Local Color: Secrets of Steuben Glass

Local Color: Secrets of Steuben Glass showcases the early history of the Steuben Glass Works, founded in Corning, NY, in 1903, and the dazzling variety of glass Steuben developed in the early 20th century. Under the artistic leadership of Frederick Carder, a community of European immigrant expert glassworkers, local artisans, and women were recruited to realize his artistic vision—which included developing over 100 new glass colors and hundreds of designs in a variety of forms and styles. In this exhibition, visitors will see examples of Carder’s most famous and rare glass colors, including Gold and Blue Aurene, Tyrian and Rouge Flambé; learn about specific Steuben European glassmakers and the specialized glass techniques they championed; examine original sketches of designs and recipes for glassmaking; and view a rarely-exhibited hanging glass and metal Art Deco lighting fixture. Visitors will also learn about the kinds of work women did at Steuben and will be invited to add to our understanding of women’s roles at Steuben by sharing stories of women they know who may have worked at Steuben in generations past.