Glass show to go!

At Museum of Glass, we see creativity expressed in art every day. The Museum of Glass Mobile Hot Shop brings that same inspiration to institutions and events. This fully equipped glassblowing studio, inside a brightly painted box truck, makes it easy to experience the transformation of molten glass into works of art outside of the Museum’s walls.

The Mobile Hot Shop arrives complete with two glass artists, an emcee, and all the glassmaking equipment needed to recreate the studio environment. Using the tools on board, talented glassblowers captivate audiences with each move narrated by a skilled and knowledgeable emcee. Techniques are explained, and questions are answered, as guests engage with the live glassmaking demonstrations. All of this occurs outdoors, under a large tent with a full AV system for broadcasting the show.

Witnessing the art of glassmaking can expand imaginations, especially those of youth. Because of this, schools and children’s museums are particularly popular destinations for the Mobile Hot Shop, as the concepts introduced stimulate curiosity and encourage exploration of new ideas and problem solving. When working with school-age children, the Museum’s Education Team develops and shares lesson plans in advance of the Mobile Hot Shop’s arrival. These include learnings on the characteristics of glass, and how its properties make it possible for molten glass to be blown and shaped. This background helps the youth begin thinking of what they might want to see brought to life when the Mobile Hot Shop arrives at their location.

The Mobile Hot Shop is just as relevant for adult audiences. Visitors walk away with a deeper appreciation for glassmaking, as well as the techniques and processes involved with creating it. For those who might want to give it a try, a hands-on opportunity can be part of the experience.

What you need to know about hosting a demonstration

A minimum of four days is needed to provide your audience with this unique experience, made up of two prep days to get the furnaces up to temperature, followed by a demonstration day, and a day for things to cool off and tear down.

Access for a large box truck with the following is required for a demonstration:

A basic set-up area that is flat and has wide door access (i.e. at least 50 feet to the building or location where the demonstration will occur, and is accessible from a parking lot or similar location.)
A demonstration area that is dry with a floor that is flat, level, hard, dry, and heat resistant.
A minimum 20’ x 30’ workshop area outdoors that can accommodate the weight of our equipment and tent, or an enclosed outdoor space with proper ventilation meeting Fire Department requirements.
Security fencing positioned around the equipment.
Accessible power (110v outlet) and water.
On-site security for the entire time Mobile Hot Shop equipment is set up during evening hours.
Spectator seating at least 10 feet in front of the equipment and demonstrating personnel.

Locations visited by Mobile Hot Shop

University of Puget Sound
Tacoma Public Schools
Eastside Community Center
People’s Community Center
Sierra Nevada Brewery
Maryhill Museum of Art – Goldendale
Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture – Spokane
Hands On Children’s Museum – Olympia
Pacific National Exhibition Fair - Vancouver, BC
Washington State University
Chief Leschi Schools