About this opportunity
Glass Lifeforms 2027 is an international juried exhibition inspired by The Rudolph and Leopold Blaschka Glass Biological Models made in the 19th and 20th century. The exhibition represents a logical progression from the past to present, morphing biological models of the 19th century into inspired works of art of the 21st century.
This will be the fourth iteration of Glass Lifeforms to be hosted in Pittsburgh Glass Center's Hodge Gallery.
The Lifeforms competition is designed to encourage glass artists to create subjects in the reportorial spirit of the Blaschkas. All artists working with glass are invited to submit entries.
Eligibility Criteria
Models must be of scientifically recognized species. No fantasy or alien lifeforms, please. They must be rendered as accurately as possible, but artistic presentation and creative contexts are encouraged.
Models will be judged strictly on their accuracy, aesthetic beauty, presentation, and originality.
Every entry must:
- Include both the Latin and the common name of the species portrayed, the name of the artist, and the techniques(s) involved in the making.
- Include a scientific illustration or photograph of the organism being represented.
- Be composed primarily of glass (60% or more) although other materials may be used as necessary.
Models may not exceed 127 centimeters or 50 inches in any dimension. No exceptions.
Entries may have both zoological and botanical elements in them.
Application Requirements
Entries are limited to only one model per artist or collaborative team. Applications require:
- Up to 3 images of work
- 1 image or a scientific illustration or photograph of the organism being represented, with both latin and common name of species portrayed
- Techniques involved in making.
Rules and Terms
Every submission that follows the guidelines will be included in the online exhibition at glasslifeform.org, using images supplied by the participating artist. This part of the show will not be juried.
The juried part of the show will be selected from the open show entries and selected artworks will be on view in Pittsburgh Glass Center's Hodge Gallery from October 1, 2027 - January 17, 2028.
Every juried entry must be delivered to the Pittsburgh Glass Center no later than September 12, 2027 either in person or by shipping company, in a safe, secure container that can be used after the event for transport.
Transportation to the Pittsburgh Glass Center for juried entries will be the sole responsibility of the artist. The Pittsburgh Glass Center will be responsible for return shipping to the artist once the show is complete.