Global Vision

Habatat galleries was founded in Michigan in 1971, back when Dale Chihuly was blowing some of his early glass bubbles and “cast glass” was a foreign phrase.

Since then, interest in glass as a medium has exploded, and Habatat has been in the thick of it. Today, Habatat’s annual international glass invitational is the largest of its kind in the world. We asked Corey Hampson, who, with Aaron Schey, runs Habatat’s daily operations, about the gallery’s international focus and growth over four decades.

How many glass artists do you represent, and how do you go about selecting them?
Corey Hampson: Habatat Galleries Michigan represents more than 100 artists from 18 countries. Most of the artists we represent have developed a name for themselves among collectors, museums, and critics. But we do look at others. For example, we are hosting an exhibition concurrent with our 41st International Glass Invitational, titled “eXpose,” which opens April 24. This exhibition will highlight underexposed artists who use glass as a means for expression. The artists participating in “eXpose” are new to Habatat Galleries.

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