What is Hilltop Artists? How long has Hilltop Artists been around?
Established in 1994 with the help of Dale Chihuly, Hilltop Artists is a 501(c)3 non-profit glass arts program that provides classes and individualized instruction for over 500 students each year. Through the program, young people have an opportunity to learn the art of glass blowing, mosaics, fused glass and beadwork. Hilltop serves a diverse group of youth and is especially effective with young people who are searching for ways to connect and belong. There is an additional focus on assisting those who find themselves struggling academically, socially and/or behaviorally. Hilltop also does specific outreach in communities that are dealing with high risk factors related to poverty, neglect, homelessness, substance abuse, and violence. Hilltop Artists serves youth ages 12-20.
MISSION STATEMENT: Using glass art to connect young people from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds to better futures.
Is Hilltop Artists part of Tacoma Public Schools?
Hilltop Artists is a completely separate, independent non-profit. We have a board of directors who set policy and strategic direction and maintain fiscal accountability. The Tacoma Public Schools is one of our most important partners. They provide the in-kind donation of the two Tacoma facilities and their utilities; they also contribute toward the salaries of our daytime instructors, who teach elective classes at Jason Lee Middle School, and Career and Technical Education classes at Wilson.
What programs are offered at Hilltop Artists?
Daytime Classes: Hilltop Artists provides elective classes at Jason Lee Middle school during the school day for students in the 7th and 8th grades, and CTE (Career and Technical Education) classes during the school day at Wilson High School for students in the 11th and 12th grades. These classes are open to students enrolled in these schools.
Afterschool Program: After school programs are also run by Hilltop Artists at both Wilson and Jason Lee and Ford Middle School. The Tacoma programs are open to all youth enrolled in school in Pierce County; at present, Ford only serves its students. Afterschool sessions begin at the end of the school day and run until 4:00 at Wilson and 4:30 pm at Jason Lee and Ford.
Summer Program: Summer School normally runs for six weeks, in two three week sessions that serve 120 youth from throughout the county. This summer programming will be offered in one three-week session, held five days a week. This session begins on Monday June 21st and runs through Friday July 9th. Students may choose between glassblowing, flame-working (beadmaking) or glass fusion/mosaics. These sessions fill up fast and there is always a waiting list.
Production Team: The Production Teams work evenings, Monday through Thursday, 5:00 pm -8:00 pm. To be on a Production Team students must have experience in at least one of Hilltop Artists programs, fill out a Production Team application/contract, and be interviewed and accepted by Hilltop Staff. We provide 24 – 30 students annually with scholarships to our Production team program: these scholarships are reviewed monthly and are contingent upon their school attendance, grades, teamwork and attitude. As a member of one of three teams, they blow glass or create flame-worked beads and jewelry two evenings a week and engage in commission work and installation work. Glass created by the Production Teams is also made available to the public though annual sales, special events and auctions held by other organizations, which provides income for Hilltop Artists and helps to insure tuition free programs for all students. Team members also may become teaching assistants in Hilltop Artist programs, intern at the Museum of Glass and other venues as well as become eligible for studio and art school scholarships around Washington.
Arts Connect: This is a new program for Hilltop Artists. During the recession, this program was cut from another organization. It is a community-based intervention and recidivism-prevention program created specifically for court-involved girls ages 11 – 19 living in Pierce County. A partnership with Pierce County Juvenile Court and multiple collaborating community organizations, Arts Connect was designed in response to the need for a program that supported girls during the challenging time of court-ordered probation, by helping them to forge lasting, healthy connections to the community.
Can my child attend classes at Hilltop Artists? How do I get them signed up?
Call or email Kathy Anderson at: kanderson@hilltopartists.org or call 253-571-7739 for application forms and information.
Daytime classes: are for students enrolled at Jason Lee Middle School and Wilson High School. Students must sign up with their school counselors.
Afterschool and summer programs: are open to all students. Call or email Kathy Anderson kanderson@hilltopartists.org or 253-571-7739
Production Team please contact Jessica Hogan at; jhogan@hilltopartists.org, 253-571-7761
Arts Connect Diana Falchuk: dfalchuk@hilltopartists.org
No students are refused services based on their past behavior, grades, physical limitations, or artistic talent.
Who do we serve? Students ages 12-20, Pierce County, with a focus on students in our target population.
How much does it cost to participate in program at Hilltop Artists?
We are a tuition-free program and provide instruction, facilities, supplies and materials through our grant partnerships, no student or family has to worry about inability pay.
What does "commissioned work" mean? How do I make arrangements?
In addition to creating glass art for our sales, we also take “commissions” or special orders.
We can create items such as:
- glass awards that you can use to recognize or reward your employees
- glass artwork or installations for your lobby or board room
- glass centerpieces for your next gala event or auction
We can also work with you to design and produce pieces to fit your needs.
The production team also takes individual commissions on a limited basis. If you have questions, or would like to learn more, please contact our Production Manager to set up an appointment; Jessica Hogan at jhogan@hilltopartists.org or call 253-571-7761
Do you have a gallery? How do I purchase glass art from Hilltop Artists?
Hilltop Artists has a glass gallery, located in our hot shop at Jason Lee Middle School, which is available for tours and shopping by appointment. If you have questions, or would like to come by, please call 253-571-7670 or email us at info@hilltopartists.org.
We also have a Holiday Sale in December and a Spring Sale in June. These are both held at Jason Lee Middle School. Please check our website for exact dates and times.
All sale proceeds go directly to fund program costs, including student scholarships, and supplies and materials.
Credit card, check, and cash payments are accepted.
Where does your funding come from?
Hilltop Artists is a 501(c )3 non-profit whose revenue comes from the following sources.
(Percentages are estimates for 2010-2011 fiscal year):
Corporate and foundation grants: 36%
TPS, fees for service: 29%
Sales of Glass: 16%
Contributions: 13%
Government grants 6%
How can I help? Volunteer, donate, etc.
Volunteer:
Our team is always looking for volunteers for our glass sales, fundraising events, and field trip chaperones. Are you an artist, a glassblower, a tutor, a mentor? Do you have mad database skills?
We'd love to talk with you!
All potential volunteers are screened through Tacoma Public Schools.
Donate:
Hilltop Artists is a non-profit organization.
We want to keep our programs free and accessible for ALL of our students.
To do so we depend on the generosity of our supporters and advocates.
Please consider making a donation to help us continue the work that we do on behalf of youth.
If you are interested in making a donation, you can call Vicky Tetzlaff at: 235-571-7670
Or:
Mail your check to:
Hilltop Artists
PO Box 6829
Tacoma, WA 98417
Hilltop Artists is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that relies on public and private donations. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
How do I get on the Mailing List for Hilltop Artists?
To get on Hilltop Artists mailing list you can go to our website:
Click on “Contact”, and you will see a link to join our mailing list.
You can also email us at:
Or send us a note with your contact information to:
Hilltop Artists
PO Box 6829
Tacoma, WA 98417
Please be sure to include your email address!
Does Hilltop Artists have a website?
Yes! We have a wonderful website that was developed for us by Rusty George Creative!
Check in for information about our programs and special events.
What are some of Hilltop Artists special events?
Glass Sales:
Hilltop Artists holds two public glass sales events every year at Jason Lee Middle School:
The Spring Glass Sale is held in June on a Saturday.
The Holiday Glass Sale takes place on a Saturday in December.
Please check the website for exact dates and times:
VIP event:
Hilltop Artists also holds a special VIP event the evening before the Holiday Glass Sale. To attend the VIP event you will need to have donated over $200 during the calendar year of the event.
Friendraisers:
Hilltop Artists holds special “Friendraiser” events throughout the year. These evening events afford a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Hilltop Artists, meet the students and staff and have some fun! Light refreshments are served, and a good time is had by all. You may even win a chance to try your hand at glassblowing or making a bead!
Annual Fundraiser Breakfast:
Every October Hilltop Artists holds a special fundraiser breakfast.
At the breakfast, you will learn more about Hilltop Artists highly effective programs, hear directly from the students who benefit from HART, enjoy breakfast with others who care about the future of our youth and have an opportunity to give support to the programs that have transformed the lives of our students and their families.
The success of the Breakfast Fundraiser is a critical element of our plans to serve youth on the Hilltop and greater Tacoma. The proceeds from previous breakfast events have dramatically changed our capacity to reach out to youth in our community. HART is an incredibly powerful program, with powerful partners. Please come and be inspired!
If you would like to attend our Annual Fundraiser breakfast please email us at:
Or give us a call at: 253-571-7670
Be a hero!
You or your organization can also sponsor a table or be a breakfast sponsor.
Please contact Vicky Tetzlaff for more information.
Other events:
Hilltop Artists participates in many other community events, like Tacoma’s Ethnic Fest, National Night Out, Art at Work, and many more. Please check our website for details:
www.hilltopartists.org (Click “Events”)