Emergence: Transformation Through Glass and Light
“I am honored to have my first museum exhibition at The Grace Museum and have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the people of Abilene. The themes of this exhibition are reflection, transformation and illumination which mirror Abilene’s own evolution and the collective energy that makes this West Texas community shine. Through these works, I hope to honor not only the spirit of Abilene, but also the creativity and compassion that connect us all.”
Artist Reception: Carlyn Ray
Thursday, April 16, 2026 | 6 pm
Emergence: Transformation Through Glass and Light will feature 20 large glass installations created by Dallas glass artist, Carlyn Ray, with suspension and interactive elements to surprise and delight each visitor. Through this body of work, Ray explores the immersive potential of art; how light, color and form can evoke emotion and foster deeper connection. She invites viewers to move beyond observation into feeling, allowing each piece to become a portal for reflection and inner exploration.
Carlyn Ray is a master glassmaker known for her large-scale, site-specific installations that transform environments and spark human connection. Trained by renowned artists around the world – including a formative chapter working alongside Dale Chihuly – Carlyn blends technical mastery with conceptual depth to create immersive works of art that are both emotionally resonant and architecturally integrated.
Based in Dallas, Carlyn leads a multidisciplinary team through her studio, Carlyn Ray Designs, where artists, engineers, and fabricators collaborate to bring bold glass installations to life. Her signature style fuses movement, color, and light into dynamic pieces inspired by nature, transformation, and the stories of the people and places they inhabit. From glowing chandeliers and crystalline weavings to sculptural outdoor installations, Carlyn’s work engages the senses and elevates the everyday into the extraordinary.
Her artistic ecosystem includes Dallas Glass Art, a community-facing studio offering classes and hands-on experiences, and Art Reaching Out (ARO), a nonprofit she founded to empower underserved youth through STEAM and glass education. Carlyn believes deeply in the participatory power of art – inviting clients, communities, and viewers alike to be part of the story.
Every piece Carlyn creates is more than glass – it is a living, luminous expression of meaning. Her installations are made to be seen, shared, and felt, offering a moment of presence, a spark of joy, and a sense of wonder that endures.
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