The Museum of Glass announced this week it is the recipient of the Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass (AACG) Annual Award for 2008. The award was presented to Museum of Glass Director Timothy Close on Nov. 8 at the Sculpture Objects and Functional Art (SOFA) exposition in Chicago.

“We are very honored to be the recipient of this prestigious award,” said Close. “The Museum of Glass strives to be the best contemporary glass museum in the world by providing inspiring exhibitions in our galleries, entertaining and explanatory demonstrations in our Hot Shop, and engaging educational programs for our visitors — all with the goal of making glass and art accessible to all. To have the AACG recognize our efforts is significant.”

AACG is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to further the development and appreciation of art made from glass. The Alliance informs collectors, critics and curators by encouraging and supporting museum exhibitions, university glass departments and specialized teaching programs, regional collector groups, visits to private collections, and public seminars.

Each year AACG selects one organization to be honored for its contributions to the contemporary glass movement. Along with the award, the Museum received a $5,000 gift and Close was provided the opportunity to present a public lecture at SOFA Chicago. Close’s presentation, entitled “All Glass, All the Time,” outlined the major changes the Museum has undergone during his tenure.

Previous recipients of the AACG Annual Award include The Museum of American Glass at Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center (2005), Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum (2003), The Studio of the Corning Museum of Glass (1999) and Pilchuck Glass School (1995), among others.