“Plant Hunter” April 26 through May 31
Explore a special installation by the talented students of Hilltop Artists and see their visions of the natural world transformed into glass. Glass art is currently being created reflecting students’ imaginative interpretations of newly discovered plants as if they themselves were plant hunters.
The exhibition will present stunning glass sculptures within the Rutherford Conservatory’s lush botanical setting, weaving together art and nature. The majesty of the glass art will be showcased alongside the inspiring plant collections of the Garden.
The grand opening of the exhibit will be in conjunction with the RSF’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, April 25 – 26.
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.
While we will need to wait until April to enjoy the exhibition, the RSBG Garden Gift Shop now has the Hilltop Artists’ beautiful and imaginative glass art for sale. 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!
In 2013 the stunning tidal pool is the 2013 Hilltop Artists installation on the sixth floor of the Mary Bridge Children’s Pediatric wing. Glass fish, barnacles, clams, crabs, starfish and more beautiful sea creatures were created by the students. We are delighted that the Hilltop Artists chose the RSBG for their 2014 installation location.