Biography

Glass artist James Mongrain makes Venetian-inspired glass goblets of many shapes, sizes and colors. During his early career, he focused his attention on becoming proficient in the Venetian tradition of goblet-making, and he continues to be inspired by traditional Italian forms. “In my work, I strive for a level of precision that unites traditional elegance with contemporary flair,” says Mongrain. “It's important for me to make something that's new, that can hold my interest, and it needs to be honest and true.” Mongrain was introduced to glass at Moorhead State University in Minnesota, and later studied glassblowing at Massachusetts College of Art and the Appalachian Center for Crafts. He has been a lead gaffer for Dale Chihuly since 1998 and has worked with well-known contemporary artists Jim Dine, Kiki Smith, Jeff Koons, Robert Wilson, and Walter Lieberman. Mongrain’s work has been exhibited in the American Craft Museum in New York City, Louisville Museum of Art in Kentucky, as well as galleries and collections around the country, including The Corning Museum of Glass. In 2016, he was an Artist-in-Residence at The Studio, and was featured in the Guest Artist Series.