The Contemporary Glass Society (CGS) is delighted to return to the Pyramid Gallery in York with a brand-new exhibition celebrating the timeless theme of ‘The Four Seasons.’

Application Deadline: 31st May 2025

The Contemporary Glass Society (CGS) is delighted to return to the Pyramid Gallery in York with a brand-new exhibition celebrating the timeless theme of ‘The Four Seasons.’

We are thrilled to announce that the 2025 CGS Exhibition at Pyramid Gallery, York will now centre around the timeless and universally resonant theme of ‘The Four Seasons’.

This change comes in response to a deep interest from our members for a theme that speaks to colour, pattern, the natural word and of course the Arts.

This year also marks the 300th anniversary of Antonio Vivaldi’s masterpiece, The Four Seasons, which continues to inspire artists across mediums.

And in addition, the theme allows us to engage with each of the seasons, the cycle of the year, the colours and patterns of nature, and the rich symbolism of time’s unfolding.

Whether you are moved by Vivaldi’s iconic music or the seasons and the seasonal shifts in your own environment, this exhibition offers a beautiful canvas to showcase your creative interpretations.

This special opportunity is open exclusively to CGS members based in the UK. 

We invite you to submit glass artwork inspired by the seasons – whether responding to Vivaldi’s iconic composition, drawing from the individual and shifting colours of nature, or exploring the passage of time through glass.

This exhibition encourages artists to explore:

• The emotional and visual language of Vivaldi’s score
• The distinct seasons and natural changes across the year
• Colour, light, and form as seasons shift.
• The personal or universal symbolism of time’s passing

Submission Criteria:

• Open to UK-based CGS members only
• Artists may submit up to 3 pieces, or a group of small works (one form per piece)
• Work must be at least 50% glass, made after 1st January 2021
• All work must be for sale.
• Wall and plinth-based works are welcome.
• Work must withstand heat and light – environmental factors at the gallery cannot be controlled.
• Artists must be able to deliver selected works by 1st September 2025
• All unsold pieces will be returned by the end of November 2025

Selection Process:

A panel including Terry Brett, a CGS Board Member, and an invited independent artist will select a diverse range of works representing a variety of glassmaking techniques.

Selections will be announced by 30th June 2025.

Delivery Address:

Pyramid Gallery, 43 Stonegate, York YO1 8AW

Ensure your package is clearly labelled with:

• Your name
• A small image of your piece
• Reference: CGS THE FOUR SEASONS

Let your creativity reflect the rhythm of the season — from the bloom of spring to the stillness of winter. We look forward to seeing your interpretation.

Insurance:

Work will be insured from arrival at Pyramid Gallery for the duration of the exhibition until work is either collected or despatched. 

No responsibility can be accepted by the venue for any damage incurred to exhibits whilst in storage or during transit. Transportation and insurance of exhibits to and from the venue space is the sole responsibility of the artist.

Marketing and Publicity;

Please ensure that all images you send are available for us to use for publicity and that you have copyright. If the artist does not have copyright please provide the name of the photographer who will be credited accordingly. 

Please provide high-quality images. If you are successful, you will be asked to provide images with a minimum of 300dpi. 

Image Files should have your name, title of work, date, size and photo credit.

To help market the work we ask that selected artists pay £30 towards publicity for the show. This will be invoiced in August 2025.

Selling work:

All work should be for sale, the Gallery will add 40% (plus VAT) commission. From this a donation of 10% of the gallery profit will be paid to CGS for administration.  You should give the price that you want to receive and the gallery will mark it up by x 1.95.

Example:

Artists price £1,000, the item will be for sale at £1,950.
If the artist is VAT registered, then the selling price will be £2400 and the artist will receive £1200  ( includes 20% VAT )

Location: Pyramid Gallery, 43 Stonegate, York YO1 8AW, Tel. 01904641187

Exhibition Opening: Saturday 6th September 12noon – 3pm, exhibiting artists are encouraged to attend.

This is a selected show open to all CGS Members.

An administration fee will be £15. This is non-refundable. Once selected, we shall ask each successful artist for a marketing contribution of £30. Selection will be in June 2025.

If you’re not already a member of CGS, you can join to take part, see  Become a Member: Contemporary Glass Society (cgs.org.uk)  

As well as making you eligible for this exciting exhibition, you’ll be part of a dynamic contemporary glass community and receive valuable membership benefits – see full details at www.cgs.org.uk.

You will need to fill in one submission form per artwork. After you have filled in the first submission form and paid your fee, you will be able to fill in two more forms, if applicable.