Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of GlassGLASS Arts Festival | Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass

Thank you for making our 4th annual GLASS Arts Festival a tremendous success! Despite soaring temperatures and afternoon thunderstorms, the museum welcomed thousands of community members! We are so grateful to our participating artists, sponsors, partners, board, staff and community for their great support!

Congratulations to our festival award recipients juried by Mary Childs, Executive Director of the Sandwich Glass Museum on Cape Cod, and deepest appreciation to our award sponsors!

1st Place: William Manson
Sponsored by Rosann Baum Milius

2nd Place: Connor O’Brien
Sponsored by the Paperweight Collectors Association

3rd Place: Rosalie Phillips
Sponsored by the Lilian Noble Fund

Honorable Mentions: Sara Rezin, Laurel Grey, George Machart, Emily McBride, Martha Fetter

Thanks to our sponsors and partners who contributed so greatly to our GLASS Arts Festival and the community:

GLASS Arts Festival Presenting Sponsor: Miron Construction

Our GLASS Arts Festival is a true example of our mission to provide extraordinary glass experiences, admission free for all. It’s an honor for Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass to present THE only glass arts festival of its kind! Please mark your calendars for August 8th, 2026 for our next year’s GLASS Arts Festival. See you there!

The details:

Admission Free

The Best in Glass Art for Sale from over 40 nationally known glass artists

Glassblowing Demonstrations
(also live streamed in two galleries inside the Museum)

Silent Auction

Live Music

Artisan Food and Beverages

Kids’ Art Activities

New Exhibitions in the Galleries

Know Before You Go!

Where can I park?
Parking is limited by the museum, but available downtown on the street and in all lots including those by City Hall. Park remotely and take the FREE trolley shuttle bus (see map above)! The trolley will run all day and stops will be marked with signs.

Will there be live glassblowing demonstrations?
Yes! At 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm.
Demonstrations are ticketed and RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. Please click HERE to reserve your seat.

A limited number of walk-in registrations may be available on day of event, available on a first come, first served basis.

FREE live streams of the demonstrations will also be viewable in Mahler Gallery (first floor) and the Mabel R. McClanahan Memorial Study Gallery (second floor).

Is glass art affordable?
Absolutely! There will be amazing glass art for every budget.

Will there be music?
Yes! We’re excited to welcome Kate Voss & The Hot Sauce to GLASS Arts Festival! They will perform two sets, 10:30-12:30pm and 2-4pm.

Will there be an award ceremony?
Yes, at 4pm.

Who is the juror?
Mary Childs’ career as an arts professional spans over thirty years, concentrating on contemporary glass. She has worked in directorial capacities for the Holsten and Duncan McClellan Galleries. Childs now serves as Executive Director of the Sandwich Glass Museum on Cape Cod, and is a partner with Lauren Clark of the Childs & Clark Gallery in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.

What can I eat?
There is a wide variety of foods available from many food trucks.

What can I drink?
Water, soda, beer, and wine are available to drink. IDs will be checked for wine and beer.

What is there for kids to do?
There will be free “make and take” art projects for kids under a tent in the front yard.

Are there any other activities I should know about?
Yes! New this year, there will be a silent auction held in the Mahler Gallery (first floor). The GLASS Arts Festival Silent Auction will share proceeds from every successful bid, supporting both your favorite glass artist and YOUR Museum!

Can I sit down somewhere?
Yes, there will be numerous chairs and tables on both sides of the museum.

Can I bring my dog?
We love doggies just as much as the next glass museum, but unless your pooch is a service animal, please leave Fido at home.

Will the museum be open?
Yes, it is free and open to the public 10:00am-4:30pm.

Are there outdoor restrooms?
Yes, in front of the museum and on the lakeside lawn.

Who are the participating artists this year?
We’re glad you asked! Numbers correspond to booth numbers on the Lakeside Lawn map seen below:

William Manson
Wesley Hunting
Jayne Berthelsen
Janet Toonen
Julie Hoppe
Martha Fetter
Emily McBride
Connor O’Brien
Cecile Derel
Sara Rezin
Robin Kittleson
Vaiju Saraf
Julie Rhodes
Rosalie Phillips
Christopher Belleau
Sean McClenahan
Justin Straub
Kaethe Paynter
John Van Koningsveld

21. Amy Simpson
22. Elisabeth Abel 
23. George Machart
24. J. David Norton
25. Karen Crown
28, 29. Laurel Grey
30. Larry Zengel
31. Debbie Steiner
32. Carol Widra
33. Becki Reynolds
34. Michael Mikula
35.
36. Angelo Fico
37. Mary Ila Duntemann
38. Sharon Fujimoto
39. Rebecca Weber
40. Monica Harris
41. Teresa Spencer
42. Art DePesa
43, 44. Jim Braun

July 9, 2025

Glassblowing Demonstration registration is here!

Experience the magic of glassblowing up close! Tickets for in-person viewing in the Glass Studio are just $10 per person.
You can also catch the demonstrations via livestream for FREE at two locations inside the museum throughout the festival.

Space in the Glass Studio is extremely limited, please visit the link below for more details & to purchase tickets.

May 19, 2025

Volunteers Needed!

YOUR Museum seeks volunteers August 8-9 for the GLASS Arts Festival, a free community event celebrating all things glass. Help with activities like the Kids’ Tent, artist/vendor areas, glassblowing demos, and more. Perks include a free t-shirt, drink voucher (post-shift), and a “Golden Ticket” for a free art activity. See a full list of volunteer opportunities and sign up HERE, or email eisch@bmmglass.com for more information. Thank you!