Five Questions with Jeannine sigafoos- Tacoma glassblowing studio
Co-founded Tacoma Glassblowing Studio with her husband, Mark, in 2006, and she’s been the operational heartbeat ever since—building a team of working artists, opening the doors to the public with hands-on “Glassblowing Experience” sessions, and turning a studio into a community hub.
In 2024, Jeannine helped expand that footprint with the Tacoma Glass Gallery & Fusing Studio in the Proctor district, deepening the city’s access to local glass and pathways for new makers. Her work sits inside Tacoma’s larger glass story—think Chihuly’s hometown legacy, the Museum of Glass, and a city that treats glass as part of its civic identity—where supporting local artists isn’t a luxury; it’s how the culture stays alive.
TT: Tacoma’s Glass DNA
You’ve been part of Tacoma’s glass scene for years—what’s one moment or person that captures why glass belongs to this city’s story?
JS: I’ve never met Dale Chihuly, but there’s no denying he’s a huge reason people associate Tacoma with glass. Not only is he internationally known, but he also co-founded Hilltop Artists. In my opinion, Hilltop Artists is the true heart and soul of making glass belong to Tacoma. Since 1994, the program has introduced more than 8,000 students to the magic of art glass. At Tacoma Glassblowing Studio, we’ve had the incredible opportunity to hire over 15 Hilltop alumni. Hilltop Artists is truly a treasure for Tacoma!
TT: Artists as Essential Workers
You employ working artists every day. What does a sustainable career in glass actually look like here—and what can locals do (besides buying art) that truly helps?
JS: If I’m being honest, sustaining a career in glass is incredibly challenging. The cost of creating the work is far higher than most other art forms. But there are so many meaningful ways to support artists even if purchasing art isn’t in your plans.
You can attend gallery openings, art walks, studio tours, and pop-up shows—your presence alone adds energy, visibility, and credibility. Share their work on social media (with credit), and like, comment, or repost their content. Tag them when you visit their booth or studio.
Recommend them when friends are looking for gifts, décor, or custom pieces. And don’t underestimate the impact of a positive review on Google, Yelp, or Facebook—it truly goes a long way.
TT: The Piece That Screams ‘Tacoma’
Tell us about one work—from the studio—that feels like Tacoma in glass: what makes it ours?
JS: Our participation in Monkeyshines feels like being part of Tacoma’s heartbeat. We’ve been helping Ms. Monkey spread joy through glass since we opened in 2006.
Now the Rogues are out in full force, sharing joy and love across our community. It moves me deeply to see people come into our gallery and buy glass solely to hide it for someone else to find. It honestly amazes me. In our 19 years of business, I’ve never witnessed the level of kindness, community, and generosity that I’ve seen this past year.
TT: When a City Invests (or Doesn’t)
Paint the contrast: what happens to a city that backs its artists vs. one that doesn’t? What’s one specific policy or habit Tacoma should adopt now?
JS: Having a city that truly supports its artists is an incredible gift, and Tacoma does this better than most. There are so many programs in place that lift up creators—many of which people don’t even realize exist.
️ Lightning Round
TT: Tacoma guilty pleasure?
What’s your go-to Tacoma guilty pleasure—spot, snack, or ritual—you’ll never give up?
JS- So much coffee… For the Road, Olympia & Outer Dark. Breakfast from Grit City Breakfast, Lunch at Infinite Soups or MSM, dinner at Dukes or Balcon Express, then dessert at Medzo Galato and dog walks in Point Defiance.
Most admired Tacoman (past or present)?
Who’s your most admired Tacoman and what did they do that still inspires you?
JS: I’m continually inspired by Ms. Monkey. She started Monkeyshines in 2003—three years before I moved to Tacoma—and what she created is so much more than a treasure hunt. It’s about discovering new corners of the city, forming friendships, and finding local businesses you come to love. Since 2006,
I’ve heard countless stories about how much this tradition means to people. One of the most touching stories is about a man who had barely left his home since COVID. Last year, with encouragement from his family of avid Monkeyshiners, he finally began going out to search. Inspired by the rogue artists, he even started creating art again. I love to see how Ms Monkey’s kindness continues to spread throughout this city.
Tacoma
The Big Dream
You’re a creative, so ideas must come to you all the time. If you could do any project here without considering financial constraints, what would you do?
JS: Wow great question. Running a glassblowing studio comes with incredibly high overhead, which can be limiting. I would love for everyone to experience glassblowing at least once in their life, and for those who truly want to learn, to have the opportunity. In my ideal world, anyone with the desire to learn any art form would be able to—regardless of what they can afford.
TT: Jeannine, thank you for your time, and for being such an important piece of the fabric of our creative community in Tacoma.
