The University of Montana Western is pleased to welcome acclaimed glass artist Katherine Gray for a free public presentation on her career, artistic process, and experience as the resident evaluator on Netflix’s “Blown Away”. The event will take place on Thursday, February 27, at 4:00 p.m. in UMW’s Beier Auditorium.
Katherine Gray is a distinguished Canadian glass artist known for her innovative and thought-provoking work. She earned her undergraduate degree from the Ontario College of Art in 1989 and her Master of Fine Arts from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1991.
Throughout her career, Gray has explored the multifaceted nature of glass, creating pieces that range from blown glass sculptures to installations using found glass objects. Her work often examines themes of transparency, functionality, and the everyday presence of glass in modern life. One of her most notable installations, “Forest Glass”, features assembled found glass arranged to mimic the appearance of trees, encouraging viewers to reconsider the material’s role and significance.
Gray’s art has been exhibited internationally, with her pieces held in the Corning Museum of Glass in New York, the Museum of American Glass in New Jersey, and the Museum of Glass in Washington. In addition to her artistic practice, she is a professor of art at California State University, San Bernardino, where she shares her expertise with emerging artists.
Beyond academia, Gray has gained wider recognition through her role on “Blown Away”, where she evaluates contestants’ glassblowing skills and offers expert insights. Her contributions to the field have been recognized with several awards, including the Libenský/Brychtová Award from the Pilchuck Glass School in 2017, honoring her impact as both an artist and educator.
Gray’s work continues to captivate audiences, inviting them to explore the unique qualities of glass and its often-overlooked presence in daily life.
Join the Montana Western Glass Department in welcoming Katherine Gray to campus for an inspiring and educational evening. This event is free and open to the public.
For more information, please contact UMW’s Glass Program Coordinator and Associate Professor of Fine Art, Ruth King, at ruth.king@umwestern.edu or 406-683-7344.
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