From the Director

Dear Friends,

As I reflect on the Museum’s achievements in 2023, I am filled with profound gratitude for the privilege of being part of such an impactful community. Whether we are expanding the scope of the stories told in our galleries and Hot Shop or undertaking transformative educational initiatives, our efforts at Museum of Glass touch countless lives. This work matters. We begin 2024 with enthusiasm for the Museum’s future and a commitment to realize even greater goals.

While we are a nationally recognized contemporary art museum, we are deeply connected to the Puget Sound region and aim to serve the needs of its diverse communities through our programming. Last issue, we introduced Curator High, a program that invited high school students to the Museum over the course of two months to collaborate with and learn from each department. The students designed a Grand Hall display from the work in our Permanent Collection, culminating with the presentation of a curated case entitled Side by Side. At the opening event on September 2, it was inspiring to hear these enthusiastic young curators present their work and outline their inspirations with family, friends, teachers, and Museum guests in attendance. This event was a testament to the impact of our programs; several students have already expressed their desire to return to Museum of Glass. Later in this issue, you will read about other engaging projects from our Education Department, including our expanding Blind and Low Vision Tour Program, and in-classroom activities designed around our gallery shows.

In the fall, we opened two significant exhibitions: A Two-Way Mirror: Double Consciousness in Contemporary Glass by Black Artists and The Salmon School. These dynamic shows feature fine glass art and artists and highlight the medium’s ability to present essential narratives. Each exhibition amplifies the experiences and identities of artists, as well as exemplifies foundational purposes of art — making us think, stimulating conversation, and inspiring action. I applaud the artists and curators for these considerable accomplishments.

Finally, our Hot Shop had a busy year hosting a diverse group of both established and emerging Visiting Artists who regularly push glass in new and exciting directions. Our facility and Hot Shop Team allow these innovative makers to take on important projects and create work that also has a place in our galleries. Our 2024 Visiting Artist Lineup is equally impressive, including Two-Way Mirror exhibiting artists Crystal Z Campbell and Cheryl Derricotte, among others. Make sure to check out our website for the latest on who is in the Hot Shop.

Museum of Glass strives to be agile and innovative. Thanks to your support, we are well-positioned in 2024 to build on the storytelling of the pioneers of the Studio Glass movement, and that of emerging voices. We are thankful that you are part of this community and hope to see you at the Museum very soon.

Debbie Lenk
Executive Director