For over 50 years, the Pacific Northwest has been home to some of the most influential glassblowers and lampworkers, each of them helping to shape the glass scene we all know and love today.
Moving from the glass-dense Denver scene to Eugene, I was shocked to find so few glass galleries to help represent and showcase all of the artists that Oregon has to offer. But in 2020, Marc and Lauren created Redwood Glass Gallery in Grants Pass, forging their passion and adoration for high-end art, top-shelf Cannabis, and honoring artists like Bob Snodgrass.
As avid glass collectors since 2006 – starting with clear production and scientific pieces like PHX and Roor – Marc and Lauren have been mesmerized by the progression of the glass community for quite some time. Fast forward to today, they have a humble yet exquisite collection of incredible artists like Disk Glass, Arik Krunk, and the world-renowned glass blowers from Team Japan.
Redwood Glass Gallery is an outlet for work from artists like these. It’s also a spotlight for legendary Southern Oregon local artists like Mike Luna and Darby Holm. With both of their glassblowing shops just five minutes down the road from the Redwood Glass Gallery, there’s an organic relationship with tons of potential. “Darby and Mike Luna are our hometown heroes,” shared Marc and Lauren.
Creating a safe space for collectors and connoisseurs alike, the gallery provides the community with a place where everyone can come together and share their prized pieces, buy a new piece, and enjoy art in many forms – like canvases from Portland local artist Schnazzy and Southern Oregon’s Johnny Smith.
“It’s been incredible seeing our past and the present coming together. Redwood Glass Gallery is a passion project, and we love supporting the artists. Learning and sharing glass history is a huge honor,” said Marc and Lauren.
Later this year, you can expect a big announcement about some upcoming shows, including functional pipes and accessories from Power Pat and Darby alongside other offerings from Japanese artists like Takao Miyake and TK Happa. You can keep a close eye on the Redwood Glass Gallery Instagram page for this information and available art, as Marc and Lauren consistently add new options from the most desirable artists in the game. But you’ll have to act fast. These pieces usually get scooped up quickly!
