Early Life and Education

Robert Clark Palusky, born in 1942, is a distinguished American glass artist known for his innovative and abstract glass sculptures. He pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the University of Wisconsin at Superior and later obtained a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in ceramics from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Despite his formal education in ceramics, Palusky is largely self-taught in the art of glass, which has become his primary medium.

Career and Artistic Contributions

Palusky’s career spans over four decades, during which he has established himself as a pioneer in contemporary glass art. His works are characterized by their abstract forms and intricate designs, often exploring the interplay between light and glass. Palusky’s art has been celebrated globally, and his pieces are part of numerous prestigious collections.

Exhibitions

Robert Palusky has an extensive exhibition history, showcasing his work in both solo and group exhibitions around the world. Some notable exhibitions include:

• One-Man Shows:
  
  • Habatat Galleries, Boca Raton, FL (multiple years)
  • Ian Peck Gallery, New York City
  • Snyderman Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
  • Heller Gallery, New York City
  • Cultural Exchange Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ
• Group Exhibitions:
  
  • National Museum of Ceramic Art, Baltimore, MD
  • Alexander Tutsek-Stiftung, Munich, Germany
  • National Liberty Museum, Philadelphia, PA
  • Tête à Tête: Figures Humaines, Mudac Museum of Design, Lausanne, France
  • S.O.F.A. International Exhibition, Chicago, IL
  • Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit, MI
  • Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
    
    

Collections and Museums

Palusky’s works are held in several renowned museums and private collections, including:

• Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati, OH
• Museum of Contemporary Crafts, New York City, NY
• Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, NY
• Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA
• Museum of Modern Art, New York City, NY
• Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art, Sapporo, Japan
• Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo, OH
• Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit, MI
• Contemporary Glass Museum, Madrid, Spain
  
  

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his illustrious career, Robert Palusky has received numerous accolades. He was notably recognized by the American Interfaith Institute for the Kristallnacht International Project and has been a prominent figure in various international glass art exhibitions. His contributions to the field have not only advanced the medium but have also inspired a new generation of glass artists.

Publications

Palusky’s work and influence have been documented in several publications, including:

• An Interpretive History of the American Studio Glass Movement 1960-1990
• Where Image Meets Form
• Contemporary Art Glass – The Artists and Their Work
• American Artists, An Illustrated Survey
• New Glass, A World Wide Survey
• World Glass Now 88
• Glass 90 In Japan
• Masterpieces of American Glass
• Contemporary Glass
  
  

Legacy and Influence

Robert Palusky’s impact on the world of glass art is profound. His innovative techniques and unique artistic vision have earned him a place among the most respected glass artists of his time. Palusky’s dedication to his craft and his role as an educator at Hamilton College for 37 years have left an indelible mark on the art community.

Today, Palusky continues to create and inspire from his state-of-the-art glass studio in Upstate New York, where he remains an active and influential figure in the contemporary glass art scene.

Robert Clark Palusky’s journey from a ceramics student to a celebrated glass artist is a testament to his talent, dedication, and pioneering spirit. His works continue to captivate and inspire audiences worldwide, solidifying his legacy in the annals of contemporary art.