One of the more unusual aspects of Tacoma’s Glass Museum is its large working ‘hot shop’ where glass art is made as a collaboration between skilled glassworkers and artist designers.
An even more unusual aspect of that is that some of the designers are Tacoma area youngsters who take part in a program called “Kids Design Glass.” The designs that are selected, usually one or two a month, are made in the hot shop following design instructions from the students.
Two copies are made of each: One for the designer, and one for the museum’s permanent collection, where they rotate on display, and are sent with traveling exhibitions. Here are a few that were on display when I visited. Enjoy!
BACON BOY by Austin Winters
PIP by Cameron Day
ORCA WHALE SINGING SENSATION by Erin Le
SNAKE ON A POLE by Zach Thompson