Meet Alison Harvey | Owner – Philabaum Glass Gallery

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alison Harvey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alison, how do you think about risk?
You have to take the risk or lose the chance. When you are truly passionate about something, risk feels a little less scary (just a little!). Without taking risks, I wouldn’t be in the position I am right now. After managing Philabaum Glass Gallery for over a decade, my husband, Dylan, and I were given the opportunity to purchase the business in October of 2020. It was a very, very uncertain and uneasy time for everyone, and an especially uneasy time to be taking over a retail business. To top it off, we had three kids under the age of 5, one of whom was a young baby. We didn’t know what the world was going to look like, we didn’t know if people would still visit, we didn’t know if anyone would be shopping or traveling… I was a nervous wreck! Dylan continuously reminded me that art glass and the gallery were my true passions and that it wasn’t even a question – we had to do it and we had to make it work. Almost three years later, here we are! We now own the only all glass gallery in Arizona and work side by side, raising our family in the gallery and doing all we can to bring more beauty into the world. I can’t imagine what our lives would look like if we didn’t take that risk.

What should our readers know about your business?
Philabaum Glass Gallery is the only all glass art gallery in Arizona, and one of only a handful of glass galleries in the United States. The gallery represents over 60 artists; 20 of our artists live and work in Arizona – there is a strong and talented glass community in Arizona. By selling so many artists, we support each of their small businesses, which is something we feel strongly about. We show the most amazing variety of contemporary art glass. One-of-a-kind pieces, remarkable techniques and unique ideas many have never seen before. Glass is the most incredible medium – there is always a bit of mystery that comes with it- peering at a piece of art and wondering “how did someone do that?!” There are so many different ways to work with glass. I LOVE picking artists brains and visiting their studios so I can answer the “how?” and the “why?” questions. I tell the viewer not just about the art and the technique, but also about the artists. These aren’t just beautiful objects – there is a person, a story, a family and a lifetime of work behind every piece of art on display. The artists deserve to be bragged about, and I am happy to do it. I studied Art History at University of Arizona and I adore talking and sharing. Visitors from all over the world tell us that our gallery has such impressive art that it could be anywhere – New York, Seattle, Hong Kong, Paris… I think we are right at home here in Arizona.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Mexican food is an absolute must when you are visiting Tucson. Fish tacos at Taqueria Pico de Gallo, Sonoran hot dogs from Ruiz Dogs, enchiladas de la casa from El Molinito, drive-through breakfast & carne asada burritos, anything from Mi Nidito… there are a lot of great options.

I love a day at the Tucson Museum of Art, just slowly and peacefully wandering through the various galleries, always ending (or starting!) with something delicious on the beautiful patio of Cafe a la C’art.

The Sonoran Glass School offers glassblowing experiences where even beginners can assist in making a glass flower or paperweight – this is something so unique that everyone loves. Hotel Congress is such a sweet place to visit and one of my favorite places to grab a drink. My husband and I and all our friends ended our wedding night with drinks on that patio! The Cup Cafe at Hotel Congress is phenomenally yummy, too.

You can’t forget to soak up nature when in Tucson – the desert is truly a magical place. A visit to Saguaro National Park and a ride up Mt. Lemmon is high on the list. Recently I have become enamored with the wineries in Sonoita, AZ – our near neighbors. They are so quaint, relaxing, genuine and delicious. Definitely worth the short drive. Finally, we would wrap it all up with Eegee’s – a Tucson classic.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Tom & Dabney Philabaum – the most amazing artists, mentors and supporters. I am so grateful to be a part of your family and to carry on the beauty you created.

Website: www.philabaumglass.com

Instagram: @philabaumglass

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PhilabaumGlass

Yelp: Philabaum Glass Gallery