Transitions: Artists of UrbanGlass highlights the broad range of work made in the studios of UrbanGlass and will be the final show held in Robert Lehman Gallery at UrbanGlass until after UrbanGlass’ renovation and expansion project is complete in 2012. This group exhibition is representative of a pivotal moment in UrbanGlass’ institutional history and highlights experimental, innovative works in glass. The exhibition was juried by Jennifer Scanlan, assistant curator, Museum of Arts & Design; Courtney J. Wendroff, visual arts director, Brooklyn Arts Council; Dave Altman, co-chair, Urbanites; and Alan Iwamura, visual artist. The thirteen artists that were selected have integrated various styles and media into their art works.

Transitions explores several of the many different artistic approaches that are being used in contemporary glass, including conceptual, mixed-media, installation, photography, drawing and recycled materials. The work that was chosen is conceptual, thought provoking and challenges the medium and the traditional boundaries of glass.

Some artists use recycled materials such as apparel with glass stitched into it by Solange Ledwith while Pamela Sabroso uses cut glass wine bottles to create an intricate window screen. Yuka Otani uses cast sugar, corn syrup, and food coloring to create an installation of traditional goblet shapes that will disintegrate and change over time, depending on the temperature and humidity. Kelsey Harrington’s glass spheres with colored water create beautifully compelling patterns through the reflections. Joseph Cavalieri’s taxidermy two-headed birds in glass globes compliment the bizarre and intriguing silver cast foot and glass desert installation by Victoria Calabro. Many traditional glass working techniques are also represented with an intricate metamorphosis captured in flameworking by Eunsuh Choi, to the graphic blown glass of Adam Holtzinger, and halo-inspired installation by Hiromi Takizawa. Jane Bruce’s kilnformed glass series plays with traditional form and concept while Michael Janis’ kilncast pieces use layering of imagery and glass to create narrative space. Kanik Chung’s series of drawn presidential portraits on sheet glass is displayed to reveal the sum of all past presidents, the cumulative president. Miguel Unson presents a contemporary look at glass art through the lens of a camera, showing photos of intricate details of his own work.

For more information, please visit our website at www.urbanglass.org. UrbanGlass: New York Contemporary Glass Center is a not-for-profit international art center located at 647 Fulton Street, in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, NY. The mission of UrbanGlass is to be a leading resource for both aspiring and established artists wishing to create in glass. We foster innovative art and advance the use and appreciation of glass as a creative medium.