Introducing Glassy and Pearly!
Since it’s our 30th anniversary, we couldn’t help but imagine what would happen if one of our beautiful glass creations became friends with a pearl (the traditional 30th anniversary gift, and also a beautiful, shimmering creation made in the sea…) and also from similar raw materials as glass! So without further ado, please meet Pearly and Glassy! And how did these two fast friends meet? Well let us tell you!
In the summer of 2024, a radiant pearl named Pearly and a gleaming goblet named Glassy met along the shores of Owen Beach. Who would have known that such a meeting would not only result in a fast friendship, but also, coincidentally occur on the auspicious 30th year anniversary of Hilltop Artists!
Pearly, with their lustrous sheen, symbolizes the beauty of nature’s patience, transforming from a grain of sand into a glowing treasure. Glassy embodies creativity and passion, crafted from sand through intense heat and expert manipulation!
Despite their different origins, Pearly and Glassy share a deep love for art and wisdom, forging a remarkable friendship. Together, they guide us through Hilltop Artists’ milestone celebration, showcasing the artistry all around us and the potential for greatness in every grain of sand.
So, sit back and let Pearly and Glassy take you on a sparkling adventure, celebrating 30 years of creativity, passion, and the art of transformation at Hilltop Artists.
Pearly and Glassy’s first encounter happened during a spectacular sunset, when the sky was painted with hues of pink, orange, and gold. Pearly was admiring the breathtaking view when she noticed Glassy standing elegantly on a rock, reflecting the vibrant colors like a prism. Fascinated by Glassy’s ability to transform light into a rainbow, Pearly rolled closer and struck up a conversation. They soon discovered their mutual appreciation for the finer things in life—Pearly’s wisdom gleaned from the ocean’s depths and Glassy’s knowledge of the world above. From that day on, Pearly and Glassy became inseparable, sharing stories and dreams, and inspiring each other with their artistic visions and wise reflections.
One fateful day, Pearly and Glassy met at Hilltop Artists, a magical place where creativity flourished and dreams were crafted into reality. Their unique qualities and shared passion for artistry made them the perfect pair to guide visitors through the enchanting world of Hilltop Artists.
Together, Pearly and Glassy led tours, showing the incredible artworks and inspiring stories behind each piece. They highlighted the dedication and passion of the artists, encouraging everyone to see the potential for greatness in every grain of sand.
Pearls of Wisdom
July 2024
“It’s not what you can make, it’s what you can fix.”—An often-repeated mantra, heard frequently in the hot shop at Hilltop Artists
Resiliency is the name of the game. Glass making is repetition and trial and error. You make a cylinder over and over until you can achieve parallel sides. In the meantime you push, pull, and manipulate the material until it becomes something you like. You fix it, leaving a trail of happy accidents and experiments on your way to a balanced cylinder.
August 2024
“People don’t want to be bothered, and they’re not being pressured to change. You have to push people. You have to be the agitator that makes the pearl.”
—Marlo Thomas
It doesn’t occur to many people that they could make art with hot glass. It’s not a medium that is easily accessible or available. Making glass accessible to young people from diverse social and economic backgrounds was an innovative idea. Offering glass classes to middle school students is a singular achievement (the only one of it’s kind in the State/World/Universe!) Turning students into glass artists is remarkable, and Hilltop Artists has dared to be the agitator to make those pearls.
September 2024
“In life collect friends; like precious pearls. They are only ones who believed in you when no one else did. They are worthy to be by your side.”—Alan Maiccon
Many of our students stay in our programs for eight to ten years. Some become staff at Hilltop Artists and stay for decades. Along the way they meet the people who become their “family of choice”. Unlike our family of origin, our family of choice is comprised of people we choose to share experiences, emotions, and values with, people who appreciate us for who we are and what we can achieve together, people who know us and love us fully for who we are. Hilltop Artists is much more than an art program, it’s a family for many of it’s students.
