Mission and History :

Through studios, classes, publications, exhibitions, and events, UrbanGlass is dedicated to furthering the use of glass as a creative medium. Founded in 1977 by artists Richard Yelle and Erik Erikson as the New York Experimental Glass Workshop, UrbanGlass was the first artist-access glass center in the United States and is now the largest. Previously, those interested in working in glass could only do so at art schools, in factories or by building their own studios, but when UrbanGlass opened its doors, glass as an art medium became widely available.

Today, UrbanGlass serves as the primary studio of over 200 artists and designers. Our newly renovated facility features 17,000 square feet of state-of-the-art studio space. In addition, UrbanGlass offers a comprehensive education program for students at every age and skill level - from children to working artists - in a variety of techniques, including glassblowing, kiln casting, lampworking, mosaics, and stained glass. Over 500 students a year come to study and work with faculty that includes world-renowned artists and designers.

In addition to providing opportunities for people of all ages to work with glass, UrbanGlass also provides a forum for the contemplation of glass as an artistic medium. Our publication GLASS: The UrbanGlass Art Quarterly is the preeminent English language publication in the field and features reviews, interviews, and essays by academics and critics from around the world. UrbanGlass’ Agnes Varis Art Center features a retail store and the Robert Lehman Gallery, which presents five shows annually that explore the myriad ways that glass is used in the creative process.