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Since its opening in 2006, the Glass Pavilion has uniquely combined its role as the home of one of the world’s great glass collections with its place as a working glass studio born from Toledo roots.

In 1962, the Studio Glass Movement was born in a garage on the Toledo Museum of Art grounds. Harvey Littleton, a pottery instructor, received the support of then-director Otto Wittmann to conduct a workshop to explore ways artists might create works from molten glass in their own studios, rather than in factories. A prototype “studio” furnace was built in the TMA garage, but for the first three days of the workshop all attempts to fuse molten glass failed. Finally, Dominick Labino, then vice president and director of research at Johns Manville Fiber Glass, showed up with advice on furnace construction, and with glass marbles that melted. Harvey Leafgreen, a retired glassblower from Libbey Glass, was then able to demonstrate his craft. Later that summer, many participants returned for a second workshop.

In 1969, the Toledo Museum of Art constructed the Glass-Crafts Building, becoming the first museum to build a facility and studio specifically designed for teaching glass working techniques.

Toledo continues to play a pivotal part in today’s contemporary glass community. A large part of that influence comes from TMA’s continued association with many of the most influential and up-and-coming glass artists in the world.

The Guest Artist Pavilion Project, or GAPP brings in both glass artists and contemporary artists who are willing to explore the use of glass in their work, to be inspired, without restriction, by the TMA collection, studio facilities, and staff. The program features established and emerging artists residencies, public artist’s talks and offers intensive workshops with artists who can share specialized techniques with our community.

Glass Studio rental time can be scheduled by calling the Glass Studio Supervisor at (419) 255-8000 ext. 7851. The primary renter who will be using the studio must be the name used to secure the spot on the schedule. If you are purchasing time for someone else, this intention must be made clear at the time of scheduling. The primary renter scheduled to use the facility must fulfill eligibility requirements to use the studio (see below).

Hot Shop rentals are available weeknights and weekends.

Cold Shop is available Tuesday through Sunday 10am to 5pm.

During rental time, the primary renter may bring in additional people—to assist or observe only—as follows: Hot shop 2 additional, Cold shop 1 additional, Flameworking 1 additional, Casting area 1 additional.

Eligibility

If you are new to renting in the glass studio, you must first receive permission to work independently. Permission can be obtained either with reference from a TMA glass instructor, or by arranging a brief interview with the studio manager. This interview process and a brief studio orientation are required in order to familiarize new renters with studio facilities, safety practices, and guidelines. This also establishes participation as a responsible member of the studio rental community. 

Payment

Payment must be made in advance of the scheduled rental time either by credit card, check, or money order. Cash will not be accepted. Customers must resolve past-due bills before additional rentals can be purchased.

Rescheduling

Call the Glass Studio Supervisor at (419) 255-8000 x.7851 to reschedule, by 4 p.m. the day before the scheduled rental time, and by 4 p.m. Friday for any weekend rescheduling.

Cancellation Policy
To cancel rental time during the week, call the Glass Studio Supervisor at (419) 255-8000 x.7851. To cancel rental time on the weekend, call the Weekend Shift Lead at (419) 255-8000 x.7853.

A $10 administrative fee will be charged each time studio time is cancelled.*

Failure to cancel Hot Shop time within one hour of scheduled appointment will result in a $20 set-up fee.* (Hot Shop rental only)

Failure to show up without notification for scheduled Hot Shop time will result in forfeiture of all rental fees. (Hot Shop rental only)

If a renter has not arrived within 30 minutes of the start of scheduled Hot Shop time, the reheat chamber will be shut down. The reheat chamber can be re-lit upon arrival of the renter up to one hour before the end of the scheduled time. Full rental fees still apply. (Hot Shop rental only)

Any cancelled studio time must be rescheduled within two weeks of the date of cancellation. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of rental fees.

*Additional fees will be added to your balance and can be paid before or at the time of scheduling the next studio rental.

The GAPP Residency program gives artists who work in any medium a unique opportunity to explore glass art making in our state of the art studio and a chance to work with our experienced studio team.

Overview

Beginning in May and continuing through August, these one-week master classes will offer instruction in a variety of techniques including glassblowing, flameworking, glass fusing, hot sculpting, neon, and metalsmithing.

Each teaching artist is internationally recognized and brings with them a set of highly specific and refined skill sets unique to each studio in the Glass Pavilion. The classes will run one week, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with lunch provided. Each week-long class will cost $950 for Museum members and $1,055.50 for non-members.

Many of the classes are open to artists of all skill levels but some will require intermediate or advanced experience. Each class will be limited to eight students and scholarships are available. Participants must be 18 years of age or older.

Scholarships

The Museum has a number of scholarship opportunities available for youth and adult students. Students submitting a Scholarship Application Form cannot register for class in advance. Only one scholarship form may be submitted per class, but multiple forms may be submitted for multiple class requests. Scholarships are competitive and the volume of submissions is high; unfortunately applying does not guarantee automatic approval. Completed scholarship applications for glass studio master classes must be received by March 30, 2024.

Toledo Area Lodging

Planning your trip to Toledo? Here's a list of recommended places to stay while in town.

• Renaissance Toledo

• Hiltons of Toledo Downtown

• Courtyard by Marriott Toledo West

• The Casey-Pomeroy House

• Residence Inn Toledo West

• Hampton Inn & Suites Toledo/ Westgate

• Airbnb

Experience the mesmerizing world of glass during our public glass blowing demonstrations. Learn about the ancient art of glass blowing as our talented artists skillfully craft intricate pieces in our state-of-the-art hot shop.