The 2021 Glass Art Society conference in Tacoma, Washington, was announced at the close of its successful first-ever Virtual Conference last month. Free and open to the public, the 2020 online event included awards ceremonies, demos, panel discussions, lectures, tours, and happy hours via live-stream and recorded video. Next year's event is planned to be an in-person gathering and proposals are now being accepted. The 2021 Conference will mark the organizations 50th year, and the landmark event is set to take place from May 19th through May 22nd. In a reflection of greater awareness of the work the glass-art field needs to do, the artist organization is encouraging presentations from diverse voices.
In a statement shared alongside the conference announcement, executive director Brandi P. Clark is stated that, in terms of submissions, GASwould like to see “BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and women presenters as well as lectures and panels on the themes of diversity, racial inequality, ethnic identity, and more.” The GAS 2021 Presentation Proposal Application will remain open until July 19th at 11:59 pm PDT.
The Glass Art Society seeks proposals from artists, curators, educators, researchers, and more. The programming of the conference will "explore techniques and collaborations" in areas of glass including Hot Glass, Cold Glass and Engraving, Flame working, Neon and Plasma, and Kiln and Moldmaking. Types of Presentations will include Demonstrations, Lectures, Panels, Films, Performances, Workshops, and more.
The criteria for each presentation are as follows:
Demonstrations (Demos): 1.5-hour presentations feat. demonstrations of hot, cold, flame, & neon glassmaking.
Lecture/Demonstrations (Lecmos): 1.5-hour presentations featuring a combination of a lecture, with pre-made materials, and live a demonstration. Most appropriate for kiln-working, mold-making, etc. showcasing the steps/process of making more time-consuming pieces.
Lectures: 1-hour presentations, from emerging artists to educators & established professionals & curators.
Panels: 1.5-hour presentations featuring panels of artists, experts, and educators who bring innovative & unique glass topics to the stage.
Other (films, performances, workshops, etc.): up to 1.5-hour presentations that show the diversity of the glass art community.
The conference is open to emerging artists to established professionals, and hopes to showcase international artists from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and under-represented communities.
More information on the conference may be found on the Conference website.