Trish Duggan is an artist, collector, philanthropist, and museum founder whose passion for glass has helped expand public awareness of the medium’s power, beauty, and cultural importance. As the founder of Imagine Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida, Duggan has played a significant role in championing contemporary glass and presenting it as one of the most dynamic art movements of our time. The museum, which opened in January 2018, was created to celebrate the American studio glass movement while also building a broader international dialogue around glass art.

Duggan’s connection to glass began through collecting, but quickly grew into a deep creative pursuit. She was particularly inspired by the way light transforms glass, giving the material a sense of movement, spirit, and life. After encountering the work of Florida artist Marlene Rose, Duggan became fascinated with sand-cast glass and began learning the process herself. This direct engagement with molten glass led to an expansive personal studio practice, resulting in thousands of glass works and related woodblock prints.

Her work often reflects themes of compassion, transformation, spirituality, and human connection. Duggan has been especially drawn to imagery connected to Guan Yin, the Buddhist figure associated with mercy and compassion, using this symbol as a recurring presence in her creative language. Through glass, she explores the balance between ancient and contemporary, earthly and luminous, personal and universal.

Beyond her studio practice, Duggan’s impact is strongly tied to advocacy. Through Imagine Museum, she has helped introduce wider audiences to the achievements of artists working in glass, presenting the medium as both historically important and full of future possibility. Her vision is rooted in the belief that glass can uplift, inspire, and educate, while also encouraging people to imagine a more creative and connected world.

For Habatat, Trish Duggan represents a rare combination of artist, patron, collector, and cultural builder. Her commitment to glass extends far beyond ownership or exhibition. She has invested her energy into strengthening the field, supporting artists, and helping the public understand why glass deserves recognition as a major force in contemporary art.