Philabaum Glass Studio & Gallery
Downtown
711 South 6th Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-884-7404
philabaumglass.com

(1) Handblown Reptilian Perfume Bottle by Tom Philabaum
approximately 5" tall, 3" circumference at widest point

Reptilian Series

The reptilian pattern has been the most enduring design element at Philabaum Studios. Though not intended to look like anything in particular, the finished pattern has been said to be reminiscent of a backbone, fish scales, snakeskin, and even teeth. Despite that range of looks, the reptilian name is the one that stuck early on. Above all, the pattern is always striking, and has become the most long-standing signature look for the designs of Tom Philabaum.

For more than thirty years, Philabaum Glass has been a presence in the art scene of downtown Tucson. The gallery features Philabaum’s work, as well as many of today’s best known glass artists. Visitors are welcome to watch in the studio when the glassblowers are working. See the Contact page for hours.

Tom Philabaum built his first glassblowing studio in 1975 in downtown Tucson, and opened a gallery in 1982.  The following year, 1983,  the Glass Arts Society (G.A.S.) conference took place in Tucson, with Tom as the liason for the local glass community.  In 1985, the present location became the new home of Philabaum Glass, and in 1997, the G.A.S. conference returned to Tucson with Tom as Co-Chair, and Philabaum Studio & Gallery again being a major venue for demos and exhibitions.

Tom and his wife Dabney ran a second gallery location in the Tucson foothills from 2002-2007.  Since that time, they have re-focused their efforts at the original home of Philabaum Glass in downtown Tucson, where Dabney runs Philabaum Gallery, showing artists from across the country, and Tom continues to spearhead the studio of blown glass, and the more current sculptural and site specific art, using a broad array of techniques, including kiln casting, fusing, and slumping.

Hours:  Tuesday – Saturday, 10-5.

Glassblowing viewing available, but call to confirm.