Biography
Early Life and Education
Morgan Peterson, a renowned glass artist, was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. She pursued her passion for art at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, where she earned a dual degree in 2006 from the Studio for Interrelated Media (SIM) and the Glass departments. Following her graduation, Morgan relocated to Seattle, Washington, to further her education and career in the arts.
Career and Artistic Style
Morgan’s career in glass art is marked by her distinctive and “twisted” style, which she describes as impossible to confuse with anyone else’s work. Her art often incorporates themes of satire through pop culture, addiction, and dark humor. She is known for her unique ability to evoke disquiet and disturbance through her work, confronting societal addictions and hypocrisies.
In Seattle, Morgan became a full-time team member at Chihuly Studio, working closely with the renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. She also contributed to the arts community as an instructor at Pratt Fine Arts and Pilchuck Glass School.
Awards and Recognitions
Morgan Peterson gained significant recognition when she won the fourth season of Netflix’s reality glassblowing competition, Blown Away. The season premiered on March 8, 2024, and featured ten artists competing for the show’s largest prize to date: $100,000, a residency at the Corning Museum of Glass, and a residency in Venice, Italy, with world-renowned glass artist Adriano Berengo. Her victory on Blown Away solidified her status as a leading contemporary glass artist.
Exhibitions
Morgan’s work has been showcased in numerous prestigious exhibitions both nationally and internationally. Some notable exhibitions include:
- The Young Glass Exhibition: An international competition hosted by The Glasmuseet Ebeltoft, which occurs once every ten years.
- Group Shows in 2019: Including the Pittsburgh Glass Center, The Habatat Invitational, CHROMA in Nashville, TN, Traver Gallery in Seattle, WA, REFRACT (Seattle’s Glass Art Fair), and the Irish Glass Biennale in Dublin.
- Virtual Solo Show in 2020: Hosted by Habatat in Royal Oaks, MI.
- First Solo Exhibition in 2021: Held at Method Gallery in Seattle, WA.
- Blown Away Group Exhibition in 2024: At Traver Gallery, featuring winners and participants from the Netflix show.
Recent Work and Current Projects
Morgan continues to create and showcase her artwork, often sharing her latest pieces on her Instagram and other social media platforms. Her recent works include pieces like Once Upon a Crime, the American Epidemic, The American Dream, “You Have To Be Asleep To Believe It”, and Born Of Our Culture/American Excess. She remains an active and influential figure in the glass art community, constantly pushing the boundaries of her medium and exploring new themes and techniques.
Conclusion
Morgan Peterson’s journey from a Massachusetts native to a celebrated glass artist in Seattle is marked by her unique artistic voice and significant contributions to the field of glass art. Her work continues to inspire and challenge viewers, making her a prominent figure in contemporary art.