The History of Habatat Galleries

HABATAT Galleries, a pioneer in showcasing “Contemporary Glass” art, was founded in 1971 by Linda & Thomas Boone, and Ferdinand Hampson in Dearborn, Michigan. With backgrounds in art, design, and business, and an initial investment of $3,500 plus a matching loan, they embarked on a journey that would revolutionize the glass art scene.

Initially, HABATAT Galleries didn’t focus on glass art. They aimed to display quality, innovative, and exciting works across various mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, clay, fiber, folk art, and art furniture. However, glass art quickly became a significant part of their portfolio.

In 1972, the gallery hosted the first Annual National (now International) Glass Invitational, marking the beginning of the world’s oldest and most comprehensive exhibition dedicated to contemporary glass art. This event has featured all the major artists in the field and continues to this day.

The gallery moved to Lathrup Village, Michigan, in 1981 and made a bold decision in 1982 to specialize exclusively in contemporary glass art, a medium not yet fully embraced by the art establishment. This focus aimed to build credibility for glass art through quality exhibitions and impressive promotional efforts.

The founders were recognized as visionaries by the Museum of Art & Design in New York in 2001, acknowledging their contribution to the growth of contemporary glass and photography as prominent art forms.

In 1983, Thomas and Linda Boone expanded their vision to Florida, opening a gallery in North Miami before moving to Boca Raton in 1988. There, they established a gallery complex in a 23,000 square foot warehouse space, which became a hub for multiple galleries and a destination for art collectors and visitors.

Jay Scott and Lindsey Zitani (Linda’s daughter), after working with Linda Boone, opened a HABATAT Galleries branch in Tysons Corner, VA, in 2007. Eventually, they took over the flagship location in West Palm Beach, FL, continuing the gallery’s legacy. 

Jay Scott officially became the sole owner of the gallery after buying Lindsey out in 2018. Jay and his wife Claudia Scott relocated to Winston Salem, NC, in 2020, and eventually relocated the gallery there in June of 2023, marking a new chapter in its history.