Claire Kelly is a renowned glass artist known for her whimsical and thought-provoking sculptures that explore the relationship between humans, animals, and the environment. Born in 1974, Kelly has established herself as a prominent figure in the contemporary glass art scene.

Education and Early Career

Kelly graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Alfred University in 1996. Her early career was marked by collaborative work with Anthony Schafermeyer from 2000 to 2008 under the name Schafermeyer/Kelly Glass.

Artistic Style and Techniques

Kelly’s work is characterized by:

• Integration of traditional Venetian glassblowing and cold working processes
• Use of cane and murrini techniques
• Exploration of line, pattern, and color
• Creation of fantastical microcosms featuring animal figures, particularly elephants
  
  

Her sculptures are influenced by mid-century Venetian masters like Napoleone Martinuzzi and Carlo Scarpa, as well as contemporary artists such as Dick Marquis and Toots Zynsky.

Notable Residencies and Fellowships

• 2004: EnergyXchange fellowship in Burnsville, North Carolina
• 2017: Artist in Residence at The Studio of the Corning Museum of Glass
• 2018: Rosenberg Residency at Salem State University, Massachusetts
• 2018: Residency at Salem Art Works, New York
• 2018: Visiting Resident Artist at the Museum of Glass, Tacoma, Washington
  
  

Teaching Experience

Kelly has been an instructor at several prestigious institutions:

• Penland School of Crafts
• Pilchuck Glass School
• Pittsburgh Glass Center
• The Studio of The Corning Museum of Glass
• Haystack Mountain School of Crafts
• Centro Fundacion del Vidrio in La Granja, Spain
  
  

Exhibitions and Achievements

• 2018: Selected as a demonstrating artist at the Glass Art Society Conference in Venice, Italy
• 2022: Contestant on Netflix’s “Blown Away” season 3
• 2023: Featured in “All Creatures Great and Small” exhibition, June 30 – October 29
• 2023: Participated in “Illuminate” exhibition at 171 Cedar Arts Center, June 16 – August 25
  
  

Kelly’s work has been exhibited internationally, with recent shows including:

• “Vibrant Perspectives” at Duncan McClellan Gallery in St. Petersburg, Florida
• Ongoing representation at Penland Gallery, Vetri gallery, and Montague Gallery
  
  

Recognition and Impact

Claire Kelly’s unique voice in glassmaking has earned her recognition for both technical acuity and aesthetic appeal. Her work speaks to audiences about environmental issues while maintaining a playful innocence. Kelly’s glass sculptures serve as advocates for the precious worlds they represent, bridging the gap between decorative art and environmental consciousness.

Through her art, teaching, and participation in residencies and exhibitions, Claire Kelly continues to make significant contributions to the field of glass art, inspiring both fellow artists and audiences with her innovative techniques and meaningful themes.