Slideshow
Schedule and location
Ninth Annual Glass Pumpkin Patch
Exhibit, Demonstrations, and Sale
Wednesday, October 9, through Sunday, October 13, 2019
Near the Visitor Center
Included in Arboretum admission
Congratulations to Kit Paulson who won the 2019 Pick of the Patch contest for her orange, yellow, and black pumpkin design. Attendees had the opportunity to vote for one of 17 pieces of glass art created by each of the artists.
Mark your calendar for next year's Glass Pumpkin Patch:
Wednesday, October 14, through Sunday, October 18, 2020
Glass Pumpkin Patch Schedule
Wednesday, October 9, through Sunday, October 13, 2019
Shop and admire a stunning array of glassblown art at the annual Glass Pumpkin Patch. Explore a dazzling collection of more than 6,000 handblown glass pumpkins as well as autumnal and farmer's market-themed glass art designs in mesmerizing colors, shapes, and sizes.
Exhibit
Wednesday and Thursday
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday
10:00 a.m. to 12:59 p.m.
Browse the artwork and meet the artists.
Demonstrations
Wednesday through Friday
1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Watch artists turn bits of glass into treasures.
Sale
Friday
1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Let the shopping begin! Purchase your favorites—until they run out!
Included in Arboretum admission.
Held outdoors rain or shine.
Artists
The event is co-produced by artists Shannon Jane Morgan and Kyrana Michaelson of Girl Glass Studio in Sacramento, California. Primarily self-taught, Morgan has earned a name for herself with brightly colored ornamental autumn designs as well as pieces such as goblets, bowls and vases. Michaelson will serve as the narrator during glassblowing demonstrations.
Illinois artists exhibiting this year include:
- Michael Amis (Shirley) came to the United States for his Master of Fine Art degree at Illinois State University and has since opened Michael Amis Studio in Bloomington, where he creates mixed media sculptures and other pieces.
- Aaron Baigelman (Chicago) first started blowing glass at 11 years old. He has studied with world-class glass sculptors and co-owns Baigelman Glass, a modern glass company with products handcrafted in Chicago.
- A native of central Illinois, Jeremie Draper (Peoria) earned a Bachelor of Fine Art degree in glass from Southern Illinois University. Under the tutelage of glass blower Ché Rhodes, she became a passionate student and now owns a studio in Peoria.
- Madison Duncan (Mahomet) is a recent graduate of Illinois State University, earning a degree in studio art. She currently works with Michael Amis, a fellow Glass Pumpkin Patch artist.
- Dave Gribbins (Beecher) has worked with Glasshouse Art Glass in Seattle, Eastlake Glass, Lotton Glass in Crete, Illinois, and currently makes glass with George Tessman of Highland, Indiana.
- Amanda Pierce (Bloomington) has worked in the field of glassmaking for more than 20 years. Her interests include glassblowing and casting as well as creating sculptural and functional work with a variety of materials including metal, wood, marble and concrete.
- Kit Paulson (Murphysboro) is currently a resident artist at Penland School of Craft in North Carolina. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Art from Alfred University in New York and a Master of Fine Art from Southern Illinois University and has taught at Penland School of Craft, Pittsburgh Glass Center, Pilchuck Glass School and Bildwerk Frauenau in Germany.
- Amy Jo Rupp (Winthrop Harbor) was inspired to join the ranks of glass artists after working with experienced glassblower Shannon Jane Morgan at the Bristol Renaissance Faire for many years. Rupp has taken part in the Glass Pumpkin Patch since its inception, training volunteers on how to handle the delicate art.
- Daniel Sviland (Waukegan) is co-owner of Hot Shop Glass in Racine, Wisconsin, and has been working with glass since the age of 12.
- Matthew Urban (Bloomington) has been working with glass since 1997. He is the owner and operator of Furnace Urbini Glass Works in Normal, Illinois, for the past 10 years, where he makes his production line and commission work for artists and designers.
Other Midwest artists exhibiting this year include:
- Amanda Cosgrove Paffrath (Racine, Wisconsin) was introduced to glassblowing in high school. Cosgrove Paffrath now co-owns Hot Shop Glass and her work can be found in Europe, South America and the United States.
- Jeremy Hansen, (Racine, Wisconsin) is a 2016 graduate of Alfred University with a dual focus in glass and ceramics. He also has experience in woodworking and metal casting. Hansen makes glass at Hot Shop Glass in Racine with exhibitors Dan Sviland and Amanda Cosgrove Paffrath. *NEW
- George Tessman (Highland, Indiana) rediscovered his interest in glass art in 2000, quickly becoming accomplished at making beautiful hearts and other pendants of unusual designs and shapes.
- John Van Koningsveld (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) began blowing glass in 2005 and owns a studio that specializes in stained glass, bronze sculpture and blown glass work.
Fees and admission
Admission fees apply for nonmembers.