“Plant Hunter” Exhibit April 26 through May 31

Hilltop Artist glass art

Explore a special installation by the talented students of Hilltop Artists and see their visions of the natural world transformed into glass. The exhibition presents stunning glass sculptures within the Rutherford Conservatory’s lush botanical setting, weaving together art and nature. The students have created imaginative interpretations as if they have discovered new species o

f plants. The majesty of their glass art is showcased alongside the inspiring plant collections of the Garden.

Established in 1994 with the help of Dale Chihuly, Hilltop Artists is a nonprofit glass arts program in Tacoma whose mission is to use glass art to connect young people from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds to better futures. Hilltop Artists provides youth, ages 11-20, with hot glass instruction, related arts training, and adult mentors focusing on increasing students’ academic and interpersonal success.

The grand opening of the exhibit will be in conjunction with the RSF’s 50^th Anniversary Celebration, April 25 – 26.

T

he RSBG Garden Gift Shop has the Hilltop Artists’ beautiful and imaginative glass art for sale now. All proceeds from the sale will be used to fund Hilltop Artists’ tuition free programs, so that no student is ever turned away due to inability to pay. What a wonderful opportunity to purchase a beautiful gift of glass art that also benefits youth in the local community. It’s a win-win!

We are delighted that the Hilltop Artists chose the RSBG for their 2014 installation location. In 2013 the Hilltop Artist created a stunning installation on the sixth floor of the Mary Bridge Children’s Pediatric wing.  Featuring a tide pool theme, glass fish, barnacles, clams, crabs, starfish and more beautiful sea creatures were created by the students.