James Rizzi & Allison Eden Studios: A Rare New York Art Collaboration That Still Brings Smiles
A rare New York art collaboration
The story of a creative friendship that transformed New York City's joyful spirit into handcrafted stained glass mosaic artwork.
Friendship meets craft
Two artistic voices. One unmistakable New York energy.
2002
Some artistic collaborations are born from business. Others begin with friendship. The partnership between James Rizzi and Allison Eden was built on both.
In 2002, Allison Eden had the extraordinary opportunity to collaborate with one of New York City’s most beloved artists. Together, they created a vibrant series that merged Rizzi’s whimsical illustrations with Allison Eden Studios’ handcrafted stained glass mosaic techniques.
Working from Rizzi’s legendary SoHo loft, the pair spent countless afternoons sketching, laughing, experimenting with color, and discovering how his iconic imagery could be reimagined in glass. Today, these rare pieces remain treasured examples of contemporary New York art and collectible mosaic craftsmanship.
Friendship meets craft
Creating happiness in color and glass
James Rizzi was much more than a world-famous artist—he embodied the optimism and creativity of New York City itself. His studio was energetic, colorful, welcoming, and filled with imagination.
“James wasn’t just creating artwork—he was creating happiness.”
Pop art, translated
Turning illustration into stained glass mosaic
Every glass piece was individually selected, cut, and assembled to preserve the movement, humor, and vibrant energy of Rizzi’s visual language. Light and texture gave his smiling buildings, playful people, animals, and city scenes an entirely new dimension.
The collaborative works
A city that smiles back
These mosaics celebrate New York’s creativity, diversity, humor, and endless energy. Select an artwork to view it larger.
A legacy that continues to shine
Joyful art, collected around the world
The collaborative mosaics were represented through Barrington Gallery and attracted collectors in the United States and Europe. Rizzi’s especially devoted following in Germany reflected an influence that reached far beyond galleries—from album covers and music videos to architecture, public art, and even a German postage stamp.
Although James Rizzi passed away in 2011, his work continues to inspire. Each of these rare mosaics celebrates a friendship, a shared passion for New York, and the belief that creativity should always leave people smiling.
2002
Collaboration began
SoHo
Creative home
NYC
Endless inspiration
Functional art
New York stories, made for living
Made in Brooklyn, New York
Transform architecture into a timeless work of art.
For more than 35 years, Allison Eden Studios has created custom stained glass mosaics, architectural installations, luxury residential artwork, hotel mosaics, corporate commissions, and fine art collections.
