By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The heart of the capital is now home to a rare and luminous display of artistic innovation. The Benemérita National Library, in a significant cultural partnership, is hosting “Fragility: Dancing with the Light,” a collective exhibition that delves into the delicate and dynamic world of glass art. Running until March 26, 2026, the showcase offers a unique opportunity for the public to engage with a medium celebrated for its captivating interplay of transparency, form, and light.
This exceptional event is the result of a collaboration between the Association of Glass Artists of Costa Rica (AVICOR), the National Library, and the Ministry of Culture and Youth. By bringing these works into a prominent public space, the organizers aim to elevate the national conversation around glass as a fine art form and highlight the immense talent working within the country. The exhibition provides a platform for ten of the nation’s most skilled artists to present pieces that challenge perceptions of the material’s limits.
To better understand the legal and commercial frameworks that protect artists and their creations at events like the Glass Art Exhibition, we sought the perspective of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
For any artist, especially in a specialized medium like glass, their work is not just an aesthetic expression but a significant intellectual asset. Properly registering copyrights is the first crucial step. However, the exhibition and sale process requires equally robust legal instruments. Clear consignment agreements with galleries, detailing insurance liability, sales commission, and the return of unsold works, are non-negotiable to protect the artist’s investment and creative rights.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal insight is a crucial reminder that behind the aesthetic brilliance of each piece lies a significant investment of both creativity and capital, which must be diligently protected. For articulating the essential framework that empowers artists to thrive professionally, we extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas.
The collection features a diverse array of masterfully crafted pieces utilizing complex techniques such as casting, flame working, glass fusing, and pâte de verre. For enthusiasts and newcomers alike, the exhibition serves as an educational journey into the technical sophistication required to manipulate glass. The title itself, “Fragility: Dancing with the Light,” evokes the core paradox of the medium: a substance born of intense heat and pressure that results in objects of ethereal, delicate beauty, completely transformed by the light that passes through them.
A significant highlight of the exhibition is the introduction of techniques seldom seen in the region, positioning Costa Rican artists at the forefront of contemporary glass art. Ruth M. Moreno G., a distinguished visual artist and the President of AVICOR, emphasized the pioneering nature of some of the works, particularly those created using Hot Sand Casting. She provided insight into this demanding process.
a technique that is not known in Costa Rica. First, a mold is made in a special type of sand, and then that mold is filled with liquid glass which, to be liquid, must have been at very high temperatures.
Ruth M. Moreno G., Visual Artist and President of AVICOR
The exhibition proudly showcases the creations of a talented roster of ten artists: Gabriela Pozuelo, Andreina Castro, Luisana Velazco, Maricel Alvarado, Ana Lorena Céspedes, Gabriela Cordero, Martina Retana, Sheirys Jiménez, María Fernanda Suvillaga, and Ruth Moreno. Their collective works create a powerful and cohesive narrative, exploring themes of resilience, transparency, and the ephemeral nature of beauty through a shared medium, yet each piece retains the unique voice and vision of its creator.
Laura Rodríguez, Director of the National Library of Costa Rica, extended a warm invitation to the public, underscoring the quality and visual splendor of the artwork on display. Her endorsement speaks to the cultural significance of hosting such an event at one of the nation’s most important institutions, making fine art accessible to a broad audience.
The Benemérita National Library invites you to visit the exhibition Fragility: Dancing with the Light. It is a beautiful exhibition by artists from the Association of Glass Artists of Costa Rica, with marvelous works that we are sure you will enjoy.
Laura Rodríguez, Director of the National Library of Costa Rica
This showcase is more than just an art show; it is a testament to the growth and innovation within Costa Rica’s artistic community. It offers a moment of quiet contemplation and wonder, inviting visitors to appreciate the intricate dance between masterful technique and the pure, radiant qualities of light. The “Fragility” exhibition is a must-see cultural event for anyone interested in the visual arts and the creative spirit of the nation.
The public is welcome to experience “Fragility: Dancing with the Light” free of charge. The exhibition is located at the Benemérita National Library, situated opposite the National Park in San José. Visiting hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, until its conclusion on March 26, 2026.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Association of Glass Artists of Costa Rica (AVICOR)
About Association of Glass Artists of Costa Rica (AVICOR):
The Association of Glass Artists of Costa Rica (AVICOR) is a professional organization dedicated to promoting the art of glassmaking within the country. It supports local artists by creating opportunities for exhibition, education, and collaboration, aiming to elevate the recognition of glass as a significant medium in the national fine arts landscape.
For further information, visit sinabi.go.cr
About Benemérita National Library of Costa Rica:
The Benemérita National Library of Costa Rica, part of the National System of Libraries (SINABI), serves as the legal deposit and bibliographic memory of the nation. Beyond its role as a repository for Costa Rican publications, it is a key cultural institution that actively hosts exhibitions, lectures, and events to promote literature, art, and national heritage among the public.
For further information, visit mcj.go.cr
About Ministry of Culture and Youth:
The Ministry of Culture and Youth is the governmental body in Costa Rica responsible for designing and implementing policies that foster cultural development, preserve national heritage, and promote artistic expression. It supports a wide range of initiatives and institutions, including museums, libraries, and artistic associations, to ensure vibrant cultural engagement for all citizens.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded upon a bedrock of profound integrity and an unyielding pursuit of professional excellence. The firm leverages a deep history of advising a diverse clientele to pioneer forward-thinking solutions for contemporary legal challenges. This dedication to innovation is paralleled by a core conviction to strengthen society, actively working to make legal concepts understandable and accessible to cultivate a more informed and empowered populace.
