History
Glass Growers Gallery opened December 4, 1974 at West 2nd and Plum Sts. primarily as a display place for the items made by Deborah Vahanian and John Vahanian. Those three dimensional items were made out of flat sheets of glass and silicone, forming geometric patterns that were used as terrariums, light fixtures, and sculpture; hence the name, Glass Growers Gallery.
In 1982, Glass Growers Gallery relocated to 701 Holland Street. At that time, Glass Growers Gallery expanded the number of gallery exhibitions and broadened its line of American Crafts as awards and distinct gifts.
In 1985, Glass Growers Gallery initiated the marketing of art to corporations.
In 1988, Glass Growers Gallery recovered from a devastating fire and established their business as s a C corporation within the state of Pennsylvania.
In 1999, Glass Growers Gallery relocated to its present location at 10 East Fifth Street directly west of the Erie Art Museum.
Glass Growers Gallery’s scope of services is as follows:
- Displays and sells the most distinctive array of American Crafts, Fine Art, and Sculpture.
- Provides consulting services for Fine Art Appraisals according to U.S.P.A.P. specifications.
- Develops art acquisition plans, advising on art selections, placement, installation, and maintenance.
- Designs commemorative wall reliefs, sculpture, and personalized awards.
Glass Growers Gallery supplements the annual income for over 100 regional fine artists through commissions and sales of their work. Glass Growers Gallery was named one of the best gift shops by the Times Publishing Co. 2002 Reader’s poll. Glass Growers Gallery has been nominated as one of the top 100 galleries in the United States. Deborah Vahanian received her national certification in Fine Art Appraisal from New York University and USPAP.