Summer Programmes at Pilchuck Glass School

The programmes are open to Norwegian, Norway-based craft artists and duojárat. 

Applicants cannot be enrolled in educational programmes (including high school, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees) at the time of application or during the award period.

Pilchuck Glass School is an international centre for glass art education. It is located at the foothills of the Cascade Mountains in Stanwood, Washington, USA. Since 1971, artists and instructors from around the world have gathered at Pilchuck to exchange ideas and collaborate to advance the field of glass art.

The annual summer programme varies from one to three weeks and offers diverse instruction for artists of all skill levels. Courses range from beginner to advanced, with skill level requirements specified for each. Pilchuck’s workshops are led by experienced instructors who facilitate a broad exploration of various glass techniques. Participants can explore their artistic practice, receive feedback from visiting curators and Pilchuck’s artistic director, and attend artist presentations from visiting and resident artists.

With support from the American-Scandinavian Foundation, Norwegian Crafts offers two artists a place in the summer programme each year. The program is well-suited for those looking to develop their artistic practice and build networks in the USA and internationally.

See the list of available programmes here.

Norwegian Crafts’ residency advisory committee consists of three members appointed for two years by Norwegian Crafts, along with Norwegian Crafts’ director. Members have expertise in crafts or duodji (Sámi traditional crafts), either through practice, education, curatorial work, or writing.

Norwegian Crafts' residency selection committee 2026 - 2028 currently consists of Damien Ajavon, Malin Bülow, Ida Siebke and Hege Veronica Henriksen (committee leader).

Applications are assessed in two rounds:

1. Norwegian Crafts’ advisory committee shortlists five candidates.

2. The American-Scandinavian Foundation makes the final selection of two participants.

Evaluation Criteria:

Artistic quality

Motivation and suitability: The committee assesses the applicant’s motivation for participating and whether a stay at Pilchuck will contribute positively to the applicant’s artistic practice.

Application form can be found here

The application must be submitted in English so that the American-Scandinavian Foundation can review and evaluate it.

The application should include:

A brief description of your artistic practice and previous experience with glass, Your top three preferred programme in order of priority (workshops found here), Explanation of how your participation at Pilchuck will develop your artistic practice, CV and photo documentation

After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation to your given email.

If you need to contact Norwegian Crafts regarding your application please do so within the Eapply portal.

You will receive a response no later than six weeks after the application deadline. Notifications will be sent via application portal.

To be specified

Once all applications are processed, all applicants will be notified, and the results will be published on the Norwegian Crafts website and årsrapport. Grant recipients should acknowledge the support from Norwegian Crafts and the American-Scandinavian Foundation in social media and other materials.

Grant recipients must complete a report form within 2 months after completion of their residency. The collected information may be shared between Norwegian Crafts, the American-Scandinavian Foundation, and Pilchuck Glass School.