Current & Coming Exhibits
Current Exhibits
New On View
May 28 – August 22, 2021
Since 1959, Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass has cultivated what has become the world’s largest, most representative collection of glass paperweights on public display as well as a burgeoning contemporary studio glass collection. In 2011, the museum reaffirmed its commitment to glass by shifting its mission and collection focus to exclusively represent that medium.
A museum collection is its foundation. Following in the footsteps of founders Evangeline and John Nelson Bergstrom and Ernst and Carol Mahler, today’s donors to the permanent collection recognize the importance of exhibiting, researching, and preserving works of glass for future generations. The museum’s collection is evolving due to the many donors who have helped it grow through their generosity.
This exhibition showcases more than 200 acquisitions of paperweights and contemporary studio glass collected by Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass during the past three years. A special highlight includes a significant selection of antique and contemporary glass paperweights from the collection of longtime supporters Gary and Marge McClanahan. New On View includes important works from artists such as Lisabeth Sterling, Marvin Lipofsky, Ken Rosenfeld, Debbie Tarsitano, and Marc Petrovic, many of which have never been publicly exhibited.
Opening Celebration Zoom Event!
Select works from the exhibit
Gary and Marge McClanahan
The Estate of Wayne and Jean Roper
Bruce and Judy Bendoff
Gerald Silverstein and Bob Zimmerman
Barry and Donna Rice
David Huchthausen
Heller Gallery NYC
Betty Smith Memorial Fund
Marion Shepard Memorial Fund
Fred and Sharon Schomer
Bud and Libby Hoffman
Bonnie Marx
Family of Leon DeJongh
David Woods
Marjorie Bergstrom Moore Memorial Fund
Richard V. and Irene V. Simpson, in memory of Marion Bouman Giles
The Robert M. Minkoff Foundation, Ltd
Sharon Karmazin
Stephen Knapp Family Trust
Audrey Handler
The Marvin Lipofsky Studio
Gordon Park
The family of Sylvia Vigiletti
Jill G. and Frank J. (Jack) Pelisek
Victorian Glass Baskets
October 9, 2020 – October 9, 2021
During the reign of Alexandrina Victoria, Queen of Great Britain, Ireland, and Empress of India (1837-1901), English and American glass factories responded to the rise of consumerism and the increasing desire for everything glistening and ornamented by creating and marketing fanciful glass table decorations for middle and upper-class households. The art glass basket reached the height of its popularity between 1880 and 1890. These colorful and highly decorated works of art glass represent both ingenuity and technical skill. Frequently embellished with ruffled rims and applied handles shaped in loops or decorated with thorns, these baskets proved to be popular wedding gifts and were a mainstay in Victorian homes. Now on exhibit in the Mabel R. McClanahan Memorial Study Gallery.
Coming Exhibits
Littleton Vogel Retrospective
October 1 – February 14, 2022
Working collaboratively since 1979, renowned artists John Littleton and Kate Vogel create sculptural blown and cast glass works and installations that speak to the importance of their relationships to one another, their family, and their community. This retrospective exhibition highlights important works, milestones, and innovations in their shared careers – all while tying their experiences and influences back to John’s father, Harvey Littleton.
Exhibition sponsorship provided by Sharon and John Amdall