Glass Traffic Cones Stop Traffic

Glass traffic cones will be stopping traffic at an upcoming Tacoma conference. The product of an unlikely pairing - Hilltop Artists and the American Public Works Association - Washington Chapter (APWA), these traffic cones and other public works inspired glass objects are a mixture of art and engineering, and will be created solely by Hilltop Artists who are students aged 12-20. 

APWA commissioned the traffic cones as part of their "APWA Gives Back" program which partners with Washington State non-profit organizations for the betterment of local communities. "APWA is about community infrastructure - and what's more important than infrastructure that helps kids." says APWA President Michael Clark. "We couldn't be happier with how the project has turned out and look forward to seeing the full installation in March at the conference." 

The glass installation will be on display during the APWA's Spring Conference (March 31 -April 3) at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center. The installation, located on the third floor, will be seen by the over 400 conference attendees – public works employees from all over Washington State – as well as being open to the public. The APWA Washington Chapter mentors college and high-school youth through their scholarship programs and views partnering with Hilltop Artists as a continuation of their support of youth education. 

Hilltop Artists were co-founded by Tacoma-native Dale Chihuly with Kathy Kaperick in 1994. For the past 20 years, their mission has been to transform the lives of youth ages 12 - 20 through the power of art, adult mentorship, and wrap-around services. With humble beginnings in a former woodshop at Jason Lee Middle School, Hilltop Artists students’ first foray into glass involved converting ordinary Snapple bottles into blown glass drinkware and vases. Currently they blow glass for more complex projects and recently completed several large installations for MultiCare. 

APWA is an international educational and professional association of public agencies, private sector companies, and individuals dedicated to providing high quality public works goods and services. The Washington Chapter holds their conferences twice a year, in spring and fall.