The non-profit has provided an experimental platform for artists, including Rauschenberg and Chihuly, seeking to expand their practice into glass.

For the past four decades, the non-profit UrbanGlass has provided an experimental platform for artists seeking to expand their practice into glass with subsidised studio space, fellowships and training. Those who have taken up the opportunity include Robert Rauschenberg, Lynda Benglis, Toots Zynsky, Dale Chihuly and Kiki Smith; recently, Titus Kaphar produced work at UrbanGlass for his solo show, Shifting Skies, at Jack Shainman Gallery. 

The organisation has grown considerably since it was founded by a group of art-school graduates in 1977, moving to Brooklyn and taking on professional staff, but remains “very much an artists’ community at [its] core”, says its executive director, Cybele Maylone. After an open-house event on Saturday 6 May, UrbanGlass will continue its anniversary celebrations with a gala and fundraising auction on 16 May.