Glassroots Art Show

Glassroots Art Show: A New Chapter “A Curated Glass Show by Vendors, for Vendors”

Established in 2009 and known initially as the Great Lakes Art Show, the Glassroots Art Show has evolved into a cornerstone event for the glass art community, particularly under the new stewardship of the show’s long-time supporter Jordan Horst, popularly known in the community as “Waldo” of Waldo’s Wonders. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Glassroots has transitioned from its early days to a new era in December 2023, when Waldo took on this new leadership role for the show. With his extensive experience representing over 80 artists and a deep rooted passion for the craft, Waldo brings a fresh perspective to this beloved event, transforming it into a curated exhibition that prioritizes quality and intimate business-to-business connections.

The transition of Glassroots Art Show leadership to Waldo was marked by deep trust and respect from its previous management, headed by Nick Deviley and Allison Key. Having nurtured and expanded the show since 2016, they chose Waldo as their successor due to his long-standing commitment and innovative vision for the glass art community. Their relationship, built on years of collaboration, assured them that Waldo was the right person to carry forward the legacy of Glassroots, fostering its continued growth and maintaining the camaraderie that defines the show. His takeover serves as a revitalization of the show’s core values—quality, community, and innovation in the glass art industry. As Waldo himself has expressed, his deep-rooted connection to the community and his firsthand experience as a sponsor, vendor and buyer provide him with the insights necessary to lead Glassroots into a promising future.

Waldo is not just another organizer; he is a pillar of the glass community, known for his infectious enthusiasm and commitment to elevating the artistry and commerce of glass. With nearly two decades of experience in distributing and showcasing glass art through Waldo’s Wonders, he is uniquely positioned to steer Glassroots with a vision that respects the roots yet embraces innovative changes. “Make Pipes Not War” is the show’s motto, encapsulating their approach to fostering a collaborative rather than competitive atmosphere at the show. Under Waldo’s leadership, Glassroots is distinguished by its exclusive focus on genuine trade interactions. The show handpicks its vendors, prioritizing local artisans and long-standing industry players over mass collectors, ensuring that every attendee is a genuine buyer or a fellow artisan. This selective approach has cultivated an environment where high-quality brands and mom-and-pop shops can thrive, free from the clutter and noise of larger, less discerning crowds. Waldo perfectly encapsulates the essence of the Glassroots Art Show with his remark, “The show is a vibe— it’s not just about buying or selling but connecting with the whole community,” highlighting the event’s focus on fostering deep, meaningful connections in addition to the business transactions that inevitably take place.

Glassroots Art Show is more than a marketplace; it’s a vibrant community gathering. Emphasizing the need for a strict business to-business environment, the show admits only verified shop owners, either brick & mortar or online, ensuring that every interaction holds potential for fruitful business engagements. This focus is lauded by participants who appreciate the value of networking in an exclusive setting. Glassroots Art Show not only showcases exceptional glass art but also fosters deep community connections through special events like the Millie & Marble Meetup and the vibrant closing party. The Millie & Marble Meetup, most recently hosted at Legacy Glassworks, was a highlight of the 2024 show, offering attendees an intimate setting to engage directly with renowned glass artists and witness their craftsmanship up close. The culmination of the show was celebrated at the closing party, held at MN Legit.

The party featured live performances by Feed the Dog bluegrass band, adding a musical flourish to the evening and providing a festive atmosphere that celebrates the collective spirit and artistic passion of the glass community. These events are integral to the Glassroots experience, enhancing the sense of unity and celebration that Waldo aims to foster under his leadership.

Looking ahead, Waldo plans to expand the Glassroots Art Show to new locations by 2026, aiming to infuse new energy into the show while maintaining the intimate, quality-driven ethos it’s known for. This strategic growth is anticipated to introduce the unique charm of Glassroots to a broader audience, ensuring that the legacy of quality and community engagement continues to flourish. For upcoming brands, artists, and retail store owners looking to engage with the heart of the glass art community, the Glassroots Art Show offers a unique opportunity to connect with key players, discover exquisite artistry, and experience a trade show that values quality and community above all. Keep up with news and vendor features for the upcoming 2025 show (anticipated to take place in late summer/early fall) by following them on social media. In the meanwhile, you can expect to see Waldo’s Wonders showcased at upcoming Champs Tradeshows, as Waldo remains committed to supporting Champs as an integral part of the industry. Vendors and retailers are encouraged to visit the Glassroots’ website at glassrootsartshow.com to register for the 2025 show and join a community that’s passionate about advancing the art and business of glass.