We welcome you to visit our upcoming exhibit featuring the art of Beeville-based Texas artist Jayne Duryea.

Originally from New York, Jayne Duryea has been in South Texas for the past 42 years. Receiving her BFA with additional graduate study from East Carolina University, she completed her Master’s Degree at Texas A&M University at Kingsville in Painting and Drawing in 1988. In 1989, she became Division Chair of the Fine Arts as well as having held the position of Director of the Simon Michael Gallery as Professor of Art at Coastal Bend College since 1981 until her retirement in 2022.

Duryea took a Glass Workshop with Bill Bagley in 1988 at Texas Tech University in Junction, Texas as a birthday present to herself at 34 years old. She recalls seeing Glass Blowers during grade school on a field trip to Riverhead, NY in the 1950s and was quietly intrigued since then.

Extensive travel in Europe, particularly a six-month Sabbatical in France, opened many avenues for her work. During 1996 and 1997, she was afforded the opportunity to blow glass at the A.R.S. Murano glass factories in Venice, Italy.

Upon her return to Bee County College for the Fall Semester, Jayne secured a private grant to build Glass Blowing facilities at BCC, now Coastal Bend College.

Duryea’s vehicle of expression can be found in either paint or hot glass. Light and color, along with a return to nature for the expression of her sensibilities, are her major concerns. Her works are in many private and permanent collections throughout the States, Canada, the Cayman Islands, and France. She is represented by various galleries and is listed in many “Who's Who” publications as well as being a Charter Member of the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Duryea was nominated Texas Artist of the Year for 2008-2009 and 2009-2010.

Duryea has worked and visited many glassblowing facilities throughout her career and ultimately established her own studio for creative pursuit. The Glass Workshops are currently offered on a private basis at her personal studio.

Be sure to become a Nave member today to gain an exclusive invitation to our Members-Only Opening Night Preview Events and After Parties for an opportunity to mingle with members, guests, and artists to hear the passion behind their works!