Museum of Glass

Meet Goblet Week Visiting Artist No. 3: Granite Calimpong

Granite Calimpong received his BFA in Interdisciplinary Computing in the Arts and Music from UC San Diego where he was introduced to working with glass. Calimpong moved to Seattle in 2007 to become involved in the thriving glass community that exists in the region. He has worked as an artist assistant and a fabricator, and has maintained his own studio in the city for the past twelve years. Calimpong has shown his glass work across the nation and has taught numerous workshops at institutions including the Pilchuck Glass School, Penland School of Crafts, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, and the Pittsburgh Glass Center.

Calimpong says, “A great deal of my practice over the past decade has been wrapped up in trying to improve my ability to see: to see form, to evaluate formal relationships, and to visualize that which I want to create. Making, assessing, scrutinizing, making again; a tedious process of incremental gains. It is this practice that has led to my current curiosity and investigations into the physical nature of sight and the peculiarities of vision in relation to the ways in which we perceive the world. Utilizing a variety of mediums, I constantly search for ways that material can express not only my amazement with our perceptual faculties, but also my frustrations with apparent systematic shortcomings.”

Photo courtesy of the artist.

https://www.museumofglass.org/goblet-week

Goblet Week Visiting Artist No. 2 is: James Mongrain

James Mongrain makes Venetian-inspired glass goblets of many shapes, sizes, and colors. During his early career, he focused his attention on becoming proficient in the Venetian tradition of goblet-making, and he continues to be inspired by traditional Italian forms. “In my work, I strive for a level of precision that unites traditional elegance with contemporary flair,” says Mongrain. “It's important for me to make something that's new, that can hold my interest, and it needs to be honest and true.”

Mongrain was introduced to glass at Moorhead State University in Minnesota, and later studied glassblowing at Massachusetts College of Art and the Appalachian Center for Crafts. He has been a lead gaffer for Dale Chihuly since 1998 and has worked with well-known contemporary artists Jim Dine, Kiki Smith, Jeff Koons, Robert Wilson, and Walter Lieberman.

Photo courtesy of the artist.

https://www.museumofglass.org/goblet-week

Meet Goblet Week Visiting Artist No. 1: Dante Marioni

Dante Marioni’s sophisticated glass objects evoke the rich tradition of classical Mediterranean pottery and bronzes, a result of his training in centuries-old Venetian glassblowing techniques with some of the greatest masters in contemporary glass, including maestro Lino Tagliapietra.

The son of studio glass pioneer Paul Marioni, Dante learned traditional Venetian glassblowing techniques from some of the greatest masters in contemporary glass. He began blowing glass at the age of 19, and presented his first solo gallery show in Seattle four years later. Since the strong start of his career, Marioni has garnered international recognition and acclaim for his elegant and inventive work in glass.

For Marioni, making objects is about the art of glassblowing rather than the creation of glass art, the process rather than the result. Marioni’s elegant works are the brilliant record of his ongoing relationship with, and exploration of, this material.

Photo courtesy of the artist.

https://www.museumofglass.org/goblet-week

Happy New Year from Museum of Glass! Thank you to everyone who helped make 2023 marvelous. We can’t wait to see you in 2024. ✨

Visit the Museum Store to acquire some celebratory drinkware to toast the new year! 🍾

Shop in-store or online to browse our selection, including works by these pictured artists and companies:
- Chris Schuelke
- Douglas Jan Burgess II
- Oliver Doriss
- Corkcicle

https://museumofglassstore.org/collections/cups?page=1

Our final Family Meal Feature of 2023 is Jiyong Lee’s “Trisomy-Chromosome 21,” made at the Museum in 2015 and selected by Hot Shop Director Ben Cobb.

Prepared By:
Ben Cobb, Hot Shop Director & Lead Gaffer

About Me:
I have worked at the Museum since we first opened in 2002. My role has changed over the years, and it has been exciting to watch the Museum grow. As Lead Gaffer, I am in charge of a team of glassmakers to be a translator for artist’s ideas. As Hot Shop Director, I make sure our programming is connected to our mission and vision.

Why is this on my menu?
I have known Jiyong Lee for years, and I feel a connection to his work because we are both inspired by the scientific process and scientific inquiry. I enjoy seeing these topics that I am drawn to through someone else’s artistic vision. This piece is also quite out of the box for Jiyong, and it was fun to help him try a new direction for his work during his residency.

Object credit:
Jiyong Lee (American, born 1971)
“Trisomy-Chromosome 21,” Made at the Museum in 2015
Hot-formed colored glass, clear acrylic resin
10 × 26 × 26 in. (25.4 × 66 × 66 cm)
Collection of Museum of Glass, Tacoma, Washington, gift of the artist (2021.4)
Photo courtesy of the artist

Announcing: Goblet Week – January 17-21, 2024! 🔥

Goblet making has long been a tradition across many cultures worldwide. With the PNW having been steeped in the Italian approach to glassmaking through the Studio Glass movement, Italian-style goblets are a fixture in our local glassmaking scene.Italian-style goblets are notable for their thinness and complexity. Goblet Week will feature four Visiting Artists who are some of the best in the game in this style: Dante Marioni, James Mongrain, Katherine Gray, and Granite Calimpong.

Each artist will spend their day in the Hot Shop showcasing their unique approach to making goblets (or “cups,” as they are affectionately called by the artists). On Sunday, the Museum of Glass Hot Shop Team will take center stage and conclude the week making their signature goblet designs. Sunday’s programming will also feature a lecture on the history of goblets by Hot Shop Emcee Walter Lieberman. Each day, audiences will learn about the different techniques and processes used by each artist in their goblet design.

On Saturday, January 20, Museum of Glass will host an Artist Reception + Wine Tasting and Goblet Sale. Guests will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with the week's featured artists. enjoy light bites and wine tastings by select wineries, and purchase one-of-a-kind goblets created by the artists.

Visit our website to learn more: https://www.museumofglass.org/goblet-week

Warmest holiday wishes from Museum of Glass! ✨

Your heart was glass, I dropped it – and it was still totally okay because the Museum Store staff is very good at packaging glass things for travel!

If you’re still on the hunt for some last-minute gifts – maybe for an evergreen group of friends, your hometown skeptics, or anyone else on your list – but you’ve booked the night train and worry that traveling with a glass gift will leave you standing crestfallen on the landing, we’ve got you. Visit us today (10am-5pm) and tomorrow (10am-3pm) – we’ll help you find the real thing to resolve one or two of your champagne problems, and we’ll use our Midas touch to make sure it stays safe and sound on your journey. 😉🍾

Today’s Family Meal Feature is “Disconnected Bison Stack” by Ryan! Feddersen, selected by both Ruby Brownawell and Amanda Brebner.

Prepared By:
Ruby Brownawell, Frontline Representative

About Me:
I am one of the first people you see when visiting the Museum. My job is to make sure you enjoy yourself!

Why is this on my menu?
The contrast of the mint, orange, and black drew my eyes to this piece. I’ve really enjoyed watching Ryan! over the years during her residencies. I really admire how she is bringing her story as a member of the Colville Reservation to contemporary and public art.

–

Prepared By:
Amanda Brebner, Curatorial Assistant

About Me:
Like Batman, I support our Curatorial Team with an often-unseen attention to detail. Double-checking footnotes in our publications for accuracy? Done. Printing and matting our exhibition labels (including the one for this piece)? Check!

Why is this on my menu?
This piece has a bold design that just drew my eye to it. I love the way the bright colors and strong lines sing in contrast to the black background. I also hope visitors are intrigued by the symbols included on the vessel. What story could they tell?

Object credit:
Ryan! Feddersen (Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, born 1984)
“Disconnected Bison Stack,” Made at the Museum in 2019
Blown glass
14 3/16 × 10 3/4 in. (36.1 × 27.3 cm)
Collection of Museum of Glass, Tacoma, Washington, gift of the artist (VA.2022.16)
Photo courtesy of the artist

Cozy up in the cone this winter solstice evening! Today is the last Third Thursday of 2023. Warm up at Museum of Glass from 5–8pm with FREE admission to explore the galleries and Hot Shop. ❄🔥

We look forward to seeing you at the Museum over winter break! Here are some hours to keep in mind while you plan your visit during the rest of the holiday season. ❄

Museum of Glass holiday hours will be:

Sunday, 12/24: Open 10am–3pm (early closure)
Monday, 12/25: Closed
Tuesday, 12/26–Sunday, 12/31: Open 10am–5pm, with Holiday Music Week performances in the Grand Hall at 1pm daily.
Monday, 1/1: Closed

Please see the Calendar of Events for more information: https://www.museumofglass.org/calendar-of-events

Holiday Music Week | December 26-30 | Performances at 1pm daily 🎶

Join us for Holiday Music Week in the Grand Hall with musical performances every day at 1pm! Continue the holiday cheer with this lineup of local music groups:

✨ Tuesday, 12/26: Rob Sabado Saxophone Performance 🎷
✨ Wednesday, 12/27: Tacoma Banjo Club 🪕
✨ Thursday, 12/28: YMCA Dance Company 🕺
✨ Friday, 12/29: Kareem Kandi World Orchestra 🎵
✨ Saturday, 12/30: Lindsey Bell Ringers 🔔

✨ New to the Museum Store ✨ These lovely fused glass ornaments were created for the Store by Trish Radford, one of MOG’s wonderful gallery monitors. Visit the Store online or in-person to see them sparkle up close and peruse Radford’s jewelry line, Drops of Jupiter, too!

Lo, for we have a fresh crop of Family Meal staff photos for your viewing pleasure! Today’s Family Meal Feature is “Green Pair” by Alex Stisser, brought to you by Hot Shop Starter Sarah Gilbert.

Prepared By:
Sarah Gilbert, Hot Shop Starter

About Me:
As part of the Hot Shop Team, I help support all of our programming in the Hot Shop, from our Visiting Artist Residency Program to Kids Design Glass.

Why is this on my menu?
It may sound simple, but I picked these pieces because they are beautiful. They are also a recent acquisition which hasn’t been displayed yet. Additionally, I wanted to recognize the artist, Alex Stisser, because he was one of our first Hot Shop Team members.

Object credit:
Alex Stisser (American, born 1974)
“Green Pair,” Made at the Museum in 2007
Blown glass
Larger vessel: 19 × 4 1/4 in. (48.3 × 10.8 cm)
Collection of Museum of Glass, Tacoma, Washington gift of Brian Travis (2020.18)
Photo by Duncan Price

New Frit City episode alert! Click the link below to listen to “A Two-Way Mirror” exhibition curator Jabari Owens-Bailey’s conversation with exhibiting artist Leo Tecosky. Tecosky’s work on view in the gallery, “Cee(see)Knowledge” from the “Tacoma ABCs” series, was made at the Museum during his December 2022 residency.
https://www.museumofglass.org/frit-city-podcast/2023/11/27/a-two-way-conversation-with-leo-tecosky

Bio:
Leo Tecosky is a Brooklyn-based artist whose work is a mashup of art, craft, and design. By combining traditional glassblowing techniques, graffiti iconography, stylized typography, and Islamic geometric motif, he creates new objects that do not conform to any single discipline.

Shimmering glass sculpture 'The Salmon School' returns to Tacoma Hundreds of shimmering silver steelhead have "come home" to the Museum of Glass in Tacoma. "The Salmon School" sculpture has traveled around the world to raise awareness about the plight of salmon, especially in light of climate change.

Repost from : Hundreds of shimmering silver steelhead have “come home” to the Museum of Glass in Tacoma. “The Salmon School” sculpture has traveled around the world to raise awareness about the plight of salmon, especially in light of climate change. KNKX’s Bellamy Pailthorp has more, link in bio. 📷| 1,2: CB Bell, 3: Ben Etridge

If you, like us, love a cozy little puzzle to while away the long, dark winter evenings, hurry your sweet self into the Museum Store to get a copy of our brand new Kids Design Glass puzzle! This 1,000-piece design features full-color pictures of 30 creatures from the Kids Design Glass collection.

Shop in-person or online to snag yours while they’re in stock!
https://museumofglassstore.org/collections/featured-2/products/kids-design-glass-puzzle

Today’s Family Meal feature is Beth Lipman’s “Peach and Tulip Centerpiece,” selected by Marketing & Content Manager Bryn Cavin, who forgot that she has run out of photos of other staff members for this series and so came to work accidentally dressed like a Weasley for the one time she is in front of the camera instead of behind it.

Prepared By:
Bryn Cavin, Marketing & Content Manager

About Me:
I help shape the public-facing voice of Museum of Glass through our written media and I get to spend time taking photos on the Hot Shop floor. Plus, I’m also the one who manages these social media pages.

Why is this on my menu?
Beth Lipman’s work looks straight out of a fairytale to me. The way she uses clear and frosted glass to sculpt fruit, flowers, and dishware makes her pieces feel enchanted, like objects from Narnia or Arendelle. Lipman’s work gets in my heart in a specific, quiet way.

Object credit:
Beth Lipman (American, born 1971)
"Peach and Tulip Centerpiece," Made at the Museum in 2006
Blown and hot-sculpted glass
17 1/2 x 14 1/8 x 15 3/8 in. (44.5 x 35.9 x 39.1 cm)
Collection of Museum of Glass, Tacoma, Washington, gift of the artist (VA.2007.1)
Photo by Duncan Price

Visiting Artist Layo Bright will be in the Hot Shop next week, December 13-17! Bright’s work is are currently on view in our gallery in “A Two-Way Mirror: Double Consciousness in Contemporary Glass by Black Artists.”

Bright is a Nigerian sculptor who explores migration, legacy, and identity through hybrid portraits, textiles, and mixed media works. She received her MFA with Honors from the Parsons School of Design, and has been awarded the International Sculpture Center’s Outstanding Student Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture Award in support of her work.

Watch Bright’s residency in the Hot Shop or on the daily livestream!
https://www.museumofglass.org/hot-shop-livestream

Photo courtesy of the artist.

This weekend, join us for a Hallmark-worthy lineup of seasonal crafts and holiday music! Read on to learn more. ❄

Family Day: Seasonal Scapes | Saturday, December 9, 1-4pm

Join Guest Artist Shannon Eakins in the Grand Hall to create your own holiday-themed paperweight scape while Paul and Phyllis Twedt’s piano students perform their annual Holiday Musicale! Family Day projects are FREE for Museum visitors.

Fusing Workshops | Saturday, December 9 – Sunday, December 10, 11am-4pm

Create a 4x4 inch glass tile by collaging together sheet glass, spaghetti-like stringers, and powdered glass. Once your design is complete it will be fired in our kiln, reaching temperatures as high as 1,400°F! $40 per person ($36 for Museum members). Museum admission not included in the workshop price. Click here to register: https://buy.acmeticketing.com/events/506/detail/61576802e9f330178adf84f0

“During these strange days, making has been the thing that has continued to sustain my morale, my resistance, and my faith that, ultimately, the universe is always working to create balance for itself no matter how humans may choose to behave.”

“Reflections with Renée Stout: A Two-Way Mirror Q&A” is now available on the MOG blog, “As the Pipe Turns": https://www.museumofglass.org/as-the-pipe-turns/2023/11/28/reflections-with-rene-stout-a-two-way-mirror-qampa

Image credit:
Renée Stout. "The Rootworker's Worktable." Photo courtesy of the artist.

Glass Exhibition Reflects Black Identities: Imposed And Claimed - The Seattle Medium Reflective, translucent, opaque. The many phases and faces of glass stare back at you as you enter the most recent exhibit at the Tacoma Museum of Glass. “A Two Way Mirror: Double Consciousness in Contemporary Glass Art by Black Artists” was assembled by museum educator and curator Jabari Owens-...

Museum members, today’s the day! DOUBLE your discount in the Museum Store, 10am-5pm today only for Member Appreciation Day!*

Then, once you’ve done your holiday shopping, join artist Shannon Eakins in the Education Studio to craft your own polymer clay murrine-inspired beads or venture into the Grand Hall to enjoy the hot chocolate and cider bar and bring your seasonal warm beverage into the cone to watch Visiting Artist Sarah Gilbert at work in the Hot Shop.

Not yet a Museum member? Register today & join in the Member Appreciation Day festivities! https://buy.acmeticketing.com/membership/506/join

*Discount available in-store only on items priced at $500 or less. Offer does not apply to online sales.

This past weekend, Visiting Artist Patricia Davidson worked with the Hot Shop Team to create the newest Kids Design Glass creature: “Happy Melting Ice,” designed by Yerin, age 11. Yerin wrote, “Even if the ice is melting, it is alway smiling. I hope you too always smile like this.” ❄🧊🥰

Photos by Gabe Feenan.

Join us in shaping the future of glass. Make a gift to the 2023 Museum of Glass Annual Fund.

As we move toward the Museum’s future together, we also reflect on where it has been. With your support to reach our fundraising goal of $30,000, we will be well-positioned to continue to build on the storytelling we do in our galleries and beyond.

We hope you will join us in illuminating all that glass can be as we strive to offer our visitors an active, comprehensive, and immersive experience with the medium.
https://www.museumofglass.org/annual-fund-2022

“I believe that art is the vehicle to allow us to have difficult conversations about our past and present as a society. The museum and the gallery can be the brave spaces we need to come sit a spell for real talk.”

New blog post!🪞 “Reflections with Cheryl Derricotte: A Two-Way Mirror Q&A” is now available on the MOG blog, “As the Pipe Turns.” Click here to read the entire interview between exhibiting artist Cheryl Derricotte and exhibition curator Jabari Owens-Bailey: https://www.museumofglass.org/as-the-pipe-turns/2023/10/17/so8bz1gjj1hu0lq0o4r5b8so5pedqu

Object credit:
Cheryl Derricotte.
"Glass Boys: All Races Together I, 2022."
Kilnformed glass, powder printing
12 x 18 x 1 in.
Courtesy of the artist and Habatat Gallery, Royal Oak, Michigan.

Member Appreciation Day | Saturday, December 2 | 10am-3pm
Museum of Glass members, we want to celebrate YOU! We invite you to join us for a day of discounts in the Museum Store, hot chocolate and cider in the Grand Hall, and more.
https://www.museumofglass.org/member-appreciation-day

Not a Museum member yet? This is an excellent time of year to join the party! Click here to register today and receive a lineup of exclusive perks: https://buy.acmeticketing.com/membership/506/join

Visit us in the Museum Store today for 15% off your purchase (25% off for members)!* We’ll be here to help you with your holiday shopping until 5pm and we can’t wait to see you! ✨❄️

This is an excellent chance to secure your 2023 Annual Ornament, designed and crafted by Chris Schuelke. If one of these ornaments is on your wish list, you may want to hurry – there are only 500 of these limited-edition items and they’re already selling fast!

*Black Friday Sale discount offer available in-store only on items priced at $500 or less. Black Friday discount does not apply to online sales.