Remembering Paul J. Stankard
1943–2026
Museum of Glass is profoundly saddened to learn of the passing of artist Paul Stankard. Our Curatorial team reflected on the Museum's long-standing relationship with Paul, which began with his Visiting Artist Residency in 2005.
Anyone who knew Paul knew him as a treasured friend. He was generous with his time, and with sharing his immense knowledge with anyone who was curious enough to ask a question. His mentorship of emerging artists fostered new generations of glassmakers, and his love of glass uplifted all corners of the glass community.
To look at Paul’s intricate miniature botanical worlds is to see the world as he saw it, the expansive beauty of nature and moments of the everyday.
The Museum is honored to maintain the legacy of his remarkable work through the collection donated to us by the Robert M. Minkoff Foundation. This collection is best represented by “Beauty Beyond Nature: The Glass Art of Paul Stankard”, which we have been honored to travel to museums across the country, and share with our visitors most recently this past summer.
Paul’s impact on our Museum and the glass community as a whole will be felt for generations, and the weight of his loss sits with us heavily today as we reflect with gratitude on our time with him. We extend our condolences to his family, those closest to him, and all those whose lives he touched with his exceptional work and singular presence.
Paul J. Stankard (American, born 1943). Winter Squash Paperweight, 2000. Blown glass with flameworked elements; 3 1/8 x 2 1/2 inches. Collection of Museum of Glass, Tacoma, Washington, gift of the Robert M. Minkoff Foundation (2021.31.254). Photo by Douglas Schaible Photography.
Robert M. Minkoff and Paul J. Stankard. Photo by Joseph P. Stankard.