Since its opening in 2006, the Glass Pavilion has uniquely combined its role as the home of one of the world’s great glass collections with its place as a working glass studio born from Toledo roots. As the birthplace of the Studio Glass Movement, Toledo continues to play a pivotal part in today’s contemporary glass community. A large part of that influence comes from TMA’s continued association with many of the most influential and up-and-coming glass artists in the world.

The Guest Artist Pavilion Project, or GAPP brings in both glass artists and contemporary artists who are willing to explore the use of glass in their work, to be inspired, without restriction, by the TMA collection, studio facilities, and staff. The program features established and emerging artists residencies and public artist’s talks.

The Toledo Museum of Art’s GAPP program highlights the unique nature of the Glass Pavilion by encouraging experimentation with glass in innovative ways. Specifically designed to encourage resident artists to utilize or respond to the TMA collection, this program is uniquely situated to serve both the educational mission of TMA, and to promote greater dialogue within both the contemporary glass and contemporary art communities.

Artists are chosen by the GAPP committee which consists of staff members of the Museum including the Senior Curator of Glass & Contemporary Craft, Senior Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, Director of Development, and the Glass Studio Manager. Artists chosen will be those intimately familiar with using glass as a primary medium, and those for whom the medium is a new opportunity.

Artists selected will work with Glass Studio staff to provide occasions to interact with museum visitors, donors, and the local community. GAPP artists are expected to be on site between one to two weeks (or longer, if necessary), which may encompass two separate visits.

GAPP artists have the opportunity to create works of art utilizing the outstanding studio facility at the Glass Pavilion, to receive technical assistance from Museum staff, to have uninterrupted time to create artwork, and to benefit from the wide-ranging expertise in various glass-making techniques present within the community.