Exhibitions
Tacoma Art Museum’s studio art glass collection traces its roots to the 1960s, a pivotal time marked by the rise of the studio glass movement. This period transformed glass from a primarily industrial material into one used by artists to explore its sculptural and expressive potential. The museum’s collection reflects a strong commitment to the art of the Pacific Northwest, a region that has played an important role in the growth of studio art glass as a medium.
A major influence was and still is the Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Washington, founded in 1971 by Dale Chihuly, Anne Gould Hauberg, and John Hauberg. Pilchuck quickly became a hub for experimentation, collaboration, and education, attracting artists from around the world. The Pacific Northwest emerged as a leader in studio glass, and Tacoma, Chihuly’s hometown, became a vital part of that story.
Tacoma Art Museum began collecting studio glass in 1971 with the acquisition of Volcanic Stages III by Dominick Labino, just as the movement was gaining momentum. The collection has continued to grow over the years and now includes more than 800 works, ranging from early pioneers to contemporary artists who push the boundaries of glass as an artform.
This exhibition highlights significant works by artists such as Harvey K. Littleton, Debora Moore, Davíd Rios, RYAN! Feddersen, William Morris, and Marvin Oliver. Littleton, often regarded as the founder of the American studio glass movement, laid the groundwork for generations of artists. Moore’s botanical forms celebrate nature with precision and elegance. Rios and Feddersen use glass to explore identity and cultural narratives. Morris draws on myth, archaeology, and the natural world to shape his sculptural works, while Oliver blended Indigenous traditions with contemporary materials and forms.
Tacoma Art Museum’s studio art glass collection continues to evolve, bringing in new voices and perspectives while honoring a legacy deeply rooted in the Pacific Northwest.
Organized by Tacoma Art Museum. Curated by Jessica Wilks, Director of Curatorial, and Ellen Ito, Curator of Collections and Special Projects.