Mary Ann “Toots” Zynsky, born in 1951 in Boston, Massachusetts, is a pioneering American glass artist renowned for her innovative techniques and contributions to the Studio Glass Movement.

Early Life and Education

Toots Zynsky was raised in Massachusetts and earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in 1973. During her time at RISD, she studied under the legendary glass artist Dale Chihuly, who played a significant role in her early development as an artist. In 1971, she assisted Chihuly in the founding and early development of the Pilchuck Glass School in Washington State, which has become a pivotal institution in the glass art world.

Career and Artistic Development

Zynsky’s career is marked by her development of the filet-de-verre technique, which involves pulling fine threads from glass canes and fusing them into sculptural vessels. This technique has become her signature style and has garnered international acclaim for its unique and vibrant explorations in color and form.

From 1980 to 1983, Zynsky played a crucial role in the rebuilding and development of the New York Experimental Glass Workshop, now known as UrbanGlass, in Brooklyn. During this period, she experimented with various materials, including barbed wire and glass, creating innovative works that combined these elements.

Zynsky lived in Europe from 1983 to 1999, where she further refined her filet-de-verre technique. Her time abroad, particularly in Ghana, Amsterdam, and Paris, significantly influenced her artistic practice and broadened her creative horizons.

Awards and Honors

Toots Zynsky has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including:

• National Endowment for the Arts Grants (1982 and 1986)
• Rakow Commission from The Corning Museum of Glass (1988)
• Pell Award for Excellence in the Arts
• Glass in Venice Award from the Istituto Veneto di Scienze, Lettere ed Arti (2013)
• Visionary Award from the Smithsonian and Smithsonian Women’s Committee (2015)
• Fellow of the American Craft Council (2008)
  
  

Exhibitions and Collections

Zynsky’s work has been exhibited in numerous prestigious venues worldwide. Notable exhibitions include:

• Masters of Studio Glass: Toots Zynsky at The Corning Museum of Glass (April 2, 2011 – January 29, 2012)
• Various exhibitions at the Theo Portnoy Gallery in New York City, where her early filet-de-verre pieces were showcased
  
  

Her works are included in over 70 museum collections globally, such as:

• Smithsonian American Art Museum
• Seattle Art Museum
• Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York
• Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam
  
  

Legacy

Toots Zynsky is celebrated as one of the most innovative voices in the American Studio Glass Movement. Her distinctive heat-formed filet-de-verre vessels are highly regarded for their unique and vibrant explorations in color. Her contributions to the field of glass art have made her a pivotal figure, and her works continue to inspire and influence contemporary glass artists around the world.

In summary, Toots Zynsky’s career is a testament to her innovative spirit and dedication to the art of glassmaking. Her pioneering techniques and artistic vision have left an indelible mark on the world of contemporary glass art.