Mary Shaffer (born 1947) is a renowned American glass artist and sculptor who has made significant contributions to the studio glass movement. Her innovative techniques and unique artistic vision have earned her international recognition and numerous accolades throughout her career.

Early Life and Education

Born in South Carolina, Shaffer spent her formative years in South America and Europe, which greatly influenced her multicultural perspective. She learned Spanish as her first language, followed by English and German. Shaffer’s artistic journey began early, with a pivotal moment in first grade when she realized her passion for painting.

Shaffer pursued her formal art education at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), earning a BFA in illustration in 1965. She later completed an MFA in painting from the University of Maryland in 1987.

Artistic Career and Innovations

Initially focusing on painting, Shaffer’s artistic path took a significant turn in the early 1970s when she began experimenting with glass. This exploration led to her groundbreaking development of the “mid-air slumping” technique, a process that allows her to bend plate glass without using molds. This innovative approach became a signature feature of her work, setting her apart from other studio glass artists.

Shaffer’s sculptures often combine elements such as wire, metal, and found objects with folded or draped clear glass layers. Her work is characterized by its ability to capture light and create fluid, organic forms that challenge the perception of glass as a rigid material.

Notable Works and Exhibitions

Throughout her career, Shaffer has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions worldwide. Some of her notable exhibitions include:

• “Tools and Other Friends” at The Lowe Museum, Miami, FL (2015)
• “Reflections & Contradictions” at The Katzen Arts Center, American University Museum, Washington, DC (2014)
• “Mary Shaffer: Clear Vision, Reflection, Transparency and Glass” at Ellen Noel Museum, Midland/Odessa, TX (2008)
• “Mary Shaffer: Visions 1970-2007” at Gerald Peters Gallery, Santa Fe, NM (2007)
  
  

Awards and Honors

Shaffer’s contributions to the field of glass art have been widely recognized through numerous awards and grants, including:

• USA Fellow Grant from United States Artists (2010)
• Three National Endowment for the Arts awards
• Glaspreis from the Kassel Competition in Germany
• Visionary Award from the Museum of Arts and Design (1995)
  
  

Collections and Commissions

Mary Shaffer’s work is featured in prestigious collections worldwide, including:

• Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City
• Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto, Japan
• Smithsonian Renwick Gallery – National Museum of American Art, Washington, D.C.
• Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, NY
• The Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit, MI
  
  

Teaching and Lecturing

In addition to her artistic practice, Shaffer has made significant contributions to art education. She has taught at several institutions, including:

• Wellesley College
• New York University
• California College of the Arts
• University of New Mexico–Taos
  
  

Shaffer has also lectured at over 40 museums, sharing her expertise and passion for glass art with audiences worldwide.

Legacy and Impact

Mary Shaffer’s work has played a crucial role in elevating glass from a purely functional material to a respected medium in fine art. Her innovative techniques and artistic vision have inspired generations of glass artists and contributed to the broader recognition of studio glass in the art world.

Today, Mary Shaffer continues to create and inspire from her studio in Taos, New Mexico, where she has resided since the mid-2020s. Her enduring legacy as a pioneer in the studio glass movement and her ongoing contributions to the field cement her status as one of the most influential glass artists of her generation.