Museum of Glass - Tacoma (and other sights)

Museum of Glass - Tacoma, Washington

Martin Blank - Fluent Steps - photo from August 2009

I've been wanting to get down to the Museum of Glass for many, many months. With my daughter in town the excursion made top of the list. Quite frankly, I had no idea how far south the adventure is. We drove for an hour south to get from our house to the museum. I've been getting spoiled with everything else I've seen being so much closer. The Museum features an Hot Shop Amphitheater. This alone is worth the trip. www.museumofglass.org

The Hot Shop enlists several glass artists to heat, form, blow and otherwise shape amazing pieces of glass art. In the photo below I hope you can see the bright light in the center is the oven (one of four). The gentleman sitting with his back to us is forming the glass. I thought I caught his name as Ben. I'm sorry now that I didn't go ask. The gentleman sitting to the left is ready to blow in the blow tube or pipe. At one point or another each person on the floor was helping with the process.

For the afternoon show "Ben" used black glass, according to the the woman with the microphone. While it was being heated it became every color under the rainbow. Fireworks and fluid glass - I was absorbed in the exhibit. Once formed everything goes into the annealing ovens for a slow cool down process to reduce stress to the glass. It'll be days before the finished product is ready.

As far as the galleries...there is more interesting glass art available at the local shops in downtown Seattle than displayed at the museum. Go for the Hot Shop Exhibit.

Speaking of downtown Seattle, after the museum Daughter and I headed into downtown to visit Pike's Market and meet her brother. I love this sign for Sister's Sandwich Shop.

Of course, music is everywhere. This man, Jonny Hahn, brings his piano down to the street and plays some incredible tunes. He's been there for years as far as I can tell. Amazing to have a piano on the streets.

Of course, the fish at the market is always fun. We stood around and watched fish being expertly flung. Well caught every time. Fish twice caught.

This may be one of the last times this year for being a tourist with guest for quite some months. I do have a friend coming up to visit - this week even. But, this isn't the typical tourist guest. I'm looking forward to relaxing with someone near. Being a tourist is one thing. Getting out of the house is another. I'm looking forward to some company.