Corning to Host 2016 Glass Art Society Conference

The Glass Art Society and Corning Museum of Glass will partner together once again to present the 45th Annual GAS Conference in 2016. Corning, NY, has been the host city for six previous conferences. The most recent conference took place in 2009, when more than 1,400 GAS members from over 30 different countries attended.

“We are delighted to have the Glass Art Society return to our city in 2016,” said Karol Wight, executive director of The Corning Museum of Glass. “The conference infuses our glass-focused community with even more energy, creativity and passion. We look forward to providing new programs that will take advantage of our new contemporary gallery and hot glass demonstration spaces, and also newly renovated city parks and buildings.”

The Museum is currently undergoing an exciting expansion project, slated to open in December 2014. Designed by Thomas Phifer and Partners, the North Wing addition will include a new sky-lit 26,000 sq. foot gallery for contemporary art in glass. The former Steuben ventilator building is being transformed into one of the largest hot glass demonstration spaces in the world, with expanded hot shop capability and seating for 500 people. There will be a new one-acre outdoor event space located on the north side of the Museum. The city of Corning has also recently created several new green areas across the city. For more information about the Corning Museum of Glass expansion project, visit cmog.org/expansion.

“We are absolutely thrilled to announce our return to Corning and to be the first major conference in the newly expanded CMoG campus,” said Pamela Koss, executive director of GAS. “The new 500- seat hot shop, new galleries and facilities will give attendees a whole new experience.”

2016 GAS conference attendees can also look forward to another fabulous Glass Fashion Show, hosted by Laura Donefer. “I am coming back to Corning with the most exciting Glass Fashion Show ever to hit the catwalk, with over 100 costumes, exciting guest stars and the ultimate finale!” she says. “This will be a GAS event not to miss!”