Glass art conference brings economic boost to Toledo - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

Toledo, The Glass city, is playing host to one of the largest glass art conferences in the world...bringing crowds from around the world....and the city of Toledo is cashing in.

 Artists and art enthusiasts from around the world are flocking to the glass city celebrating the anniversary of glass art and those large crowds are translating into a nice boost for the local economy.

" It's about 1.5 million dollars of economic impact..people eating at restaurants, staying at hotels, they'll have a good time and spend a lot of money." Says Bill Hamilton, Glass Conference organizer

This is the third time the conference has circled back to be held in Toledo, this year filling up the Seagate Center and the Toledo Museum of art which is the birthplace of the American Studio Glass Art Society.

Organizers tell us many were well aware of the economic potential the glass art conference would bring.

" People have come forth..many corporations and individuals have wanted to partake in this, there not necessarily glass makers. People have set up galleries from as far away as Portland, Oregon." Says Margy Trumbull, Co-chair Glass Art Society Conference

  Leaders say events like this not only bring in the big dollars, it continues to put Toledo in forefront for the industry.

 " It's not only because of the revenue that's coming into the community, it's the continuation of a world wide reputation for the glass industry, glass blowing industry." Says Mark V'Soske, President Toledo Chamber of Commerce.

 Many of the pieces made for show today will go for auction this weekend for the remainder of the conference.