The Corning Museum of Glass is expanding its Specialty Glass Artist-in-Residency program, a unique opportunity for artists to work with glass formerly available only to industry. Today, it was announced that artist Toots Zynsky has been awarded the first of these residencies for 2016. Zynsky will be only the third specialty glass resident, following the inaugural metal sculptor, Albert Paley from 2014-2015, and glass artist, Tom Patti in 2016. A joint project between the museum and Corning Incorporated, the program is expanding from one to two residents per year. Corning, which has developed and patented more than 150 specialty glass formulations, will provides access to its specialty glasses as well as technical support. The museum makes its Studio and collections available to residents.
Zynsky, is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, and known for her vessels made from fused glass threads. She was awarded of the first Rakow Commissions in 1988. Her work can be found in more than 70 international museum collections.
“Through the Specialty Glass Residency, artists, designers, and scientists are able to push the boundaries of glass as a medium, challenging and manipulating it in new ways, ultimately leading to a better understanding of this endlessly versatile material,” said Karol Wight, president and executive director of The Corning Museum of Glass in a prepared statement. “As a pioneer of the Studio Glass movement, Toots Zynsky’s life’s work has revolved around experimentation and discovery.”
As part of the residency, Zynsky will be the featured artist at the Museum’s 2300° series on March 17, 2016, where she will work in the museum's new Amphitheater Hot Shop.
“I am approaching this residency with great curiosity and a wide open mind as to the new possibilities I am about to encounter upon my first visit with the scientists and engineers I will be collaborating with at Corning in the specialty glass research center,” said Zynsky in a prepared statement. “As I learn more, I am sure it will ignite new ideas and experimentation for my work.”