Ode to Diligence: The Art of Jason McDonald ♿

“Every piece I create, from the humblest tumbler to the most baroque sculpture, makes a statement about isolation, striving, access, perseverance, boundary pushing, and the pursuit of excellence. I believe my presence in the field as a working-class Black man, striving and excelling in a field occupied chiefly by society’s most privileged (whitest), is a powerful artistic and political gesture. “—Jason McDonald

Glass vessels evocative of the highly ornamented Baroque style, black silhouettes embedded in scenes on ancient pottery vessels, and medallion reliefs of Black figures all abide in the deliberate, expansive practice of Jason McDonald. McDonald’s visual language is deeply rooted in research of ancient histories, traditional techniques, and race. Here, contemporary ideas blend and transform tradition with caring attention to detail, precision in thought, and beauty. Motivated by glass—with its magical properties, myriad possibilities and potential—McDonald’s devotion lies in the desire to refine the craft, making his hands more familiar and knowledgeable with each replication. Through his repetition and re-imagination of these historical forms, the objects transform into sculptures and vessels of time, carrying with them the essence of centuries-old traditions, as well as McDonald’s commitment and insertion of the representation and notions of Black identity. With a commitment to the craft that transcends his own work, McDonald diligently carves out space for those who will follow him through mentoring and the creation of his own glass studio, which he has named Ideal Conditions.

Ode to Diligence: The Art of Jason McDonald is Jason McDonald’s first solo museum exhibition. McDonald is the 2026 awardee of The Current, An Artist Award.

Artist Bio: Jason McDonald attended California College of the Arts on a merit scholarship where he received his BFA with Honors in Glass. Afterwards, he was awarded the Presidential Fellowship from Tyler School of Art and Architecture, earning an MFA. He has taught numerous workshops at world-class institutions including Penland School of Craft, Pilchuck Glass School, The Studio at the Corning Museum of Glass, and others. He was a contestant on the Netflix show Blown Away and collaborates with other artists and designers, including Solange Knowles’ brand, Saint Heron, for whom he designed and fabricated a line of stemware. 

Museum admission required.