I encourage everyone to visit the Museum of Glass. On a long layover, you could combine this with a trip to the Museum of Flight.


The healing power of art for veterans

TACOMA, Wash. -- We wanted you to know about a life changing program at Tacoma’s Museum of Glass. It’s life changing for the veterans and soldiers we met one night. They’re enrolled in an eight week class where they’re learning the craft of creating glass art. They meet wednesday nights. Some of their work is on display right now in an exhibit called Healing in Flames.

“Just being in the environment is just so healing for them,” said instructor and glass artist Patricia Davidson.

That’s the idea. Bring soldiers together, through a program called Hot Shop Heroes. Have them work together, have them work with glass, have them work on themselves.

“It has probably been the biggest part of my recovery,” said Michell Knight, who was captain in the Army. Knight was injured in the war in Afghanistan.

“I never thought I’d like blowing glass. But the first time I came here, it was the first time my mind was quiet. I have some PTSD, some anxiety issues and my mind goes all the time," said Knight. "While I was working with glass, my mind was quiet and focused.”

And that’s the beauty of art therapy. It’s calming. It’s healing. It can be transformative.

You can see the exhibit Healing in Flames through March at the Museum of Glass in Tacoma. For more information go to https://museumofglass.org

 

Here's another fine glass exhibition in Seattle, the Chihuly:

Chihuly Garden and Glass | Home

 

Another one in Corning NY

Corning Museum of Glass