As the 1970s summer camp on a hill evolved into a 1990s campus, self-made artist housing would give way to dormitories and cottages. New studios were built to meet the needs of an expanding national glass community. The campus has a quintessential Pacific Northwest feel where cedar and fir trees create a place in the woods for teachers and students explore glass, where the Cascade mountains form the backdrop of creativity, and the views of the Puget Sound (Salish Sea) give space for introspection and awe. Today, the school consists of 60 buildings spread over 55 acres including more than a dozen art studios, group and individual housing, campus support structures, public art, and special outdoor gathering spaces.

As Seattle grew in the 1990s, the presence of Pilchuck Glass School would impact our region’s trajectory. A modern-day “glass goldrush” was underway as newly arrived artists discovered galleries willing to show glass and an expanding collector base fueled by growing tech industries. Businesses opened to offer supplies to private glass studios and glass educational programs that sprouted up in art centers and universities. By the time the Museum of Glass opened in Tacoma in 2002, studio glass was well-established as a cultural force in the Pacific Northwest.

The artistic programs at Pilchuck have continued to expand beyond the original summer classes. Our Artist in Residence program brought established artists to learn about glass. This program boasts alumni like Judy Chicago, Magdalene Odundo, Kiki Smith, and Maya Lin – sculptors who have continued using glass in their work. We have added additional programs to support glass artists at all levels and interests: Emerging Artist in Residence, Hauberg Residency, Print and Image Residency, and fellowship programs. We’ve added outreach initiatives to extend beyond our campus.  We’re excited to work with Hilltop Artists, the Lummi Youth academy, Northwest Indian College, and the Longhouse at Evergreen State, among others. 

Today, Pilchuck Glass School looks back over its history with great pride. We have become a leader in a cultural movement. With leadership, comes responsibility.
When we make an honest assessment, we recognize that there is an historic underrepresentation of people of color in our field and in our operations. We also recognize that the activity of melting and working glass is a having an impact on our environment. As leaders, we commit to using our position to positively move the social and environmental needle toward diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and sustainability.  

The story of glass is generational. It is told through the actions of visionary artists, generous donors, patient instructors, curious students, and the institutions that rise to meet the needs of a community.

We strive to evolve to meet your needs and welcome your participation in our journey.

The Pilchuck Glass School Library & Archive preserves, collects, and makes accessible the history and future of Pilchuck Glass School. The collection reflects the school, studio glass, artists and curators with a connection to Pilchuck Glass School, worldwide art movements, and other topics that provide focused inspiration to visiting artists participating in Pilchuck’s programs. When the school is not in session, the library and archive is open to in-person researchers by appointment only.