The 2025 Texas Conference is shaping up to be a spectacular celebration of artistry and innovation. Beyond the core conference programming, the upcoming conference has a compelling lineup of special events to tempt new and returning GAS attendees. The week will start with a Monday night collector’s event, touring private collections and galleries, and an exclusive viewing of the Rachofsky house. A Tuesday day trip will show off the best of the Old (and new) West, with an excursion to Vetro Glass, the immersive art of Meow Wolf Grapevine, and the cattle-drive bonanza of the Fort Worth Stockyards. That evening, the de la Torre brothers will light up the night at SiNaCa Studios Fort Worth for GAS’s Firestarter Fundraiser, along with live music, beverages and snacks from local restaurants, and an auction of glass education classes. SiNaCa Studios, a public access glass studio founded in 2007 and housed in a former gas station, quite literally wears its values; words like “inclusive” and “collaboration” are painted on the studio’s facade.
“As Fort Worth’s only public access studio, we are proud to be part of the GAS Conference in Texas. From the community events we do to the visiting artists we host, community is at the center of everything SiNaCa does, and we can’t wait to share that with GAS attendees.” – Clifton Crofford, executive director of SiNaCa Studios
Wednesday, attendees will have another opportunity to explore the area with a half-day trip to experience art in Dallas, including a Yayoi Kusama Infinity Room experience at the Dallas Museum of Art, before settling in for the Conference Kickoff back in Arlington.
Do not miss out on these unforgettable highlights! To purchase tickets for these add-on events, and if you have not registered for the conference yet, choose your registration type, then add the desired ticket(s) to your order on the next page. Firestarter is open to the public, and conference registration is not required. You can purchase your tickets here.
If you have already registered: contact GAS by email at [email protected] or phone at 206-382-1305 to assist you with adding any event to your existing registration.
Monday Night Collectors Tour
Monday, May 12, 3 to 7 PM
For a truly exclusive experience, join us on Monday night for a VIP tour of some of Dallas-Fort Worth’s most extraordinary glass art collections. Start with cocktails at Kittrell/Riffkind Art Glass Gallery, then a private tour of the DuBois collection, and conclude with a visit to the stunning Rachofsky Warehouse + Rachofsky House.
Tickets: Members only: $250
Day Trip: The Texas Experience
Tuesday, May 13, 9 AM to 5 PM
Join GAS for a pre-conference trip exploring the Old West with a New Twist! On this Tuesday trip, we will visit historic Grapevine, Texas, enjoy a demo at Vetro Glass Studio, immerse ourselves in intergalactic art at Meow Wolf Grapevine, and end with the excitement of the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive at the Fort Worth Stockyards.
After the tour concludes, our bus will make a stop at SiNaCa Glass Studios in the Fort Worth Arts District. Folks can disembark near SiNaCa to grab dinner before the Firestarter event featuring the De La Torre Brothers, or mosey on back to the Crowne Plaza Arlington for some shut eye.
Tickets:
Members: $100
Non-Members: $150
Transportation: Shuttle pickup at the Crowne Plaza Arlington at 10 AM
Firestarter: A Fundraising Event to Benefit the Glass Art Society featuring the de la Torre brothers!
Tuesday, May 13, 7:30 to 10 pm
Kick off the conference with an exhilarating evening at SiNaCa Studios, where world-renowned artists Einar and Jamex de la Torre will showcase their unique approach to glass art. Enjoy an inspiring demonstration, savor a complimentary drink, and enjoy a la carte food and beverage options. This event is more than just a gathering; it’s a chance to bid on classes from top glass education institutions worldwide, supporting GAS in its mission to connect and inspire the global glass community.
Tickets: Members: $50 | Non-Members: $75
Transportation: A shuttle from the Crowne Plaza Arlington will be available for ticket holders. The Tuesday day trip will also drop attendees off at Firestarter.
Open to the public, no conference attendance is required, so invite your friends and purchase your tickets at the link below.
Half-Day Trip: Art in Dallas
Wednesday, May 14, 9 AM to 2 PM
See the very best of Dallas with an architecture tour, a visit to the Dallas Museum of Art, a walk through the Nasher’s Sculpture Garden, and a picturesque stop at Klyde Warren Park, where attendees can enjoy food trucks as well as Tom Phifer designed public art elements and design.
Tickets:
Members: $55
Non-Members: $75
Transportation: Shuttle pickup at the Crowne Plaza Arlington at 9 AM, drop-off at UTA by 2 PM
Ft Worth Gallery Hop Shuttle
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Thursday, May 15, 4:30 to 10 PM
From hot glass to high architecture, Thursday night in Fort Worth will feature a great lineup of programs!
If you won’t have a car and don’t want to pay for a $30 Uber between Arlington and Fort Worth, pick up this $10 ticket to get access to the special GAS shuttle between our Conference Hotel and Fort Worth’s Near Southside Arts District, home of SiNaCa Studios!
Shuttle Ticket: $10
Collector's Roundup: The Full Texas Experience
Get the full Texas Experience! Monday Night Collector Tour + Tuesday Day Trip + Firestarter + Wednesday Half-Day Trip = A Bundle of Texas fun and over $50 in savings!
Tickets: Members only: $400
From captivating demonstrations and exclusive tours to cultural adventures and celebratory gatherings, these add-on events are the perfect way to deepen your connection to the glass art community and experience the best of Texas. Secure your tickets today and prepare for a conference experience like no other!