Glass artist Mike Amis assists glass artist Amanda Cosgrove Paffrath during a glassblowing demonstration at the 2023 Arboretum Glass Pumpkin Patch. Photo by Sara Pace
One of the most exciting parts of attending the Arboretum Glass Pumpkin Patch — open to all visitors Sept. 13-15, 2024 — is getting to meet the artists behind the glass pieces that are for sale during the three-day event, now in its fourth year.
This juried group of artists don’t just drop off their art and depart. They’re highly involved with visitors, including offering glassblowing demonstrations with a hot kiln and roaring furnace. They also each stand near their individual groupings, or “patches,” within the event, talking about their inspiration, process and individual creations in making glass specifically for this event.
By chatting with the artists, similar to attending a traditional gallery art show at the Arboretum, shoppers gain a connection to the creators and the nuances of each piece they might purchase. They also gain insights into the care and time it takes to make great art.
Take a quick look below at some of the artists’ 2023 works and see how their styles compare and contrast. Two artists — Jeff Simmons and Claire Coffee — are new this year and will be bringing their own style and flair to the event. We can’t wait to see what all the artists create for 2024! Over the three days, they will provide 7,000 works of glass art.
Read the artists’ bios to learn more, and get your Arboretum tickets today to visit the patch Sept. 13-15!
Glasswork by Michael Amis | Photo by Sara Pace
Glasswork by Aaron Baigelman | Photo by Sara Pace
Glasswork by Dave Gribbins | Photo by Sara Pace
Glasswork by Gigi Erickson | Photo by Sara Pace
Glasswork by Charlie Manion | Photo by Sara Pace
Glasswork by Kyrana Michaelson | Photo by Sara Pace
Glasswork by Shannon Jane Morgan | Photo by Sara Pace
Glasswork by Kit Paulson | Photo by Sara Pace
Glasswork by Daniel Sviland | Photo by Sara Pace
Glasswork by Matt Urban | Photo by Sara Pace
Glasswork by Amanda Cosgrove Paffrath | Photo by Sara Pace
Glasswork by Claire Coffee | Photo by Sara Pace
Glass artist Dave Gribbins assists glass artist Daniel Sviland during a glassblowing demonstration at the 2023 Arboretum Glass Pumpkin Patch. Photo by Sara Pace
Glass artist Daniel Sviland uses the marver table during a glassblowing demonstration at the 2023 Arboretum Glass Pumpkin Patch. The special glassblowing table helps shape, cool, center and control the glass. Photo by Sara Pace