The Corning Museum of Glass (CMoG) has unveiled its latest exhibition, Tough Stuff: Women in the American Glass Studio, which opened on May 16, 2026. This exhibition marks a significant highlight in the Museum's year-long celebration of its 75th anniversary. It represents the first comprehensive showcase of works by female artists who were pivotal during the transformative decades of the American Studio Glass Movement in the 1960s and 1970s.
Featuring over 200 pieces from notable artists including Claire Falkenstein, Audrey Handler, and Ruth Tamura, Tough Stuff aims to shed light on the often underrepresented contributions of women in this artistic domain. Tami Landis, the curator of Postwar and Contemporary Glass at CMOG, expressed that the exhibition seeks to provide a new perspective on the diverse histories of glass art in the United States. "It is rooted in dialogues with artists about their journeys, the challenges they faced, and their unique styles," Landis stated.
This exhibition not only highlights the artistic prowess of women but also contextualizes their work within the broader social and cultural dynamics of the time. By focusing on the narratives of these artists, Tough Stuff enriches the historical discourse surrounding the Studio Glass Movement, which has traditionally been dominated by male figures.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore previously unseen works from CMOG's permanent collection and the Rakow Research Library, along with significant loans from the featured artists. These pieces will showcase a variety of techniques and reflect the intricate interplay of social, cultural, and gender politics that influenced female artists during this pivotal era.
To further extend the impact of Tough Stuff, CMOG's Rakow Research Library is launching an Oral History initiative. This project will provide public access to first-person accounts from many artists still living today, creating a living archive that includes oral histories, photographs, and archival materials. This initiative aims to preserve the voices and experiences of these trailblazing women for future generations of glassmakers and art enthusiasts.
The exhibition and its associated programming have been made possible through the generous support of philanthropist Mary Spurrier from Rochester.
As we celebrate the contributions of women in glass art, Tough Stuff not only honors the past but also inspires future generations to explore and innovate within this vibrant artistic medium.
