Study Group Leader John-Peter Wilhite (kneeling) along with Quail Creek/OLLI-UA Green Valley Campus Tucson Glass Art Scene class members and friends taking a moment at Tucson’s Philabaum Glass Gallery and Studio.
Ron and Vicki Sullivan
If names like Corning Glass, Dale Chihuly and Preston Singletary tantalize a taste for the silica art form of glass, then Sonoran Glass Studio (SGS) is a must.
Founded in 2001 as a nonprofit, SGS is one of the premiere glass arts education facilities in the Southwest. Located in one of Tucson’s historic barrios just a block east of I-10, it is a short drive from Quail Creek. Added to that is the dynamic enthusiasm and knowledge of office manager John-Peter Wilhite. The studio offers a complete curriculum of furnace glassblowing, lampworking, glass fusing, stained glass, mosaics, casting and coldworking.
Just a few blocks away and another must stop is one of Tucson’s major venues for glass exhibition and demonstration. Philabaum Glass Gallery continues to spearhead the studio of blown glass and sculptural and site specific art.
Whether it’s creating art in the Sonoran Glass Studio’s hot shop, flame shop, warm, or cold shops or perusing dalle de verre (faceted glass) at the Philabaum Glass Gallery, the journey to Tucson is well worth the drive.
For information about Sonoran Glass Studio call 520-884-7814 or visit www.sonoranglass.org. For Philabaum Gallery call 520-884-7404 or visit www.philabaumglass.com.