Zeinab Manesh is an Iranian/Kurdish American glass artist based in Beacon, New York, known for her innovative fusion of Persian design traditions with contemporary glass artistry. As the founder of GlassqueenZ LLC, Zeinab has carved out a unique space in the glass art world by blending centuries-old motifs with cutting-edge glassblowing techniques. Her work reflects a rich cultural tapestry drawn from her Kurdish and Persian heritage and her experiences living and working in Turkey, Dubai, and the United States. Zeinab’s glass art explores themes of identity, displacement, and resilience, embodying both her personal journey and the collective narratives of Kurdish and Persian cultural history.
Early Life and Education
Zeinab’s artistic journey began with an early fascination for Persian and Kurdish carpets. Growing up surrounded by the intricate designs of Persian rugs and Kurdish weaving patterns, she developed a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and symbolism they represented. This foundation became the core inspiration for her glass work — reinterpreting traditional patterns through the medium of glass.
She pursued her passion at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Glass (2018–2022). During her time at RISD, Zeinab’s graduation thesis centered on crafting a Persian carpet using hot glass casting techniques — a project that garnered attention for its technical mastery and cultural significance.
Zeinab also completed a Pre-college Certificate in Painting and Sculpture from the California College of the Arts in 2017, strengthening her foundation in visual arts. Her training in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional art forms allows her to create glass pieces that balance structural complexity with aesthetic elegance.
Professional Experience
Zeinab’s work reflects a deep technical mastery across multiple glass-making disciplines, including:
- Glassblowing
- Kiln casting
- Hot casting
- Mold blowing
- Cold working
- Hot sculpting
- Multi-part assembly
Her professional experience includes working alongside renowned glass artists Chris Taylor and Josh Raife, where she honed her skills in both artistic innovation and studio management. Zeinab is proficient in managing complex production processes, from concept to completion, while maintaining high standards for craftsmanship and design integrity.
Founder of GlassqueenZ LLC
In 2024, Zeinab founded GlassqueenZ LLC in Beacon, New York, where she creates one-of-a-kind glass products inspired by Persian and Kurdish design. As the head of her business, Zeinab handles every aspect of production, from designing and crafting to sales and distribution. She has successfully built relationships with retailers and art collectors, securing contracts and managing business growth while ensuring the artistic quality of each piece remains uncompromised.
Teaching and Community Engagement
Zeinab is also deeply committed to arts education and community outreach. She has over three years of teaching experience, working with students of all ages and skill levels.
Her teaching experience includes:
- GlassRoots (Teaching Artist) – Teaching glassblowing, mosaics, stained glass, and kiln forming to students from beginner to advanced levels.
- Common Ground Farm (Teaching Artist) – Instructing children ages 5–9 in foundational art concepts, including mixed media, painting, and drawing. Zeinab also participated in the farm’s educational programs, contributing to community-based art and agricultural sustainability.
- Hudson Beach Glass (Instructor and Gallery Associate) – Leading “make your own” workshops, ensuring studio safety, and providing customer service in the gallery.
- Rhode Island School of Design (Assistant Technician & Teaching Assistant) – Supporting student learning and maintaining the studio environment.
- Orhun Kara Güzel Sanatlar Kursu (Visual Arts Teacher) – Preparing students for fine arts school auditions in Denizli, Turkey.
Zeinab’s background in multicultural education allows her to create inclusive and accessible learning environments. Fluent in Persian, Kurdish, Turkish, and Arabic, she fosters connections with diverse communities and brings a culturally sensitive perspective to her teaching.
Exhibitions and Recognition
Zeinab’s work has been featured in prominent exhibitions, including:
- Better Together Residency – Pilchuck (May 2025)
- Ann Street Gallery Fellowship – “Threads in Time” (September 2024)
- Beacon Open Studios, The Yard (June 2024)
- Beacon Open Studios, Hudson Beach Glass (June 2024)
- Blossom Fest – Red Hook, NY (April 2024)
- “In Spirit” – LotusWorks, Beacon, NY (October 2023)
- “Bright Future, So Happy!” – Providence, RI (April 2022)
- RISD Glass Biennial – Providence, RI (December 2021)
Her work has gained attention for its innovative use of glass to reinterpret Persian and Kurdish designs, highlighting both the fragility and strength of cultural identity.
Artistic Mission and Influence
Zeinab’s work is informed by her personal experiences as a Kurdish and Persian immigrant and a woman navigating cultural intersections. Having lived in Iran, Turkey, Dubai, and the United States, her art explores the themes of displacement and home, reflecting both the longing for familiarity and the adaptation to new cultural landscapes.
Her glass carpets, inspired by Persian and Kurdish motifs, symbolize resilience and continuity in the face of change. Through these works, Zeinab seeks to honor the craftsmanship of Iranian and Kurdish weavers while pushing the boundaries of contemporary glass artistry. Her pieces evoke a sense of nostalgia and rootedness, inviting viewers to engage with the beauty and complexity of Persian art through the transformative medium of glass.
Future Projects and Vision
Zeinab is currently working on a series of large-scale glass carpets that explore the intersection of traditional Persian and Kurdish designs with contemporary glass techniques. She has been selected for the prestigious Better Together Residency at Pilchuck (May 2025), where she plans to expand her exploration of advanced glassblowing methods and hot sculpting.
Her artistic vision is to create pieces that challenge perceptions of glass as a fragile medium — using it instead as a vessel for storytelling, cultural preservation, and creative innovation. Through her work, Zeinab aims to bring the beauty and intricacy of Persian and Kurdish art to a wider audience, fostering appreciation and understanding of its rich history and significance.