Japan | April 3 – April 10, 2024
See the recap of our Japan travel program trip
For our first Travel Program trip, we journeyed to four locations in Japan– Tokyo, Toyama, Noto Peninsula, and Kanazawa – in April 2024 for an unforgettable 6-day and 7-night glass-lovers’ experience curated just for you. Our travelers enjoyed the spectacular springtime display of pink cherry blossoms which are an iconic symbol of the country. On this tour, we were welcomed by artists, scholars, collectors, and industry experts who guided us on a personalized tour of Japan’s distinctive glass culture. We experienced exquisite Japanese sites, not to mention spectacular cuisine and accommodations along the way.
Tour highlights included:
● A visit to Hiroshi Yamano’s painting and fabrication studio in Fukui
● A unique Tea Ceremony at the 21st Century Museum in Kanazawa
● Drinks at Peter Ivy’s studio
● A visit to the Mori Art Museum with a breathtaking rooftop view of the Tokyo skyline
● A special exhibition tour at the Toyama Glass Art Museum with Director Ruriko Tsuchida
● A tour of the renowned Toyama Institute of Glass Art with Professor Boyd Sugiki
● A make-your-own-glass experience at the Toyama Glass Studio
● A curator-led talk of the contemporary glass art collection at the Notojima Glass Museum
● A private guided tour of Kanazawa Utatsuyama Kogei Kobo which has studios for making
glass, ceramics, metals, dyeing and urushi
Oaxaca | September 25–October 2, 2024
See a recap of our trip to Oaxaca here
One of the most culturally rich places in Mexico, Oaxaca is known for its long tradition of producing world-class crafts, mezcal, mole, and chocolate – all of which we will explore during this week-long adventure! GAS took an in-depth look at all the historical, cultural, and gastronomical delights that Oaxaca has to offer.
And to satisfy our more glassy side, we visited local studios and explored environmentally friendly practices being pioneered in Oaxaca, enjoyed hands-on activities, and got a personal tour of the exhibition at Centro Cultural San Pablo during the second Bienal Internacional de Arte en Vidrio de Iberoamérico!
Tour highlights included:
- Trips to the Museo Textil de Oaxaca, the Centro de las Artes San Agustin, and other local museums to explore the local craft community.
- A visit to Monte Albán ruins–one of the most important archaeological sites in Mexico that offers unique views of the city of Oaxaca.
- An excursion to Teotitlán del Valle, a village whose tradition of producing high-quality woven goods dates back to ancient times.
- A tour of the local agave plantations to get a behind-the-scenes look at how mezcal is produced.
- A visit to Studio Xaquixe where we will learn more about their sustainable practice and enjoy a delicious meal prepared in ovens using the same process they are pioneering to make glass.
- A once-in-a-lifetime demo with Einar and Jamex de la Torre and Christian Thornton at Studio Xaquixe.
- And plenty of free time to explore the numerous hidden gems of the city
