The Holland Community Center is excited to announce that its popular Glass Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser will return over the weekend of Oct. 25-27. Now in its fifth year, this festive event will showcase hundreds of one-of-a-kind, hand-blown glass pumpkins crafted by Greg Tomb, an acclaimed local glass artist known for his vibrant, intricate designs. These whimsical works of art will be available for purchase, with proceeds supporting the Center’s efforts as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to enhancing arts, education and community in the Desert Foothills region. The event will take place at the Holland Community Center, 34250 N. 60th St. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Artist Gregory Tomb has been fascinated by glass art since childhood, when road trips with his family would often include visits to the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, NY. After studying glassblowing as an art student at Hartwick College, Tomb explored a variety of personal and professional interests — but glass art always remained his passion. He occasionally rented glass studio time over the years and began honing his craft as a production glassblower in a factory for world-renowned glass maker Simon Pearce. In 2014, he started participating in juried art shows nationwide. Tomb has been awarded “best in glass” and served as the featured artist at the Nassau County Museum of Art, the Hampton Fine Art Festival, the Stuart Art Festival and the Scottsdale Artfest. His colorful creations have also been featured in numerous museums and magazines.
In his work, Tomb incorporates classic techniques of furnace, fused, flame-worked and cold-worked glass, while also exploring new processes and ways to use glass and light. Additionally, he shares his passion and talent for glass art with others by leading classes across the country, from the Bay Area Glass Institute in San Jose, Calif. to the town of Johnsburg, NY, where he is proud to serve as artist-in-residence. He is also currently operating Arizona Glassblowing Studio as the artist-in-residence of the Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak. With this year’s Glass Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser, Tomb is eager to once again celebrate the beauty and joy of glass art with the Desert Foothills community.
The Holland Community Center is a unique partnership dedicated to promoting arts and culture, treasuring the desert environment, assisting those in need and encouraging lifelong learning. Previously known as the Foothills Community Foundation, the Holland Community Center provides a diverse array of programs, including classes, fine art exhibits and performing arts events. As a nonprofit organization, the Center does not receive any funding from government entities and is proud to rely exclusively on the generosity of donors.
To learn more about the fifth annual Glass Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser, please visit hollandcenter.org/event/glass-pumpkin-patch-2023/.
