From the Director

Dear Friends,

At our annual Red Hot Auction & Gala in September, we celebrated the pivotal role Museum of Glass plays in the glass community. Through our strong connections with artists, collectors, galleries, and enthusiasts, we have established ourselves as leaders in the world of glass and are proud to serve as a vital resource to those who champion it. Soon, our leadership capacity and our commitment to being responsible stewards of this art form will grow significantly. With your support, we are fully prepared to embrace this opportunity and rise to the occasion.

Because of our enduring relationship with the most influential glass maestro, we have the opportunity to build the permanent Lino Tagliapietra Legacy Gallery. I am thrilled to share that master planning is now complete, and we are currently working on schematic designs. Our aim is to begin construction in 2026. This project, along with necessary building improvements, carries with it the responsibility to craft an even more comprehensive experience that will leave visitors both in awe and better educated about the medium. We could not pursue such bold plans without the continued investment of our dedicated community. Thank you for partnering with us on this exciting journey.

2024 was a year filled with remarkable highlights. In the fall, we proudly opened two major exhibitions: Nancy Callan: Forces at Play and Field Notes: Artists Observe Nature. Each exhibition showcases breathtaking pieces that highlight the extraordinary creativity of the artists and the expertise of our Curatorial Team. Together, they offer visitors fresh insights and exposing them to new techniques that enrich their experience in our galleries. Meanwhile, our Education Team made significant strides with initiatives like Science of Art and Hot Shop Heroes, each of which saw record levels of participation.

Museum of Glass is gaining recognition far beyond our region, as artists from around the globe are eager to work with us. Last year in the Hot Shop, we had the privilege of welcoming 52 Visiting Artists—an inspiring mix of both established and emerging makers—who collaborated with our world-class team. Our facility and Hot Shop Team empower these artists to take on innovative projects that often cannot be attempted elsewhere. Beyond Visiting Artist work, the Hot Shop produced a wide array of objects for the Museum Store, Red Hot, special events, and programs like Kids Design Glass. Our growing reputation is in no small part thanks to the Hot Shop Team. Please visit the Museum blog to hear from our Hot Shop glassmakers, who provide insight into their experiences as creators at Museum of Glass. Although we welcome new artists every year, these folks are artists in their own rights, playing a vital part in enabling the incredible works that emerge from our studio.

We all share a deep passion for glass and glassmaking, and your participation at the Museum enriches all facets of our core programming and the broader glass art network that depends on them. This is truly an exciting time to be part of Museum of Glass. We look forward to welcoming you again soon!

Debbie Lenk
Executive Director