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Internationally acclaimed glass artist, Will Dexter works with his associate Etta Boettger,Both Will's company Taylor Backes and his association with Etta, Tibitu are located in Boyerstown, Pennsylvania. Will originally studied Marine Biology for three years at the University of Miami. He then moved to go to the University of Wisconsin where he studied glass for two years. Determined on being a glass artist, Will received his B.FA. from Tyler School of Art. Afterward, he attended the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design for his M.F.A. in glass. In 1990, will received a Masterworks Fellowship by the Creative Glass Center of America, Millville, NJ. Currently Will is a glass instructor at the Tyler School of Art. He and his wife, Karla have lectured and taught glass at renowned Pilchuck Glass School, Penland Craft School, and Rhode Island School of Design. Will????????????s work is exhibited throughout the world in major galleries, universities, and museums, including: National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto, Japan; the Glasmuseum Wertheim, Germany; the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo; the Museum of the State of Rhode Island; the Museum of American Glass, Wheaton Village, NJ; the Tyler School of Art Temple University, PA; Bowling Green State University, OH; the Wustum Museum, WI; and Feria Internacional De Ceramica, Vidrio, Valencia, Spain. Will Dexter????????????s work is sought after by public, private, and corporate collections including: Corning Museum of Glass, NY; the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, WI; the High Museum of Art, GA; the Philadelphia Museum of Art; Columbia Museum of Art, SC; the F. Pfannebecker Collection, PA; the Cincinnati Bell Collection, OH; the Archie Bray Foundation, Helena, Montana; and the Pilchuck Collection, Stanwood, WA. Will Dexter is known for his massive sculptural vessels magnified by dynamic swirling forms of color among precious dichroic glass. ????????????I love working with glass as a physical activity that results in objects which are beautiful.???????????? Will further describes his attraction to creating large objects as, ????????????I enjoy designing and solving problems, which makes taking on large corporate commissions especially viable and interesting for me.???????????? His skill and creativity is revealed by Will????????????s ever evolving work, including the use of dichroic glass. Dichroic glass is a very thin glass which originally developed for high technology applications, is now admired by glass artists for it????????????s ability to transmit one color while reflecting another. ????????????Although I explore many ideas, I seem to return to images that have aquatic feeling. Perhaps this reflects my childhood living on Florida????????????s Gulf Coast, my education in marine biology, or maybe it????????????s because I respond to the sensual wetness of glass.????????????
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What Makes Architectural Glass by Will Dexter So Remarkable?

Will Dexter, a globally recognized glass artist, is celebrated for his mastery of architectural glass. His dynamic creations blend artistic vision with exceptional craftsmanship, making him a leading figure in the art glass world. Will’s expertise stems from years of dedicated study and practice. He holds a B.F.A. from Tyler School of Art and an M.F.A. in glass from the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design. His career is marked by numerous accolades, including a Masterworks Fellowship from the Creative Glass Center of America.

Based in Boyertown, Pennsylvania, Will works closely with fellow artist Etta Boettger through their studio collaborations, Taylor Backes and Tibitu. Together, they produce awe-inspiring pieces sought after by collectors, museums, and corporations worldwide. Will’s large-scale installations are showcased in renowned galleries and prestigious institutions, including the National Museum of Modern Art in Japan and the Corning Museum of Glass in New York.

Exploring Contemporary Glass by Will Dexter

Will Dexter’s contemporary glass art captivates audiences through its bold designs and fluid forms. His signature style features sculptural vessels with swirling patterns magnified by dichroic glass—a material known for its unique ability to reflect and transmit different colors simultaneously. This innovative use of glass allows Will to craft pieces that seem to shimmer with life and movement.

Inspired by his early studies in marine biology, Will’s designs often evoke aquatic themes, blending natural fluidity with the strength of glass. His commitment to pushing creative boundaries has made him a respected educator at Tyler School of Art and a sought-after lecturer at esteemed art institutions like the Pilchuck Glass School.

Whether through monumental installations or intricately detailed vessels, Will Dexter continues to redefine contemporary glass art with passion and ingenuity.

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