Aspire 2: Virtual Resources

Aspire 2:
A Retrospective of Young Talent

On view June 3 – August 7, 2022


This exhibition highlights the capability and creativity of the technical apprentices at Pittsburgh Glass Center from the last 10 years.  The artwork of 24 emerging glass artists will be on view in the Hodge Gallery at Pittsburgh Glass Center from June 3 to August 7, 2022. 

Aspire 2: A Retrospective of Young Talent at Pittsburgh Glass Center

Aspire 2 is on view in person at Pittsburgh Glass Center; please see our current hours of operation and COVID-19 safety guidelines for visitors.


FEATURED ARTISTS

Zach Arroyo • Jonathan Bolivar • MiShawn Cabrera • Sarah Cohen • Percy Echols II • Jaclyn Harris • Reid Jacobs • Daniel Kilbride • Mitchell Kile • Caroline Landau • Dana Laskowski • Zach Layhew • Madelanne League • Elean Yang Messmer • Josh Messmer • Sarah Montrond • Tate Newfield • Chris Ross • John Sharvin • Margaret Spacapan • Sam Spees • Blaine Steiner • Rachael Strittmatter • Emlyn Strzempka 

 
Tech Apprentices
Current and former tech apprentices
Former tech apprentices

Technical Apprentice Program

Each year 3-4 young, aspiring glass artists from across the U.S. join our team for 6 months to a year as Technical Apprentices. PGC’s Technical Apprenticeship is an educational work opportunity designed for students who have completed their undergraduate study in glass or who have similar experience but have not completed a four-year degree program and are looking to gain professional studio experience in a state-of-the-art, public-access studio.  

The apprentice program has attracted 54 young artists to live and work in Pittsburgh since it began in 2005.  

You've seen them in our studios making art, conducting demonstrations, teaching classes, and maintaining all of our critical equipment. They keep our studios running year-round and bring new energy and ideas to PGC.

When they leave PGC (we hope they never do), they are equipped to run and/or work in any glass studio large or small. Many of our tech apprentices have relocated to Pittsburgh to live and make their art at PGC. You might recognize some of them like Percy Echols II, Jason Forck, Will Haynes, Travis Rohrbaugh, and Becky Smith among many more. Others have gone on to open their own studios and start their own glass businesses. 

 

Madelanne League

Tech Apprentice 2022–present
Pittsburgh, PA
www.madelanneleague.com

 

Elean Yang Messmer    

Tech Apprentice 2017–2018
Pittsburgh, PA
www.eleanyang.com

 

Josh Messmer    

Tech Apprentice 2017–2018
Pittsburgh, PA
www.messmerstudios.com

 

John Sharvin    

Tech Apprentice 2014–2015
Pittsburgh, PA
www.johnsharvin.com

 

Margaret Spacapan    

Tech Apprentice 2013–2014
Pittsburgh, PA
www.margaretspacapan.com

 

Blaine Steiner    

Tech Apprentice 2020
New Orleans, LA
www.blainestudios.com

 

Emlyn Strzempka    

Tech Apprentice 2013
Seattle, WA

 

Past Tech Apprentices at Pittsburgh Glass Center

 

This exhibition is presented as a part of the International Year of Glass 2022.

International Year of Glass 2022