The Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York, is embracing the autumn season with a series of special events and workshops centered on glass pumpkins. The museum's programming includes live demonstrations by master glassblowers and hands-on opportunities for visitors to create their own seasonal art through late November.
Key Takeaways
- The museum hosts "The Great Glass Pumpkin Experiment" every Saturday, featuring master glassblowers creating unique pumpkin-themed objects.
- Gaffer Catherine Ayers, whose plaid glass pumpkin went viral on social media, returns to create a new design this year.
- Visitors can participate in workshops to make their own glass pumpkins and pendants until November 30, with advance booking recommended.
- Daily glass pumpkin demonstrations are held at 3 p.m. to show the public the creation process.
- General admission for adults is $25, but it is free for all individuals 17 years old and under.
A Seasonal Tradition in Molten Glass
The Corning Museum of Glass is blending artistic tradition with seasonal festivities this fall. The museum, a world-renowned institution dedicated to the art, history, and science of glass, has tailored its daily programming to celebrate autumn.
Central to the celebration is the glass pumpkin, an object that has become a popular symbol of the fall season in the world of glass art. The museum is offering multiple ways for the public to engage with this unique craft, from observation to direct participation.
The Art of Glassblowing
Glassblowing is an ancient technique that involves inflating molten glass into a bubble with a blowpipe. Artists, known as gaffers, work in a specialized studio called a hotshop, where furnaces keep glass at temperatures exceeding 2,000°F (1,090°C). They use various tools to shape, color, and finish the glass before it cools.
These seasonal activities are designed to be accessible to all ages and skill levels, providing a unique look into the complex and beautiful process of glassmaking.
The Great Glass Pumpkin Experiment
A major highlight of the museum's fall schedule is The Great Glass Pumpkin Experiment. This event takes place every Saturday, offering a platform for the museum's resident gaffers to showcase their creativity.
Demonstrations begin at 10 a.m., with each master glassblower given approximately two hours to design and create a pumpkin-related glass object. The format encourages artistic freedom, resulting in a diverse range of interpretations.
Past creations have included unconventional designs, such as a vampire-inspired pumpkin and a black-and-white striped pumpkin decorated with glass beetles. These pieces are often displayed at the museum, showcasing the imaginative possibilities of the medium.
The Artist Behind the Viral Pumpkin
One of the featured artists is Catherine Ayers, a gaffer who has worked at the museum since 2010. Last year, a video of her creating a detailed plaid glass pumpkin went viral across social media platforms, accumulating millions of views and hundreds of thousands of likes.
The sudden internet fame came at a surprising time for Ayers. She recalls that she was taking a break from her personal glassblowing work at the time.
"It was crazy. A week before I made that pumpkin, I took all the glass that I had and I just took it to the shop and I said, ‘sell it and get rid of it. I want it all gone.’”
Following the viral success, Ayers received numerous requests from people wanting to purchase a plaid pumpkin. This overwhelming public interest brought her back into the hotshop and reinvigorated her passion for the craft.
This year, Ayers is scheduled to participate in The Great Glass Pumpkin Experiment again, where she will create a new plaid pumpkin for a live audience.
Hands-On Opportunities for Visitors
Beyond the demonstrations, the Corning Museum of Glass offers interactive experiences for visitors. Until November 30, guests can sign up for workshops to create their own fall-themed glass art.
Visitor Workshops
Guests can choose from several projects, including making a glass pumpkin, a pumpkin pendant, or a fall leaf pendant. These hands-on sessions cost between $28 and $36 per project.
These workshops are designed for beginners, and no prior experience with glassblowing is necessary. Museum staff guide participants through every step of the process, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
"You don’t have to have any experience … They’ll help you make a pumpkin and it’s really fun," said Ayers, encouraging visitors to try the workshops.
Due to high demand, especially during the fall season, Ayers noted that workshop spots fill up quickly. "People want to make their own pumpkins, and the spots are filling up quick," she said. The museum strongly recommends booking these experiences in advance through its website.
After a project is created, it must cool slowly in a special oven called an annealer to prevent it from cracking. The museum offers complimentary shipping to send the finished pieces to visitors' homes, or guests can opt for next-day pickup.
Daily Demonstrations and Planning a Visit
For those who prefer to watch the experts at work, the museum holds live glassblowing demonstrations throughout the day, every day. These sessions are a core part of the museum's educational mission.
Reflecting the seasonal interest, a specific demonstration focused on pumpkin making is held daily at 3 p.m. "We do glass blowing demonstrations every day all day," Ayers explained. "And this time of year, because people want to know how the glass pumpkins are made, we do a glass pumpkin demo every day at 3 o’clock.”
Admission and Visitor Information
The Corning Museum of Glass has a pricing structure designed to be family-friendly.
- Adults: Tickets cost $25.
- Children and Teens (17 and under): Admission is free every day.
- Discounts: Reduced rates are available for seniors, active service members, and college students.
The fall programming, including The Great Glass Pumpkin Experiment and the hands-on workshops, provides an engaging way for visitors to connect with the art of glassmaking while celebrating the autumn season.