Carlyn Ray Designs
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Stories in Glass — where fine art meets feeling. Carlyn Ray Designs is the premier art and architectural glass studio in Dallas, Texas.
Serving a clientele of developers and designers as well as creating custom art installations for residential and commercial clients. After training with the best in the world, Carlyn Ray has established a team of trained specialists to fabricate unique designs with technology, engineering, lighting and passion. With personal attention to each project, of any size, CRD strives to go beyond the needs and expectation to create your vision.
Inside the Studio | Episode 2: Butterfly Bowls
Working with hot glass is all about movement, timing and teamwork.
At this temperature, the glass has a consistency almost like honey. I’m rolling it back and forth, introducing air through the blowpipe and shaping the form while Alex prepares the color drop and Heather works alongside us in the studio.
The color is applied using specialized tools, including diamond shears, while gravity and just a little pressure help us shape the glass on the table.
What surprised you most about how many people and tools are involved in shaping one piece?
Butterfly Bowls | Episode 1: This episode takes viewers inside the Carlyn Ray Designs studio as Carlyn begins the process of creating a butterfly bowl. She explains how the glass and color are heated and prepared for the color drop, giving viewers a closer look at the heat, timing and preparation involved in working with molten glass.
What part of the glassmaking process would you like to see more of?
09/17/2026
As Emergence comes to a close at The Grace Museum, I’ve been reflecting on what this experience has meant to me. Having my first museum exhibition here has been incredibly special. These works are about transformation, reflection, light, and the connections that art can create between us.
I’m so grateful to The Grace Museum, the Abilene community, and everyone who has spent time with the work these past months.
If you haven’t seen Emergence yet, I would love for you to experience it before it closes on September 19.
Join us for the Emergence Closing Reception on Friday, September 18 at 6:00 PM at The Grace Museum, during SculpTOUR 2026. SculpTOUR takes place September 18 and 19, celebrating public art and the arts community throughout Abilene.
Thank you, Abilene, for being part of this chapter with me.
The Grace Museum
09/17/2026
As Emergence comes to a close at The Grace Museum, I’ve been reflecting on what this experience has meant to me. Having my first museum exhibition here has been incredibly special. These works are about transformation, reflection, light, and the connections that art can create between us.
I’m so grateful to The Grace Museum, the Abilene community, and everyone who has spent time with the work these past months.
If you haven’t seen Emergence yet, I would love for you to experience it before it closes on September 19.
Join us for the Emergence Closing Reception on Friday, September 18 at 6:00 PM at The Grace Museum, during SculpTOUR 2026. SculpTOUR takes place September 18 and 19, celebrating public art and the arts community throughout Abilene.
Thank you, Abilene, for being part of this chapter with me.
The Grace Museum
08/01/2026
Meet artist Carlyn Ray at Raven Gallery today in Aspen during ArtWeek. Come hear about the inspiration behind her weavings displayed in the gallery, as well as stories from her glass journey.
I am touched when my creations hold so much love, memories, and light that they are cherished and held close- especially in difficult times.
Theo was my friend, mentor, and business coach. We created this chandelier together, he named her “Gorgeous,” so he could wake up and say every morning as he entered his kitchen- ‘hello Gorgeous’. He had a great sense of humor!
Theo unexpectedly passed away. His son Michael asked if I could relocate this joyous piece to his personal home to be reminded of his Father’s light and spirit.
This was an honor and I am touched how much our creations can hold and the light shared.
Now this beautiful chandelier gorgeously hangs in Michael and his girlfriend Maz’s entry way, full of light and glory.
May we all share, live, and be remembered in light
Six years in the making.
Swipe through the journey behind Gathered Radiance, from early sketches and renderings to the final installation now suspended inside the Abilene Heritage Square library atrium.
What began as conversations and ideas back in 2020 slowly evolved into 400 hand-crafted glass elements designed to reflect light, movement and community connection. The process behind this piece was just as meaningful as the final result: years of dreaming, designing, creating and watching every small detail come together over time.
06/16/2026
Art has the ability to spark conversation, inspire imagination and create connection. Thank you to Christopher Collins and for highlighting Gathered Radiance and the role public art can play in bringing a community together.
“I feel the energy really culminating in Abilene,” Ray says, “this blossoming effect, like it’s just starting to open up.” Her Gathered Radiance, along with works displayed at Ray’s solo exhibition inside the Grace Museum a few blocks from the library, casts a glimmer across the city’s centerline, a beacon of imagination and creative exploration in a divisive world. “Colors and light, there’s something about that that naturally ties books and art and learning together. It opens minds to possibilities.” – Christopher Collins
06/11/2026
Carlyn Ray Designs was honored to support Ronald McDonald House Dallas during this year’s Rock The House and Heart of Gold celebrations, marking 45 years of serving families with seriously ill children.
Carlyn’s connection to RMHD began through Migration, a community-created installation that featured butterflies decorated by families staying at the House, each representing a story of hope, resilience and love. The experience offered a firsthand look at the impact RMHD has on children and families during some of life’s most challenging moments.
This year’s celebration was especially meaningful as Carlyn Ray Designs created the Heart of Gold Award honoring Nancy Nasher and David Haemisegger for their extraordinary support of RMHD and lasting impact on the Dallas community. The moment came full circle for Carlyn, who was honored with the Obelisk Award by Nancy and the Business Council For The Arts in 2019.
Congratulations to Nancy and David, and thank you to everyone who helps make Dallas a community rooted in compassion and care.
25,000 visitors in one week.
When Gathered Radiance was installed at Abilene Heritage Square Library, the hope was that it would become part of a space where people gather, learn and connect. Seeing the community embrace the library in such a big way has been incredible to watch.
From thousands of books checked out to hundreds of new library cards issued, the excitement surrounding this new chapter for Abilene is undeniable. Carlyn Ray Designs is honored to have a small piece in a project that’s already making such a meaningful impact. 📖
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8510 Chancellor Row
Dallas, TX
75247
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| Monday | 8am - 4pm |
| Tuesday | 8am - 4pm |
| Wednesday | 8am - 4pm |
| Thursday | 8am - 4pm |
| Friday | 8am - 4pm |
| Saturday | 8am - 4pm |
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