Year of Glass
Celebrating 2025 - Tucson's Year of Glass
2025 is a landmark year for Tucson! We’re commemorating the 50th anniversary of glassblowing in our city, a legacy ignited by visionary artist Tom Philabaum. He opened Tucson’s first glassblowing studio in 1975, forever changing the artistic landscape of our region. 25 years after he opened his studio, Philabaum co-founded Sonoran Glass School, a non-profit, public-access educational organization dedicated to inspiring people of all ages to discover the wonder of glass art.
Witness the magic unfold! Join Philabaum Glass Gallery & Sonoran Glass School as we celebrate this momentous occasion with a year-long extravaganza of exciting events:
- Dazzling Exhibitions: Immerse yourself in the breathtaking world of glass art.
- Mesmerizing Demonstrations: Watch skilled artists transform glass into incredible creations.
- Hands-on Workshops: Unleash your creativity and learn the art of glass yourself.
- And Much More!
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the vibrant history and exciting future of glass art in Tucson!
Upcoming Events
February 1: Philabaum Glass Gallery – Arizona’s only all glass art gallery – celebrates their grand opening at 2840 E. Skyline Drive Ste. 100. View unique glass art from over 75 artists and meet local glass artists. 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
February 6: First Thursday Art Walk at Philabaum Glass Gallery with the Foothills Arts District. 7 galleries within walking distance open from 4:00 – 7:00 pm, offering refreshments and opportunities to meet local artists. Tucson glass artist Erika Parkin will be featured at Philabaum Glass Gallery.
February 14: Sonoran Glass School welcomes internationally celebrated glass artist Richard Royal. For over 40 years, Royal has been recognized as one of the most skilled glassblowers in the studio glass movement, working alongside artists like Dale Chihuly and William Morris. Don’t miss Royal’s free lecture & demonstration from 5:00 – 7:00pm. Seating limited.
February 28th – March 2nd: Join the Sonoran Glass School at the Tucson Museum of Art’s Spring Artisan Market. We will be showcasing local glass artists as well as artwork by SGS staff. This event is free to attend.
March 6: First Thursday Art Walk at Philabaum Glass Gallery with the Foothills Arts District. 7 galleries within walking distance open from 4:00 – 7:00 pm, offering refreshments and opportunities to meet local artists. Tucson glass artist Paul Anders-Stout will be featured at Philabaum Glass Gallery.
March 15: Spring Open House & Market at the Sonoran Glass School. Learn what is upcoming at the school and shop from local glass artists during this market from 11am-4pm.
March 24: Sonoran Glass School welcomes torchworking glass artist Dorian Bouhuys for a marble maze workshop. Don’t miss Dorian’s free lecture & demonstration on March 26th from 5:00pm – 7:00 pm.
March 29 – 30: Enjoy the Sculpture Tucson Festival, a showcase of over 60 sculpture artists from around the country. The Sonoran Glass School will have artwork on display and available for purchase in the Post House Gallery onsite. This event is free to attend.
