as both designer and maker for the first time. 

“Studio glass is a sculptural fine art that began in the 1960s in the US, representing unique works made in the artist’s studios. Artists became interested in glass work beyond industry and focused on the artist as designer,” says Andrew Schlauch, executive director, Cafesjian Art Trust. “The CAT Museum’s studio glass exhibition will include unique works by American artists like Harvey K. Littleton, Debora Moore, Therman Statom and Amber Cowan, as well as Dale Chihuly, Mary Ann ‘Toots’ Zynsky, Flora Mace and Joey Kirkpatrick.”

“This exhibition is a true history show, providing more background than any we’ve previously done. My father amassed a broad and deep glass art collection—he loved early voices in the movement and acquired many pieces,” says Kathie Cafesjian Baradaran, president, Cafesjian Art Trust. “But for this show, we’ve brought in new acquisitions to round out the story of studio glass. Whether you’ve been to our museum before — or if you’re making reservations for the first time, this exhibition will be new to you. We’re excited for audiences to come see—and learn—about the American studio glass movement.”

“Based on what we had already in our collection plus recent acquisitions to build this show, we have assembled a fantastic array of primarily American studio art glass for Origins to Horizons,” adds Schlauch. “The 34 pieces in this exhibition will be organized thematically, representing a timeline of artists from the beginning of the movement through, literally, today.”

The exhibition also includes a concurrent show, featuring winners of the CAT’s first Midwest juried exhibition, in the museum’s library. Ten pieces were selected as part of the museum’s first annual competition, representing artists, art professors, students and recent art graduates. The winning piece will be announced on June 13, 2024. 

The room housing the Chihuly Pergola Ceiling, 1999 will be transformed into a viewing space featuring clips from the “Voices in Studio Glass History” project made by the Bard Graduate Center. Interviews with major contemporary glass artists including Therman Statom, Toots Zynsky, Flora Mace, Joey Kirkpatrick, and Laura Donefer will explore women in the glass hot shop, working with students in under resourced communities, and working in glass as a medium. 

 The CAT includes a lobby installation of Cafesjian Chandelier, 1994, by Dale Chihuly; 5000 square feet of exhibition space[AS1] ; a library and reading room; modernized offices for the museum staff and a sensory-friendly quiet room. 

Museum Hours:

The museum is open Thursday-Saturday for tours by reservation only, and visitors may reserve space on guided public tours those days at 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. Tours may be scheduled online at cafesjianarttrust.org or by calling 612.359.8991.