2023 UrbanGlass Academic Symposium

The highly anticipated UrbanGlass Academic Symposium is back! Started in 2013, this international gathering of esteemed educators, innovative artists, and learned scholars promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking event that continues to delve into the critical issues facing glass education.

Get ready to be inspired as experts from around the globe converge to discuss the latest trends and developments in the world of glass education. With its focus on innovation and creativity, the symposium is a must-attend event for anyone looking to stay at the forefront of this exciting field.

Scheduled to take place from November 2nd to the 4th, 2023, in the vibrant city of New York, the UrbanGlass Academic Symposium is the perfect opportunity to network, experience the cultural landscape for the city, exchange ideas, and gain fresh insights into the world of glass education. 

Day 1, November 2, 2023 starting around 4:30 PM at a yet to be disclosed location in NYC a curated gallery tour followed by a gathering at Shiny Sparkle Studio with special guests.

Day 2, Friday November 3, 2023, opening remarks begin at 9:45 AM to kick off a day of engaging presentations by:

Erin O'Connor, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Sociology in the Department of Politics and Human Rights and Affiliated Faculty of Environmental Studies at Marymount Manhattan College.

Nadania Idriss, founder and managing director of Berlin Glas e.V. and Berlin Glassworks, and current Vice-President of the Glass Art Society.

Mary Drach McInnes, Ph.D., Professor of Art History with a focus on sculpture at the School of Art and Design at Alfred University.

A soon to be announced Keynote speaker!

Jennifer Halvorson, Associate Director of the School of Art at Ball State, focusing on curriculum and assessment, moderates a discussion with panelists: Robin Cass, Ph.D., Director of Creative Engagement at Rochester Institute of Technology, Brent Cole, lead faculty for Ball State’s glass program at the Marilyn K. Glick Center of Glass and Marzena Krzeminska, Internationalization Commissioner at Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Fine Arts and Dean of the Glass and Ceramic Department in Wrocław, Poland.

Alpesh Kantilal Patel, Associate Professor of Contemporary Art at Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Temple University, Philadelphia and UrbanGlass’ 2023 Curator-at-large. His art historical scholarship, curating, and criticism reflect his queer, anti-racist, and transnational approach to contemporary art.

Day 3, Saturday November 4, 2023 more presentations continue in the studio on the 3rd fl of UrbanGlass starting at 10:00 AM with:

Justin Ginsberg, Assistant Chair of the Art and Art History Department and Ceasar Torres, Assistant Professor in Computer Science & Engineering both hailing from the University of Texas at Arlington

Erin Taylor, Digital Fabrication Lab Specialist for the School of Art and Design and the School of Engineering at Alfred University

Adeye Jean-Baptiste, Co-Founder of the Black Glass Artists series and GEEX Co-Facillitator with Angus Powers, Professor of Glass and Head of Glass at New York State College of Ceramics, School of Art and Design at Alfred University

Suzanne Peck, Charlotte Mowris Endowed Fellow, Glass Program co-Chair Rochester Institute of Technology moderates a panel of special guests.  

Jabari Owen-Bailey, Curatorial Education Program Manager at Museum of Glass in Tacoma, WA

Jessica Jane Julius, Program Head of Glass, Associate Professor Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Temple University

The symposium wraps up around 6:00 PM on Saturday November 4. Light refreshments will be available each morning prior to the start of the talks and throughout the day as well as a catered lunch for a midday break.  

Closing night festivities starting at 7PM hosted by Erica Rosenfeld, Artist, long-time community member and Director on the UrbanGlass Board. 

Don't miss out on this incredible event – buy your tickets now!