GLASS is the theme for a new exhibition at Pyramid Gallery on Stonegate, York.

"We're showing a joyful riot of colour and form in work by some of the UK’s most talented exponents of casting, blowing and sculpting and engraving, alongside rising stars and newcomers," says gallery owner Terry Brett.

Contemporary studio glass by 15 British artists makes up the exhibition, in which the north of England is represented by two significant names from the University of Sunderland’s National Glass Centre, Crispian Heath and Criss Chaney. Both are former Masters graduates and technicians at the North Eastern institute who specialise in casting to create sculptures in glass.

Pyramid Gallery has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the London Glassblowing Workshop, one of Britain's leading glass studios. In October, founder Peter Layton will curate a 40th anniversary show by members of his team at the York gallery and give a lecture on his life as a glass maker to the York Artworkers Association on Monday, October 24.

York Press:

Crispian Heath's glass work

As a taster, one of his team, Cathryn Shilling, from London, is showing her work in the present show. After graduating in graphic design from Central School of Art and Design in London, Cathryn worked as a designer until her family’s move to the United States in 2001 prompted her to pursue a new creative direction.

She studied the art and craft of stained glass in Connecticut and after she returned to London in 2004 she began studying and working with kiln-formed glass, as well as becoming a student of blown glass at the London Glassblowing Studio.

In 2007, Cathryn started making in a studio near her home, working alongside three other glass artists. Since January 2010, she has worked with Peter Layton in the London Glassblowing gallery as curator and exhibition Coordinator.

"Cathryn produces free-standing glass panels that are skilfully and painstakingly constructed in the kiln from coloured glass rods," says Terry. "She's evolved this method of producing her art while working with the London Glassblowing Workshop and has just had a piece accepted for entry into the Bullseye Glass Prize 2016, a prize she won in 2013."

York Press:

Laura Hart's Atlas Moth, in cast glass

Other artists in the exhibition include Craft & Design magazine's 2016 Selected Maker Gold Award winner, Laura Hart, and silver award winners Rachel Elliott and Sue Burns.

"The Craft & Design magazine is based in East Yorkshire but has made its annual awards for the crafts a highly prized event that champions the work of craft makers across the UK," says Terry. "The entries for this year's awards can all be seen in the magazine's July issue, published in mid-June."

The Glass 2016 exhibition runs at Pyramid Gallery until July 12; open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm; Sundays, 12 noon to 4pm. More information can be found at pyramidgallery.com