Glass Career Resources

The Career Center has built this page to provide you with valuable advice and resources relevant to your major. Explore and take advantage of what you find here to maximize your career readiness!

 

Common Career Paths for Glass Majors

If you are still trying to explore and evaluate your career path, you can check out this selected list of common job titles that alumni often pursue. Please keep in mind, this is not meant to be exhaustive. Rather, you can consider it a starting point to explore options in the field. 

Glass Artist- Create and sell original pieces of art using techniques such as blowing, casting, fusing, and sculpting. This could involve working independently or in collaboration with galleries and museums. 

Glassblower - Specialize in the art of glassblowing to create functional or decorative items. This role may involve working in a professional studio or production setting.

Glass Designer -  Design custom glass pieces for commercial or residential spaces, such as glass installations, furniture, or architectural elements. This could be done independently or as part of a manufacturing company.

Performance Artist - Conceive and execute live performances that might include elements of theater, visual art, or multimedia. The performance could be commissioned by a municipality, cultural institute , or event organizer.

Glass Studio Technician- Assist in a studio setting to manage and maintain equipment, assist with production, and ensure safety and quality control. One might be employed by an individual artist, community glass studio, or residency program. 

Art Administrator - Manage and support the operations of art organizations, such as galleries, museums, art centers, or cultural institutions. Exact responsibilities can vary widely depending on the size and focus of the organization.

Museum / Gallery Curator -  Organize exhibitions, manage collections, and support artists while working for institutions that exhibit artwork. This path often requires a graduate degree in a specialized field such as art history or museum studies for career advancement.

Art Educator - Teach art forms at various levels, from elementary schools to universities. Teaching at the university level would likely require graduate level education.

Gallery Assistant / Coordinator - Play a key role in the smooth operation of the gallery by offering sales support, exhibition management, artist communication, and marketing assistance.

Residency Coordinator - Manage the operational functions of artist residency programs. The exact responsibilities may vary depending on the residency, but may include focuses on programming, communication, studio maintenance, fundraising, and more.

Art Conservator - Preserve and restore artworks to ensure their longevity, while often working in a museum or cultural institution. This almost always require additional levels of highly specialized graduate education.

 

Places Where Students Have Recently Interned - A Selected List

This is a curated list of places where students have done internships in the last few years.

Wheaton Arts

Eli Klein Gallery

Janine Antoni

Jes Fan Studio

The Kitchen NYC

Pilchuck Glass School

Wildlife Conservation Society

Cedric Mitchell Design

 

Internships, Jobs, & Opportunities

Find jobs, internships, and other opportunities related to your major.

Glass Art Society - Job Listings

ArtFrankly

NYFA

Words of Mouth

Jobs.art

American Alliance of Museums

Art Curators Internships and Fellowships

Chicago Artist Coalition

Call For Curators

 

Organizations, Directories, & Communities

This is a curated selection of communities and organizations that are relevant to the field.

Glass Art Society

Art Alliance of Contemporary Glass

Center for Craft 

Craft In America

Erria

Performa

National Performance Network

Crafting the Future

American Craft Council

Sculptor.org

International Sculpture Center

Urban Glass

Pilchuck Glass School

Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center

Pittsburgh Glass Center

 

Grants, Fellowships, and Residencies 

Explore this selection of internal grant and fellow opportunities available to RISD students.

RISD Managed Grants & Awards

 

Student & Alumni Stories

Read these stories of students and alumni expressing their creativity in the professional world.

Fine Arts Portfolio Review Helps Students Consider Life After RISD

Tavares Strachan 03 GL - Between and Beyond Biennials

Glassblowing Meets Reality TV

 

CreativeStudy

This free online video learning platform is presented by creatives who have dedicated their lives to sharing knowledge on financial and business topics. Use your RISD Single Sign On credentials to access it!

Access CreativeStudy

 

Learn About Grants and Residencies

The following tutorial, produced by Grants & Residencies Manager Lisa Cramer, focuses on guiding you through the application process. RISD students and alumni are encouraged to meet with us to learn more.

 

 

Learn About Seeking Exhibition Opportunities

In this panel discussion, you'll hear directly from gallery and museum representatives along with RISD artists, who will offer specific tips and best practices to help improve your approach. 

 

Career Center Presentation for Glass Students

This Google slide deck is a presentation that highlights key Career Center resources students can access!