The next Glass Lifeforms exhibition will be held at Pittsburgh Glass Center February 7–April 20, 2025. The call for artists is open now. Submit your lifeforms by November 1, 2024 at www.glasslifeform.org.
Glass Lifeforms is a juried exhibition of scientifically recognized species. Those selected will be on view at PGC; however, all submissions will be included in the online exhibition. Lifeforms will be selected based on accuracy, aesthetic beauty, presentation, and originality.
The first Glass Lifeforms exhibition was held at PGC in 2013 and again in 2016.
Glass Lifeforms is inspired by Rudolf and Leopold Blaschka’s glass biological models made in the 19th and 20th centuries for Harvard University’s museums.
In 1886, George Lincoln Goodale commissioned Leopold Blaschka and his son Rudolf to make botanical models for the Harvard Botanical Museum. He chose the Blaschkas because they worked in glass. In the late-19th century, glass was the best material for the job.
Other models of the times were made out of papier mâché or wax and did not stand the test of time. No other material could be molded and manipulated to render organic forms as beautifully and accurately nor relied upon to last as long as glass.
At the time, the public was intrigued by the unique plants unearthed by explorers and by the oddities of the sea being discovered by the newly invented submarine and deep sea diving kit. The Blaschkas offered a glimpse into those unknown, exotic worlds with their amazingly precise and detailed glass models. Through the years the Blaschkas made over 10,000 glass models.
For this exhibition at PGC, artists are invited to create their best biological models in spirit of the Blaschkas.
Artists are invited to submit work for entry by midnight EST November 1, 2024. Visit www.glasslifeform.org for timelines and eligibility details.
