Since 1994, Hilltop Artists has served the youth of Tacoma, WA with inspiring and exciting programming centered around the art of glass. Initially founded by Kathy Kaperick, a local gallery owner and Hilltop parent, and Tacoma-born glass artist Dale Chihuly to found this art program to serve local teens.

Recognizing the viability and allure of what they started, Hilltop Artists and Tacoma Public Schools developed a partnership that realized two glass studios over the next several years. The program now serves up to 170 students per day tuition-free and has inspired similar programs around the world. Today, you can find Hilltop Artists’ alumni teaching, running small businesses, heading to college, designing, curating, leading organizations, raising families, and returning to the hot shops to collaborate and mentor the next generation. This exhibition features art from current students, instructors, and alumni.

BIMA is pleased to host this two-week “pop-up” exhibition to celebrate Hilltop Artists’ 30th Anniversary, in conjunction with BIMA’s Treasure Trek also in June. Treasure Trek once again features blown glass floats made by Hilltop Artists, hidden in parks and public lands throughout Kitsap County.

Banner Image Credit:  Instructors Jacob Willcox, Doug Burgess, Dani Kaes, and Sam Scalise, with production student, Sky, in the background looking on. (photo by MJG Photography)