This month I had a work trip to the Seattle area, and I took the opportunity to visit the Museum of Glass in Tacoma. Opened in 2002, the museum was created to celebrate glass as a contemporary art form, and it sits beautifully along the waterfront with its iconic cone-shaped Hot Shop rising above the shoreline. From the moment I arrived, I could feel the creative energy of the place. As a glass artist myself, I always do my best to seek out glass art wherever I go, and this visit felt like a special treat. Before even stepping inside, I spent time admiring the stunning water sculpture installation near the museum. The combination of glass, metal, and flowing water created a peaceful, almost magical atmosphere. It fit perfectly with the waterfront setting and made the museum feel like an experience that extended beyond its walls — a beautiful introduction to the inspiration waiting inside.
As I explored the galleries, I noticed that the majority of the artwork on display was blown glass. The skill, scale, and delicacy of many of the pieces were breathtaking. I especially loved that they showcased some older works dating back to the early 1900s, giving a real sense of how glass artistry has evolved over time. It was fascinating to compare historic techniques with bold, modern interpretations — a reminder that glass has always been both an ancient craft and a constantly evolving art. And tucked along the bottom row, I spotted two fused glass pieces — which of course made me smile. It was fun to see my favorite glass technique represented among so much incredible blown work.
One of the most joyful sections of the museum featured work inspired by children. The pieces were playful, colorful, and wonderfully imaginative — clearly designed to spark curiosity and delight. I found myself smiling through that entire exhibit. What made it even more special was learning that the children actually draw the original pictures, and then the glassblowing team brings those drawings to life in glass. It was a beautiful collaboration between young creativity and skilled craftsmanship. A perfect reminder that art doesn’t always have to be serious to be meaningful — sometimes creativity is at its best when it taps into childlike wonder.
My absolute favorite pieces in the entire museum were stunning blown and hot-sculpted glass works by Debora Moore. They were absolutely breathtaking — the kind of pieces that stop you in your tracks. I tried to capture them in photos, but honestly, the pictures don’t even come close to doing them justice. The movement, texture, and detail were extraordinary. And it still amazes me every time — isn’t it incredible that this is glass?
Of course, I stopped to watch the live glassblowing demonstration in the Hot Shop. The artist was making goblets, and it was interesting to see molten glass slowly take shape into functional drinking vessels. While the demonstration itself was fairly simple compared to some of the more elaborate glassblowing performances I’ve seen elsewhere, it was still a good reminder that glassblowing is very much a team effort. There were four or five people working together, each playing a role in the process. Watching their coordination and timing gave me an even greater appreciation for the skill behind blown glass work.
Before leaving, I wandered into the museum store — and wow. The gallery shop was filled with stunning glass pieces, from jewelry to sculptural art. I absolutely loved the craftsmanship and design, but I’ll admit most of it was well outside my price range. Still, it was inspiring to see such a wide range of professional glass work all in one place, and I enjoyed soaking in every bit of it.
When I got back to my hotel, I realized I had completely missed the Chihuly Bridge of Glass — so I went back the next morning. I’m so glad I did. I took more photos of the water sculpture and then crossed the bridge to discover an extraordinary display of Dale Chihuly’s work. The pieces were vibrant, dramatic, and larger than life. And once you reach the middle of the bridge — make sure you look up. The ceiling of suspended glass is absolutely stunning. It was the perfect finale to an already unforgettable glass-filled experience.
I also got to see a bit of the surrounding waterways during my visit. I even caught a glimpse of Mt. Rainier, though unfortunately I wasn’t able to get a photo — the majority of the time it was overcast. Still, just knowing it was there in the distance made the scenery feel special. And it made me laugh… every time I saw driftwood along the water, all I could think was how badly I wanted to bring pieces home with me. Once a glass artist, always a collector of potential art supplies!
By the time I headed home, I felt full of inspiration and gratitude for the experience. Visiting the Museum of Glass and the Chihuly Bridge reminded me why I love working with glass — its beauty, its challenges, and its endless creative possibilities. Trips like this recharge my artistic spirit and send me back to my studio with fresh ideas swirling in my head. If you ever find yourself in the Tacoma area, I highly recommend making time for this glass-filled adventure. It’s an experience that will stay with you long after you leave.
If you would like to see more of my fused glass work, please refer to my website Elegant Fused Glass by Karen. If you get a chance, check out all my site and my Elegant Fused Glass by Karen YouTube. If you would like to stay abreast of what I’m up-to and learn a little more about jewelry, check out our newsletter. It is published the last day of each month.
Karen
