Program Manager Zane share what inspires him—and how he uses that to fuel student creativity
Program Manager Zane share what inspires him—and how he uses that to fuel student creativity
“More than glass more than ever” isn’t just a phrase—it’s a recognition of why Hilltop Artists matters right now, and why our instructors are the heart of that work.
When you ask Zane, one of Hilltop Artists’ Program Managers, what keeps him coming back to the hot shop every day, the answer comes easily: “I was one of these kids.”
Zane has been part of Hilltop Artists for more than 13 years; first as a student, then as an instructor, and now as full-time staff. That long arc, he says, is exactly why being an instructor with the program matters. “Being an alum means I’m able to relate closer to what the students are going through because I was once in their same position.” That understanding means that he knows the push and pull of uncertainty and confidence that comes along with being new to the hot shop.
Glass is less about perfect technique and more about meeting students where they are. “Someone with glass experience might only be focused on teaching art techniques,” Zane explains. The goal of the instructors is bigger than that, though. “Our goal is to use glass as a teaching mechanism to help them achieve whatever goal they have after school.” Glass is the tool. But what is really being taught is resilience, curiosity, and how to keep trying even when things crack both figuratively and literally.
Those daily victories add up. “Every day there’s small cases of success when a student is able to make something they are proud of.” But the real payoff is watching young people grow. “In a new space and with this medium, it can be difficult to find success right away. Seeing that insecurity grow to confidence as they persevere through those challenges is always so rewarding and inspiring.”
That sense of connection is why Zane believes programs like Hilltop Artists are essential for students. “Programs like this are so important for Tacoma youth, especially those who don’t feel like they fit into things like sports or theater. This can be a healthy distraction from what is going on around them and a safe space for them to be themselves at such a challenging age.”
All of our instructors point to this when speaking about the program. It is their daily lived reality—the glass is a physical medium, yes; but the act of making glass is the medium through which students become artists become community members and changemakers.
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The students in our hot shops today face many of the same challenges that instructors had to overcome themselves. Art, and especially glass art, can feel inaccessible. “I love sharing what I’ve learned about art because it felt so foreign to me growing up. Or just relating to what they see online and how we can use that to inspire them and myself creatively.”
When asked why community support matters, Zane highlights how essential it is for the program. “Without their help, there is no Hilltop Artists. Glass is not very accessible so to have access thanks to community support creates a cushion for students to learn and grow into future leaders and community members.”
Zane, as well as the other instructors, speak a lot about how important continued learning is. “Whether you’re a student or instructor, we’re always learning here. It’s an amazing space to try new techniques and not feel embarrassed when they might not work out right away because the community here understands the challenges and wants to help overcome them.”
Looking ahead, they’re most excited about the 2026 Glass Art Society conference in Corning, New York, where Hilltop Artists production students will participate in what will be the largest glass fashion show ever. “To be a part of it representing the future of glass artists is such an amazing opportunity for the students.”
Your support makes it possible for our students to learn from instructors like Zane. When you give to Hilltop Artists, you’re investing in more than glass art; you’re helping young people grow, succeed, and become mentors themselves. Donate today to keep the furnace burning for the next generation.