Early Life and Education

Robert Mickelsen was born in 1951 in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and spent his formative years in Honolulu, Hawaii. His formal education concluded after just one year of college. Mickelsen’s journey into the world of glass art began in the mid-1970s when he apprenticed with a professional lampworker for two years. This apprenticeship laid the foundation for his future career in glass art.

Career Beginnings

Following his apprenticeship, Mickelsen spent a decade selling his original glass designs at outdoor craft fairs. His career took a significant turn in 1987 when he attended a class taught by renowned glass artist Paul Stankard. This experience opened his eyes to the vast possibilities within the medium of glass.

Transition to Fine Art

In 1989, Mickelsen ceased participating in craft shows and began exclusively marketing his work through fine galleries and high-profile exhibitions. This shift marked the beginning of his rise to prominence in the glass art world. His work has since been featured in numerous prestigious collections, including:

• The Renwick Gallery of American Crafts at the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
• The Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, New York
• The Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo, Ohio
• The Museum of Arts and Design, New York City
• The Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• The Mint Museum, Washington, D.C.
• The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio
• The Museum of American Glass at Wheaton Village.
  
  

Teaching and Influence

Mickelsen has made significant contributions to the education of future glass artists. He has taught extensively at major glass schools, including the Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Washington; the Penland School of Crafts in Bakersville, North Carolina; and The Studio at the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York. He has also published numerous technical and historical articles on flameworked glass and served for six years on the board of directors of the Glass Art Society, holding positions as treasurer and vice-president.

Awards and Recognition

Robert Mickelsen’s contributions to the field of glass art have been widely recognized. Notably, he received the Lifetime Membership Award from the Glass Art Society in 2019, an honor that acknowledges outstanding service to the organization and the glass art community.

Exhibitions

Mickelsen’s work has been showcased in numerous solo and group exhibitions across the United States and internationally. Some notable exhibitions include:

• Chicago International New Art Forms Exposition (1992, 1993)
• Sculpture Objects and Functional Art (SOFA), Chicago, Illinois (1994, 1997–2008)
• William Traver Gallery, Seattle, Washington: 17th Annual International Pilchuck Exhibition (1994)
• Habatat Gallery, Pontiac, Michigan: International Lampworked Glass Exhibition (1994)
• Glass Lover’s Weekend, Wheaton Arts, Millville, New Jersey (1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011)
• Belvetro, Miami Beach, Florida: Solo Show (1995, 1997)
• Society for Arts and Crafts, Boston, Massachusetts: Out of the Flame (1996)
• Craft Alliance, St. Louis, Missouri: Survey: Flameworking (1997)
• Tucson Art Museum, Tucson, Arizona: Calido! (1997)
• Habatat Gallery, Boca Raton, Florida: International Invitational Show (1994–2010)
• Contemporary Museum of Art at First Hawaiian Center, Honolulu, Hawaii: Solo Show (2000)
• Mostly Glass Gallery, Englewood, New Jersey: Solo Show (2004)
• Habatat Gallery, Boca Raton, Florida: Group Show with Paul Stankard, Kari Russell-Pool, and Janis Miltenberger (2005).
  
  

Recent Work and Legacy

In recent years, Mickelsen has embraced the functional glass movement, creating works that appeal to a new audience while paying homage to his roots in flameworking. His ability to adapt and innovate has ensured that his career continues to flourish, making him a revered figure in the glass art community.

Robert Mickelsen’s journey from a young apprentice to a celebrated glass artist is a testament to his skill, creativity, and dedication to the craft. His work continues to inspire and influence new generations of glass artists, securing his legacy in the annals of American glass art history.