The Museum of Craft and Design in San Francisco is currently showcasing a revolutionary exhibition that explores the intersection of neuroscience, beauty, and traditional craftsmanship. "Judith Schaechter: Super/Natural," running through February 8, 2026, presents the artist's investigation into how natural elements, patterns, and ornamental designs serve as pathways for contemplating beauty and its universal appeal.
The centerpiece of the exhibition is Schaechter's most ambitious creation to date, a monumental stained glass dome also titled "Super/Natural." Standing 8 feet tall with a diameter of 5.5 feet, this immersive installation was developed during the artist's residency at the Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics. The dome is specifically designed to accommodate a single visitor inside, creating an intimate space for reflection and contemplation.
The architectural marvel represents a three-tiered cosmos that demonstrates Schaechter's extensive research into biophilic design principles and their effects on human consciousness. Biophilic design concepts are frequently implemented in healthcare facilities and corporate environments to create restorative spaces that reduce stress levels and promote feelings of tranquility and well-being. The dome incorporates these scientifically-backed design principles to enhance the viewer's psychological and neurological response to the artwork.
The Super/Natural dome features 65 brilliantly colored stained-glass panels that burst with imaginative depictions of insects, flora, birds, and mythical creatures. By positioning the viewer at the center of this kaleidoscopic environment, the installation encourages deep contemplation of both inner space—examining how humans process and experience environments on neurological and psychological levels—and outer space—exploring how individuals project themselves into and interact with their surroundings.
Schaechter's innovative approach extends beyond the conceptual framework to encompass groundbreaking technical achievements in stained glass artistry. Working with flash glass, a specialized type of hand-blown glass that features an ultra-thin veneer of vibrant color applied over a clear base, she has developed her own labor-intensive methodology. Her pioneering process involves multiple stages of sandblasting, etching, and color layering to achieve remarkably rich, nuanced tones and painterly effects, which she completes using black enamel and silver stain techniques.
The exhibition encompasses more than just the central dome installation, featuring seven additional artworks by Schaechter that share common themes of natural elements, pattern work, and ornamentation. These complementary pieces examine the cultural construction of nature and how societies interpret and represent the natural world through artistic expression. Each work contributes to the overall narrative about humanity's complex relationship with the environment.
The complete body of work presented in "Judith Schaechter: Super/Natural" aims to provide visitors with a meditative experience that explores the psychological and aesthetic connections between humans and the natural world. The exhibition functions as both a literal and metaphorical lens, inviting guests to consider the intricate ways in which beauty, imagination, and nature interweave to shape human experience and perception.
This groundbreaking exhibition has been made possible through generous support from an anonymous donor and the Glass Alliance of Northern California. Visitors interested in experiencing this unique fusion of art, science, and spirituality can find additional information by visiting sfmcd.org, where details about visiting hours and special programming are available.
