A Studio 4 Group Show:
Show Description
ESSENTIALS - A Guide to Life
PARLAY Festival 2026
Location: FaceClock Gallery
Philadelphia, PA
Opening Reception: Friday, September 18th, 2026
VIP - 4:20-7:00 PM | VIP TICKET HOLDERS ONLY
General Admission - 7:10-9:00 PM | Free Entry
On Display: Saturday, September 19th & Sunday, September 20th, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Studio 4 and Dago Arts are proud to present ESSENTIALS, a collaborative group exhibition presented as part of the official 2026 PARLAY Festival in Philadelphia. Bringing together a curated selection of borosilicate artists, the exhibition explores the objects that occupy the space between art, utility, ritual and everyday life.
ESSENTIALS centers on functional works created for use, collection and display; housewares, sesh objects and everyday necessities reimagined through the language of contemporary glass. By placing these objects within a gallery setting, the exhibition invites viewers to consider the relationship between craftsmanship and function, while highlighting the creativity and technical precision that define the borosilicate medium.
The works presented reflect a wide range of individual practices, aesthetics and approaches to functional glass. Together, they demonstrate how familiar objects can become vehicles for experimentation, cultural expression and design. What begins as something essential becomes something collectible, considered and distinctly personal.
Presented during PARLAY Festival, ESSENTIALS brings artists, collectors and members of the glass community together in an environment centered around connection, discovery and shared appreciation for the medium. The exhibition celebrates the artists who continue to push functional glass forward while challenging the boundaries between object, artwork and everyday experience.
We invite you to explore ESSENTIALS and experience a collection of objects designed to be used, admired and lived with.
VIP Tickets – Limited Release
We are releasing only 25 VIP tickets for ESSENTIALS.
VIP experience includes:
Early access to all available artwork
A heady swag box with show merch and items from our sponsors
VIP guests attending in person will receive a private gallery experience before doors open at 7:10PM on 9/18. For collectors unable to attend, we’ll schedule a personalized video walk-through of the exhibition.
Spots are extremely limited.
Secure your VIP access below:
Online Gallery Release
ONLINE GALLERY RELEASES BELOW ON 9/18
All remaining available works will go live to the public at 7:10PM on opening night.