Pittsburgh Glass Center and The Westmoreland Museum of American Art invite bold imaginative glass artists to participate in Reflections in Glass—a dynamic installation unfolding inside The Westmoreland, followed by a featured exhibition at Pittsburgh Glass Center in Winter 2027.
From October 14–18, 2026, Reflections in Glass transforms the Museum into a radiant, five-day celebration of material, light, and artistic inspiration. Fifteen selected artists will create new glass works inspired by specific artworks from the Museum’s renowned collection and spark unexpected dialogue between fine art and contemporary glass.
Reflections in Glass invites visitors to experience the collection in a whole new way through luminous installations, artist talks, live demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and family activities that bring creativity to life.
Be part of this inaugural celebration. Push boundaries. Respond to history. Let your work shine.
Key Dates
Application Deadline:
Friday, May 15, 2026
Notification of Acceptance:
First week of June 2026
Orientation/Artwork Assignments @
The Westmoreland:
June 23, 2026
Proposal Deadline:
July 15, 2026
Consignment Form Due: October 4, 2026
Prize Announcement:
October 18, 2026
Glass Festival @
The Westmoreland:
October 14 – October 18, 2026
Sponsorship Breakfast:
October 14, 2026
Art After Hours:
October 16, 2026
Exhibition @
Pittsburgh Glass Center:
February 5 – April 11, 2027
To be considered for this competition applicants are REQUIRED to attend the following:
Orientation/Artwork Assignment @
The Westmoreland:
June 23, 2026
Installation Day @
The Westmoreland:
October 13, 2026
Art After Hours @
The Westmoreland:
October 16, 2026, 5:30–8:30pm
Exhibition Preview @ PGC:
February 4, 2027
Guidelines
Artists participating in Reflections in Glass must create new original glass work inspired by a specific artwork from the Museum’s collection. The Westmoreland will randomly assign artworks on view in collection via blind draw and specific location to participating artists. Work should be primarily in glass and be ready for museum display.
Artwork must meet size limitations and fit on an assigned pedestal. Please note that artworks will be displayed throughout the course of the festival and following exhibition at Pittsburgh Glass Center without a vitrine. Artwork must be for sale, and the artist must agree to a consignment agreement with PGC (Artist will receive 50% of sale price. PGC will receive 30%, and Museum will receive 20%). All artwork sales will be processed through Pittsburgh Glass Center. Artwork will not be available to buyers until the Winter/Spring Exhibition closes at PGC. Artists must be able to deliver and install artwork at The Westmoreland on October 13.
Benefits
Selected artists will have creative freedom with a world class collection as inspiration to bring vision to life and the following additional benefits:
Recognition and Acclaim
Gain visibility in The Westmoreland’s galleries, official website, email campaigns, and social media platforms. Gain visibility in Pittsburgh Glass Center’s gallery, official website, email campaigns, and social media platforms.
Stipend and Studio Credit
Artists receive $500 from The Westmoreland AND $500 in Pittsburgh Glass Center studio rental or class credit to help with artwork creation and material cost.
Prestigious Awards
Compete for three distinguished honors:
- People’s Choice Award—selected by public vote throughout Reflections in Glass with $300 Cash Prize
- Sponsor’s Award—$300 Cash Prize selected by our valued sponsors
- Director’s Choice Award—Recognizing exceptional artistry, chosen by the Museum leadership. Artwork purchased for The Westmoreland’s permanent collection for established value submitted. Artist receives a 100% commission.
Exclusive Perks
Enjoy 2 complimentary tickets to Glass After Hours and 8 general admission tickets to Reflections in Glass.
Networking Opportunities
An invitation to attend the Sponsor Breakfast to connect with Museum supporters and fellow artists.
In summary, Reflections in Glass provides an amazing opportunity to showcase your talent and work across two organizations.
About The Westmoreland Museum of American Art
Western Pennsylvania’s only museum dedicated to American art, The Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, offers meaningful and engaging cultural experiences that build community and inspire creativity, new ideas, and action through the power of art. The Westmoreland’s extraordinary permanent collection, with its strong focus on the art and artists of Southwestern Pennsylvania, is complemented by an impressive temporary exhibition schedule featuring both nationally traveling exhibitions and those organized by the Museum. Additionally, The Westmoreland presents a full calendar of community-oriented and family-friendly experiences. General admission to the Museum is free. For more information, visit thewestmoreland.org.
About Pittsburgh Glass Center
Celebrating 25 years in 2026, Pittsburgh Glass Center (PGC) is a nonprofit, public access glass art center where anyone can take classes, explore the contemporary glass gallery, shop for glass gifts, and watch live glassblowing demonstrations. Since its opening, PGC has educated over 750,000 individuals, contributed to the ongoing development of the city’s East End, and made Pittsburgh a significant hub in the international studio glass community. A multimillion-dollar expansion in 2024 nearly doubled its capacity, allowing it to meet the increasing demand for glass programs and studios. PGC continues to cultivate an inclusive and welcoming environment that encourages everyone, from the casually curious to the master artist, to learn, create, and be inspired by glass. 25 years and still glowing!
