GRANVILLE, Ohio — After 13 years of honing his craft in the heat of the glass furnace, Hocking County artist Zachary Craycraft is stepping out from the shadows of production work and into the spotlight of the fine art world. Craycraft was recently recognized with his first-ever juried award at the 22nd Annual Bryn Du Art Show, a premier destination for fine art held at the historic Bryn Du Mansion. Known for its high standards and professional curation, the show draws hundreds of competitive applications from across the state, making selection a major career milestone. The 2026 exhibition, which runs from March 6 through March 28, features a diverse array of elite 2D and 3D works selected by a professional juror, providing a high-profile stage for Craycraft’s breakthrough into the gallery circuit.
A Breakthrough Moment
For Craycraft, who spent years working under renowned artist Jack Pine, the win marks a significant personal and professional milestone. Despite his experience, he admitted to feeling “intimidated” by the sheer level of talent on display at the mansion.
“It was my first juried art show, and my first award that I have ever earned on a piece that I made for myself,” Craycraft said. “There is really no better feeling than when I see people understand or appreciate the work that I put into my glass art. I’m just getting started. The only thing I think about is glass”.
Shifting from Production to Provocation
Known for a style that captures the “chaotic, yet soothing” nature of molten glass, Craycraft is using this momentum to transition away from traditional production-style pieces like pumpkins and vases toward more abstract, thought-provoking forms. His goal for 2026 is to push the boundaries of color and texture, creating signature works that are “unmistakably mine”.
“I am always looking to push the limits of what I can do… I really want to make things that people can appreciate outside of their strict utilitarian nature,” he explained.
What’s Next for the Artist?
Art enthusiasts will have several opportunities to see Craycraft’s evolving style throughout the spring:
- Through March 28: His award-winning piece remains on display and for sale at the Bryn Du Mansion in Granville.
- May 2026: A collaborative show titled “Visions and Textures” with woodworker Robert Troup will debut at Gallery 22 in Delaware, Ohio.
- May 29–31: Craycraft will exhibit his work at the Cincinnati Summer Fair.
A Vision for the Future
While his current focus is on establishing his name in the gallery circuit, Craycraft’s long-term dream involves giving back. He hopes to eventually open a school or program to make “tough art forms” like glassblowing accessible to underprivileged teenagers.
“I want to give people the same opportunities that I was so lucky to honestly just fall into,” Craycraft said.
