Recent Acquisitions to the Permanent Collection
Greg Owen (American, 1967–2020)
The Lovers, 2016
Cast glass and steel stand
31 x 21 x 8 in. (78.7 x 53.3 x 20.3 cm.)
Collection of Museum of Glass, Tacoma, Washington
Gift of the Owen Family
The Lovers is a particularly meaningful addition to the Museum’s Permanent Collection. It was created by Greg Owen, a talented and creative glass sculptor and educator, who created masks like these as a representation of his fascination with humanity. Much like archaeological artifacts, these masks are meant to represent the important connection between faces and identity, relationships and conversations.
Many recognize Owen not only as a talented glass artist, but through his impact as the Museum’s Hot Shop Emcee and Hot Shop Heroes Program Manager. Owen tragically lost his battle with cancer in 2020, and this piece, offered by his family in his memory, represents his immense impact as a mentor, educator, and friend.
Marvin Lipofsky (American, 1938–2016)
Lauscha Group #8, 1997
Mold-blown glass, cut, sand-blasted, acid etched
Collection of Museum of Glass, Tacoma, Washington
Gift of Marvin Lipofsky Studio
Marvin Lipofsky’s impact on American Studio Glass is immense. As a sculptor, Lipofsky was passionate about elevating glass from craft to fine art, and he traveled, taught, and demonstrated throughout his career to help push the boundaries of glass art. The Museum is proud to share that a selection of works from Lipofsky’s personal archive were donated by the artist studio to help represent his artistic career.
Lauscha Group #8 is a lovely example of Lipofsky’s organic sculptural forms. It was created during a 1997 glass symposium in Lauscha, Germany, and its rich color palette of greens, reds, and purples was inspired by the colors of the nearby Rennsteig mountains. The Museum also received the custom-made blocks – wooden tools used to shape the molten glass sculpture – which Lipofsky created to sculpt the unique undulations of Lauscha Group #8.
Marvin Lipofsky (American, 1938–2016). Tools used to make Lauscha Group #8, 1997. Wood. Collection of Museum of Glass. Gift of Marvin Lipofsky Studio. Photo courtesy of Marvin Lipofsky Studio.