The fundraising gala is to arts nonprofits as water is to plants—without it, they wither. In a capital of arts and culture like New York City, galas happen almost every night of the week, so there is no shortage of competition driving nonprofits to come up with new ideas of how to attract new supporters while keeping loyal gala goers happy at their annual celebrations of their favorite philanthropies. This is one reason why UrbanGlass is changing some things up for 2026, such as moving the seated dinner into the glass studio, itself, which has been the site of lively after parties and glass demonstrations. To find out more about what's in store for those lucky enough to have acquired a ticket to the May 19th event, the Glass Quarterly Hot Sheet caught up with UrbanGlass Executive Director Katya Heller.
Glass Quarterly Hot Sheet: I understand the 2026 UrbanGlass Gala has been reimagined from the previous events, but at the same time, some aspects will be the same. Can you talk a bit about what attendees will experience on the evening of May 19th?
Katya Heller: Over the past few years, attendees have told us how much they loved being in the studio for the after party, so we decided to make that the main event! For this year’s dinner, we will be setting up tables right in the UrbanGlass hotshop—the largest and only one of its kind in NYC. It will feel like you've arrived at a big family event dinner—imagine a glamorous destination wedding—but hosted in this industrial space, which is where so much of our work takes place. The event will be emceed by Lily Blumkin—a comedian and writer for the Daily Show.
Glass: What will it be like to eat in a glass studio? I bet that's something few people can claim to have ever experienced.
Katya: The decor will be a nod to Bertil Vallien and Kosta Boda, our Swedish honorees—think a Carl Larsson illustration of the Scandinavian countryside, but the temperature will be more Tuscany than Stockholm. There will be a lot of visual excitement to take in. Popcorn will be popped in the heat of the glory holes and some culinary surprises await to give everyone a taste of Robert DuGrenier's "Glasstronomy" "spectaculars we've been hosting in our studio (and which have been one of the most unique auction items we have ever offered). A photo wall—our own UrbanGlass version of a step & repeat—nods to stained glass and has been designed and fabricated by a small team of artists/staff members.
Glass: I imagine you don't want to overheat the room with live glassblowing during dinner, but will there be a chance to see artists in action?
Katya: To allow gala attendees to experience artmaking in the studio, we will have a neon demonstration by two of the most talented neon artists, James Akers and Molmol Kuo. To find out more about, you'll just have to attend!
Glass: Why was this decision make to change things up this year?
Katya: While they are fun and memorable, events can be the most expensive way to raise funds and, frankly, many New York City events look and feel the same—a fancy-looking space and the best large group dinner you can afford. We wanted to do something different for 2026 and put our unique studio space that attendees tell us they love the most about our galas, at the heart of the event rather than something we do only at the afterparty.
Glass: Just to be sure we are completely clear, there will still be a seated dinner in the studio, right? You don't have to stand for dinner, right?
Katya: Yes, absolutely, you it will be a seated dinner, but being among the annealers and furnaces, I can promise it will be an entirely new experience to be fine dining on the floor of the UrbanGlass studio.
Glass: Last question: When someone buys a ticket to the Gala, what are they getting for their money?
Katya: First and foremost, with every ticket you purchase, you should get a feeling of pride and satisfaction that your purchase supports the work of UrbanGlass. You also you get to party with amazing artists and many accomplished, curious and fascinating people. It will be an opportunity to spark up a conversation with someone you don't know, and you'll see for yourself! By buying a ticket, you are making it possible for UrbanGlass to offer a glassmaking facility where professional artists can come and work, students can take classes at any level, exhibitions bring new ideas and concepts to the material of glass, unique gifts are available for purchase, and a magazine is produced, one that follows, explores and takes a critical look at the whole field of glass as it manifests in the world of art and design. By buying a ticket to our 2026 Gala, you are also supporting New York City veterans and the community of Bead Project women forged over 29 years — all of that is given a chance to exist thanks to YOUR act of generosity in buying a ticket or making a donation to the 2026 UrbanGlass Gala.
IF YOU GO:
May 19, 2026, 6 PM until late
UrbanGlass Gala (Honoring Kosta Boda and Bertil Vallien)
647 Fulton Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Interested to attend?
A select few tickets are still available