Glass Box Gallery expands opportunities for student artists

Daelynn Jones | Writer

Outside photo of the Glass Box gallery inside the Rothrock Library.

The Glass Box Gallery at Lehigh Carbon Community College was created to give student artists a professional platform to showcase their work and connect with the larger art community. 

According to Gallery Director and Assistant Professor of Art Jeremy Siedt, the primary goal of the gallery is to help students network with professional artists while learning the process of exhibiting their work. The gallery provides a space where both students and established artists can share their art and build connections with peers and the surrounding community. 

“I want to provide more opportunities for students so they can show their own work and take ownership of their art. Which can lead to students being rewarded scholarships and grants,” Siedt said. 

Planning for the Glass Box Gallery began in 2019, but the opening was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The gallery eventually held its first exhibition in 2023 after securing grants and support from colleagues and institutions. 

Students who want to submit artwork can do so through the LCCC website, and the gallery also posts calls for art through its Instagram page, @LCCCglassboxgallery. Exhibits are often curated around a specific vision or narrative and artists are selected based on how their work fits that theme. 

The gallery also recognizes student achievement through awards. Each year, six awards are presented during the Art and Scholars Showcase event. The next showcase is scheduled for April 20, 2026, and awards are presented by professional artists, faculty members and administrators. 

While the gallery has seen success, including a recent exhibition featuring artists from Easton and Philadelphia that sold multiple pieces, there are still challenges. One of the biggest difficulties is scheduling events at times when both students and faculty can attend. Many openings are held in the evening, which can conflict with busy schedules. 

Despite these challenges, Siedt said one of the most rewarding aspects of running the gallery is being able to create opportunities for student artists and show them that creative careers are possible. He believes the gallery also highlights the importance of building community through art and creative expression. 

Future plans for the gallery include increasing the number of student exhibitions and competitions while continuing to host professional artists, further expanding opportunities for students to share their work. 

To learn more, follow the Glass Box Gallery on Instagram @LCCCGlassBoxGallery and visit the gallery, located inside the Rothrock Library.