SYNERGY, 2025
The extraordinary energy of Pittsburgh Glass Center
A permanent artwork at Pittsburgh Glass Center
Synergy reflects the layered nature of time, memory, and connection, celebrating Pittsburgh Glass Center’s welcoming spirit as a place that fosters diversity and unites individuals who make and love glass.
Composed of 330 glass pieces fused with photographic decals sourced from over 23,000 archival images, the work transforms these moments into a vivid story that bridges the past and present, commemorating the rich history of glassmaking in the Pittsburgh region and the community fostered by PGC since its opening in 2001.
Its spiral form symbolizes the continuum of time, reflecting on the interconnectedness of events and lives, much like a constellation, where individual stars come together in the night sky to form patterns that tell a larger story. Within this microcosm of creativity and connection, PGC becomes a universe in miniature, where each person and piece contribute to an intricate narrative that mirrors the vast and ever-evolving harmony of the cosmos.
Archival imagery courtesy of The Heinz History Center, Vitro Architectural Glass (formerly PPG Glass), and Pittsburgh Glass Center. Additional photographic credit to Nathan Shaulis, Sandra Bacchi, and the many community members who contributed and are featured in the artwork.
Funding for this public art project was generously provided by the Javier & Wilburn families, owners of Paul Wissmach Glass Co.
Special thanks to Wissmach Glass for supporting my artistic practice by donating all the glass used in the work.
Materials & Dimensions:
Glass and photographic decal 6 X 15 FEET
I WALKED INTO PITTSBURGH GLASS CENTER IN 2019 FOR AN ARTIST RESIDENCY, NOT KNOWING HOW MUCH I’D LOVE THE PLACE AND THE PEOPLE THERE.
THEY WERE THE FIRST TO MAKE ME FEEL AT HOME IN PITTSBURGH, AND THAT CONNECTION HAS ONLY GROWN STRONGER. IN 2021, I JOINED THE BOARD AND HAVE PROUDLY CONTRIBUTED TO PGC’S MISSION EVER SINCE.
CREATING SYNERGY TO HONOR A PLACE THAT DEEPLY INFLUENCED ME HAS BEEN AN INCREDIBLE HONOR.
A short behind-the-scenes video sharing my artistic process of creating Synergy (2025)