Adult Opportunities

Glass Pumpkin Visiting Artist Workshops

Work with molten glass to create your own glass paperweight.

Content Detail

Learn how to safely heat, shape, and add color to glass to make a beautiful glass paperweight—and take home a special Arboretum memento.

Work hands-on with one of the skilled artists featured in The Morton Arboretum’s annual Glass Pumpkin Patch to design and create your very own work of art. Learn about the art of glassblowing, spend time with the glass pumpkin artists, see a demonstration, and then work on your own glass art.

This program meets in person at the Arboretum.

Instructor: Kit Paulson, glass artist

Age: 16 and older

Course number: A366

Instructor

Kit Paulson, glass artist

Kit Paulson received her MFA from Southern Illinois University and her BFA from Alfred University. She has taught across the United States and internationally at schools including Penland School of Craft; Pilchuck Glass School; Corning Museum of Glass; Bildwerk Frauenau, Germany; National College of Art and Design, Dublin, Ireland; and Canberra Glassworks in Canberra, Australia.

Paulson has completed residencies at the S12 Gallery in Bergen, Norway, the Tacoma Museum of Glass, and, most recently, a three-year residency at Penland School of Craft. She has received scholarships from Pilchuck Glass School, Corning Museum of Glass, Pittsburgh Glass Center, The Windgate Foundation, and the Glass Art Society. Her work has been published in New Glass Review editions 36, 37, 38, and 41 and is in the permanent collection of the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Museum. She is currently a studio artist in Penland, North Carolina.

What to Know

This program meets outdoors. Check the forecast and dress for the weather.

Please wear shoes with closed toes.

Please bring water and materials for taking notes.

Program Schedule

This program meets during these times; choose your session. Pricing is per session.

Monday, October 6, 2025, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Glass Pumpkin Patch, near the West Pavilion (parking lot P-1), East Side

Monday, October 6, 2025, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Glass Pumpkin Patch, near the West Pavilion (parking lot P-1), East Side

Tuesday, October 7, 2025, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Glass Pumpkin Patch, near the West Pavilion (parking lot P-1), East Side

Tuesday, October 7, 2025, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Glass Pumpkin Patch, near the West Pavilion (parking lot P-1), East Side

Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Glass Pumpkin Patch, near the West Pavilion (parking lot P-1), East Side

Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Glass Pumpkin Patch, near the West Pavilion (parking lot P-1), East Side

Become a Member

When a trip to the Arboretum inspires you to explore more, become a member to visit again and again.

Join now