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UMW Students to Present on Pilchuck Glass School Experience

November 14, 2025

Join us as the University of Montana Western’s Glass Program hosts a presentation highlighting the experiences of two UMW students who recently studied at the renowned Pilchuck Glass School. The presentations will be held on Thursday, November 20, from 5:00–6:30 p.m. in the UMW Emerick Art Studio, located on the corner of Poindexter and Atlantic Street.

Students Braden Kopp (BA Psychology and Glass Minor) and Tori Tinker (BA Glass) received the Mary Baker Emerick scholarships to attend the Pilchuck Glass School in the summer of 2025, where they had the opportunity to work with some of the best glass instructors in the world. Located in Stanwood, Washington, Pilchuck Glass School is internationally recognized for its innovative programming and its role as a global center for glass art education. From May through September, Pilchuck’s Summer + Fall Program offers a series of courses and artist residencies across a variety of media.

Braden and Tori will share their experiences in a detailed presentation and discussion that is free and open to the public. A social with light refreshments will take place before the presentations. The UMW Glass Program would like to thank the University of Montana Western Foundation for making this event possible.

“As a prior artistic director of Pilchuck Glass School, I spent nine years creating immersive and innovative summer programs in a variety of glass and interdisciplinary processes. My experience in that role drew me to teach at Montana Western and to the block system as an alternative concept in higher education. I’m grateful to UMW’s Foundation and the Emerick Trustees for helping to establish a pathway between Pilchuck and Montana Western. Their support will allow two students each summer to take classes at Pilchuck and share their experiences with the university and community,” said Associate Professor of Fine Arts and Glass Program Coordinator, Ruth King.

For more information, please contact Special Events and Alumni Coordinator Jolene Robbins at [email protected].