Vitro Architectural Glass Continues Support of Pittsburgh Glass Center's Art on Fire Celebration + Auction

Bringing together artists, community leaders, glass enthusiasts and supporters, Art on Fire celebrates the transformative power of glass. Proceeds from Art on Fire support Pittsburgh Glass Center's free public programs, scholarships, youth outreach initiatives and artist residencies, helping ensure access to glass art education and creative opportunities for future generations.

Vitro's ongoing support of Art on Fire reflects a broader partnership with Pittsburgh Glass Center and a shared commitment to advancing the art, science and future of glass. As a longtime supporter of the organization, Vitro donated Solarban^® 72 Starphire^® glass and VacuMax™ Vacuum Insulating Glass (VIG) to Pittsburgh Glass Center's recent landmark expansion project, helping strengthen one of the world's leading destinations for glass education, artistic development and community engagement. Additional project partners included glass fabricator, United Plate Glass, and glazing contractor, Southwest Aluminum & Glass Co., Inc., both located in Western Pennsylvania.

This partnership is especially meaningful given Vitro's deep roots in Western Pennsylvania. The company's architectural glass business traces its origins to Pittsburgh Plate Glass (PPG), founded in Pittsburgh in 1883. Today, Vitro continues to operate its world-renowned Glass Technology Center just north of the city, where researchers develop the next generation of architectural glass technologies.

PGC’s Art on Fire, 2025 (Photography: Nathan J. Shaulis)

"As a company built on more than 140 years of glass innovation, we recognize the importance of supporting the organizations that inspire the next generation of artists, makers and innovators," said Adam Polcyn, Vice President of Research and Development at Vitro Architectural Glass. "Glass has always been more than a building material. It is a medium for creativity, education, innovation and human connection. We are proud to support Pittsburgh Glass Center’s Art on Fire to help ensure that Pittsburgh remains a global center for glassmaking.”

“Pittsburgh Glass Center is proud to celebrate 25 years of advancing the art and craft of glass, and our partnership with Vitro Architectural Glass is a meaningful part of that milestone,” said Heather McElwee, Randi & L. Van V. Dauler, Jr. Executive Director, Pittsburgh Glass Center. “For the past six years, Vitro’s support of Art on Fire has helped us bring people together in support of creativity, education and innovation. This partnership connects Pittsburgh’s deep glassmaking legacy with the artists shaping its future, and we’re grateful to have Vitro alongside us as we celebrate this anniversary and look ahead to the next 25 years.”

The 2026 Art on Fire Celebration + Auction, Pittsburgh's only glass art auction, will take place on Friday, September 18 at Pittsburgh Glass Center and features more than 150 works by local and internationally renowned glass artists. Bidding opens Wednesday, August 26. Learn more about Pittsburgh Glass Center here.

Pittsburgh Glass Center's (PGC) Art on Fire Celebration + Auction

Pittsburgh Glass Center Post-Expansion (Photography: Jim Cunningham)