Philabaum Glass Studios, Tucson, AZ - A Small Collection

Here is something from the "and more" section of my collection - not Bohemian, but rather a modern glass studio that is producing works that I have come to appreciate.

I first became aware of Philabaum Glass Studios while in Tucson to visit my sons. There is a small display of their work next to the moving walkway in the Tucson airport. I was fortunate enough to visit the studios the last time I was in town while they were blowing glass, and even more fortunate to run across a few pieces in my glass hunting adventures. From L to R, a Short Studio Vase (unsigned) with filaments running through in a net formation, a Faceted Reptilian Perfume Bottle (tall), signed Philabaum 1995, and a Reptilian "Nutty Bowl" signed Philabaum 1997. The last photo is of the glassblowing operation going on the day I visited. (Tom Philabaum is not pictured)

The following information is taken from the Philabaum Studios website:

Tom Philabaum built his first glassblowing studio in 1975 in downtown Tucson, and opened a gallery in 1982. The following year, 1983, the Glass Arts Society (G.A.S.) conference took place in Tucson, with Tom as the liason for the local glass community. In 1985, the present location became the new home of Philabaum Glass, and in 1997, the G.A.S. conference returned to Tucson with Tom as Co-Chair, and Philabaum Studio & Gallery again being a major venue for demos and exhibitions.

Tom and his wife Dabney ran a second gallery location in the Tucson foothills from 2002-2007. Since that time, they have re-focused their efforts at the original home of Philabaum Glass in downtown Tucson, where Dabney runs Philabaum Glass Gallery, showing artists from across the country, and Tom continues to spearhead the studio of blown glass, and the more current sculptural and site specific art, using a broad array of techniques, including kiln casting, fusing, slumping, and dalle de verre.