Closing Up Shop

Spring 2019
Image
A photograph of Tom Philabaum standing in front of glass plates

After nearly a half-century, famed glass artist Tom Philabaum ’83 is retiring and closing up shop. But while he will no longer create glass masterpieces, his contribution to the community will live on.

One of Philabaum’s lasting contributions is the creation of a two-inch-thick glass disc award, known as a Philabaum, that is used to honor those who work for Pima County. Today, hundreds of people have a one-of-a-kind Philabaum award commemorating their contributions and career milestones. 

“It makes me feel … connected to my community and that what I do is part of the community and people value it,” he says. 

In 2018, the Tucson Museum of Art awarded Philabaum its Lifetime Achievement Award and noted that his glassworks are in collections and museums around the world, including Phoenix, Seattle, Italy, Germany and Denmark.

Subscribe to the Alumni Insider

The Arizona Alumni Insider is a monthly newsletter for University of Arizona alumni. In it you will find information on alumni events around the country, news about university rankings and accomplishments, profiles of Wildcat alumni, donors and students who are making a difference, special opportunities just for Wildcats like you, and so much more.

Subscribe now