Mosaic & Glass Arts International 2023

Buffalo is a hotbed for glass, believe it or not. In fact, it’s a bit of a stained glass hub, thanks in part to the hard work of Megan McElfresh, Executive Director of the Stained Glass Association of America (SGAA). Did you know that Buffalo is the home of SGAA? It’s partially due to this city maintaining one of the best historical collections of stained glass in the country, as to why it has achieved the status of being a mecca for stained glass enthusiasts (read more).

From September 1 to September 30, the Society of American Mosaic Artists (SAMA) and the SGAA invite you to attend the Mosaic and Glass Arts International 2023 exhibition series at the CEPA Gallery in downtown Buffalo. The Juried Member Exhibition will feature two segments: Fine Art and Site-Specific & Architectural Art. The exhibition is part of an even broader undertaking, which includes the 2023 Conference—Forging New Paths, to be held at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo, from September 27 to October 1.

SAMA and SGAA initially partnered together in 2022 to collaborate and expand their reach, in order to help strengthen their shared goals and promote the works of established as well as emerging glass artisans (mosaic art, stained glass, and architectural art). All segments combined represent 35 artists from throughout the United States, Canada, The United Kingdom and South Africa, according to the exhibition’s orchestrators.

Mosaic & Glass Arts International 2023 includes a special exhibit by Redmond, Oregon artist, Kate Kerrigan.

“We are thrilled to be hosting this exhibition of talented stained glass and mosaic professionals here in Buffalo,” says Megan McElfresh, Executive Director of SGAA, which is based in Allentown. “Glass arts are an integral part of our city’s cultural heritage and architectural legacy.

“Both stained glass and mosaic communities are united by a spirit of generosity, driven to create for others. This exhibition sparks a dialogue about our mediums and how artists aspire to aid community healing and renewal. It has truly been a joy to both observe and engage with these works and I am eager to continue advocating with both to make more of this work possible.”

“This exhibition is truly a celebration of perseverance,” said SAMA Executive Director, Dawnmarie Zimmerman, who noted that there has been a three-year hiatus from presenting the annual exhibition in-person, due to the pandemic. “Some of the community and architectural installations endured countless delays and resource challenges, yet the artists and fabricating studios found a way to complete these monumental works and infuse art into public places and engage communities.”

Opening reception for the Mosaic & Glass Arts International 2023 will be held on Friday, September 1 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM. Details below:

CEPA Gallery will be hosting an opening during Downtown Buffalo’s “First Friday” event, September 1, 2023. Located in Buffalo’s historic Market Arcade Complex, CEPA Gallery is a contemporary photography and visual arts center with impact in both local and national communities. With three galleries of changing exhibits and events, multimedia public art installations, arts education programs, and an open-access darkroom and digital photo lab, CEPA creates a vibrant presence in the heart of downtown Buffalo. Originally incorporated as the Center for Exploratory and Perceptual Arts to serve as a community darkroom and exhibition space, CEPA Gallery was founded during the Alternative Space Movement in May 1974 by recent graduates of the University of Buffalo.