Chihuly Garden and Glass and the Glass Art Society Launch Study of Glass Art in America

SEATTLE, Jan. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Seattle-based Chihuly Garden and Glass and the Glass Art Society (GAS), in collaboration with GMA Research, have partnered to conduct an in-depth study of the State of Glass Art in America. The process, which kicked-off in November 2015, will look into the most active regions for glass art and provide a benchmark to measure future growth and experimentation. A "State of Glass" report is expected in early Spring 2016.

Though glass has ancient traditions in Europe, it's a relatively young art form in the United States. Just over 50 years ago factory facilities were producing glass works but the idea of "glass art" didn't exist. It took glass pioneer Harvey Littleton, a ceramics professor at the University of Wisconsin, launching the first glass program in America in 1962 to bring the idea of studio glass to fruition. Since those beginnings, interest and experimentation with glass art has flourished. Organizations like Pilchuck Glass School in the Pacific Northwest, the GAS, Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina and The Corning Museum of Glass in upstate New York have become pillars in the glass art community, making their regions central to the studio movement in the United States. The "State of Glass" will take into account active hot shops, education institutions, tourism, galleries, working artists and public perception to establish a benchmark for the industry. 

"Here in the Pacific Northwest we have a storied history of glass that began, in part, with Dale Chihuly co-founding the Pilchuck Glass School in 1971," said Michelle Bufano, executive director, Chihuly Garden and Glass. "That tradition, which began organically with artists coming here to experiment and share ideas, has created an incredible economy around tourism, education and art."

Led by Chihuly Garden and Glass, a long-term exhibition of the works of Dale Chihuly at Seattle Center, the "State of Glass" study is being conducted in partnership with the GAS. Founded in 1971, the Seattle-based GAS is the largest organization of glass artists, educators, and enthusiasts in the world with more than 2000 members. The organization has grown to become a resource for everything glass and brings the glass community together at an annual conference.  

"We are thrilled to be able to reach out into the community to get a comprehensive look at the state of glass in America," said Pamela Koss, executive director, Glass Art Society.  "The world of art made with glass continues to evolve and this study will give everyone true viewpoint of where we are today." 

Research is being conducted through Bellevue-based GMA Research. Founded in 1970, GMA Research is a national/international research firm headquartered in Bellevue, Washington serving clients in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. The firm has a depth of experience working with and supporting the arts community. Don Morgan, senior partner, will be the lead researcher for this study.

About Chihuly Garden and Glass
Opened May 21, 2012, Chihuly Garden and Glass, brings together all the elements of Chihuly's work, including Drawings, signature glass series, large architectural installations and personal collections in a long-term exhibition.

About Glass Art Society
The Glass Art Society is an international non-profit organization founded in 1971 whose purpose is to encourage excellence, to advance education, to promote the appreciation and development of the glass arts, and to support the worldwide community of artists who work with glass. GAS holds an annual conference, publish the Glass Art Society Journal and provide online versions of GASnews and the Glass Art Society Online Member Directory featuring member profiles with image gallery, bio and more.

GAS strives to stimulate communication among artists, educators, students, collectors, gallery and museum personnel, art critics, manufacturers, and all others interested in and involved with the production, technology and aesthetics of glass. We are dedicated to creating greater public awareness and appreciation of the glass arts.

SOURCE Chihuly Garden and Glass