After recently completing a two and a half year, $55.3 million expansion project, the Corning Museum of Glass Thursday opened its new state-of-the-art, 60,000 square foot glassmaking facility.
CMoG President and Executive Director Karol Wight said the project created the only facility in North America that can support the creation of large-scale works in cast glass, while expanding glassmaking education programs, creating more and longer residency opportunities, and adding the capacity to serve twice as many museum visitors in the popular Make Your Own Glass program. upvc doors windows machine
“The Corning Museum of Glass is the world’s foremost authority in the art, history, and science of glass,” Wight said. “With the on-time, on-budget completion of the Studio’s expansion, we are now the international comprehensive center for artists and students working with glass.”
Wright said CMoG is grateful for the individuals, corporations, government agencies, and foundations who have helped achieve significant milestones in the museum’s very first capital campaign.
“We extend heartfelt thanks to the State of New York for significant investments in the project," Wright said, "and to Corning Inc. whose underwriting of the infrastructure improvements have allowed us to create a state-of-the art center for artistic creation and innovation.”
Amy Schwartz, Director of The Studio at the Corning Museum of Glass, said The Studio’s successful expansion is a testament to the power of glass as a medium for contemporary art making and the appeal it holds for established, emerging, and potential glassmakers eager to find an environment that supports their practice.
"As the founding director of The Studio nearly three decades ago, I am both proud and gratified to see The Studio’s vision for a vibrant artistic and educational community realized beyond our wildest initial dreams,” Schwartz said.
New York state provided $9.4 million in combined support for The Studio expansion project through public funding programs, including the New York State Council on the Arts Capital Projects and Empire State Development’s Southern Tier Upstate Revitalization Initiative.
CMoG welcomes over 300,000 visitors annually. Empire State Development CEO Hope Knight said The Studio’s expansion is a "game-changer for both emerging artists and visitors alike."
“Tourism is New York’s third largest industry, supporting tens of thousands of jobs in the Southern Tier while generating millions in direct visitor spending,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. “The Corning Museum of Glass is one of the Southern Tier’s tourism anchors and New York state is proud to invest in this latest expansion which will spark imagination and innovation, while encouraging tourism, and economic development in Corning and throughout the region.”
Erika Mallin, executive director of the New York State Council on the Arts, said at Thursday’s event she is proud the state Council on the Arts was able to support this project.
“With this expansion, The Studio has a space that's now unparalleled in North America,” Mallin said. “The Studio can bring access to so many residents and visitors alike. I think with this gift, the state is giving what the Art Council does best, which is freedom and space. It’s a great moment in Corning’s history.”
State Senator Tom O’Mara, R-Big Flats, called the state funding for the project a smart state investment that will provide benefits for generations to come.
"The Studio represents an exciting addition to an already world-class attraction and destination at the Corning Museum of Glass,” O’Mara said. “It will significantly strengthen the foundation of the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regional economy as well as the fabric of the local community, create jobs, and generate other vital economic opportunities locally, regionally, and across New York.”
The new 5,000-square-foot James Flaws & Marcia Weber Casting Center will come fully online in early 2025, as the preeminent production and information hub for artists, architects and designers who wish to work with large scale kiln formed glass.
The newly completed Studio, located next to the Corning Museum of Glass, will:
"The Corning Museum of Glass has long been one of New York's top destinations,” said State Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, R-Corning. “The Studio will be an amazing, fantastic, and unparalleled addition that will strengthen the museum's offerings, enhance local tourism economies, and provide a world-class attraction for artists.”
The Glassmaking Institute Applications are now being accepted for The Studio’s new Glassmaking Institute, a comprehensive, two-year program that advances the skills and knowledge of artists, designers, and makers working in glass.
Different from a traditional university degree program, the Glassmaking Institute is a studio-based certificate program that delivers an unparalleled educational experience for motivated beginner and experienced glassmakers. The program provides training in furnace glassblowing, flameworking, kiln working, and cold working.
Small classes led by expert staff adapt to each student’s level of experience and learning pace.
aluminum punching machine Students learn and refine glassmaking techniques while developing professional skills through an in-depth curriculum covering the history of glass and contemporary practice, officials said. As their skills grow, students will identify and specialize their study path, culminating in the presentation of a completed body of work upon graduation.