Habatat
Galleries was established in 1971 in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan. We are
the oldest and largest gallery in the United States devoted exclusively to
artists working with glass as their medium. There is an additional
Habatat Galleries, located in West Palm Beach, FL. Our 12,000 sq. ft. Michigan gallery is
the home of the original International Glass Invitational, which for 41 years has introduced and exhibited the greatest
artists working creatively with glass. Our mission is to service collections
both public and private. We take an active interest in developing
collections and promoting artist whom we feel should be recognized in our
generation and beyond. Habatat
Galleries - Michigan works with many museums and art centers where we have
developed exhibits that have been displayed in over 100 public institutions.
Each year we are active in publishing catalogues, from exhibits in the
gallery, as well as exhibitions throughout the world.
ABOUT THE STAFF
FERDINAND HAMPSON
The founder and president of Habatat
Galleries, MI., Ferdinand Hampson has been involved with artists working
with glass for 40 years. He is the author of several publications,
including "GLASS STATE OF THE ART", 1984, "INSIGHT: A COLLECTORS GUIDE
TO CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN GLASS", 1985 and "GLASS STATE OF THE ART II",
1989, all published by Elliott Johnston Publishers. He has most
recently, in 2012, completed "STUDIO GLASS IN AMERICA: A 50-YEAR JOURNEY
a 256 page hard cover book.
He has lectured
extensively and written numerous articles and introductions for
exhibition catalogues. His honors include the 2001 Visionary Award for
monumental achievements in the contemporary craft field, in 2003,
the Honors Award by the Glass Alliance as a pioneer in the field of
contemporary glass and he has also recieved the Visionary Award fromp
the Naples Art Expo. Internationally recognized as a noted authority and
historian in the field, his name is synonymous with glass today.
KATHY HAMPSON
Kathy is a graduate of
Michigan State University with an Special Education Degree and has
worked at Habatat since 1989. Business and marriage partner to
Ferdinand Hampson, she is instrumental in working with clients and
organizing the annual collector trips to various artist's studios
throughout the world. Kathy coordinates all the social events in
the gallery from openings to entertaining clients and artists. She handles
appraisals and correspondence for the gallery among other duties.
COREY HAMPSON
Corey is a graduate of the
Hayworth's School of Business at Western Michigan University and is the
Director of Sales at Habatat Galleries.
Corey works very closely developing collections for private collectors,
museums and organizations around the world. He is currently on the
National Advisory Board of Directors for the AACG and is also the
President of the MGCA - Michigan Glass Collecting Alliance.
AARON SCHEY
Aaron is a graduate of Michigan State University and
has been surrounded by the arts his entire life. His has a B.A. in
advertising and also has a background in computer science. Before
arriving as the Master of Information at Habatat in 2006 he has had a lucrative
career in technical sales. Aaron's responsibilities include inventory
maintenance, graphic design, web design, web support, assisting sales
representatives, communication with artists, clients and staff, as well
as providing technical support for all Habatat's employees. He also
provides support to many clients and artists who have many
technical questions that Aaron can help solve.
DEBBIE CLASON
Debbie has worked for the gallery for
17
years as the bookkeeper and office manager. She has over 20 years in the
accounting field and brings her expertise to this position. An outgoing
and dynamic person, Debbie brings insight and professionalism while
working with our clients and staff.
ROB BAMBROUGH
Rob has been with the gallery for
13 years and is the
Director of Shipping, Installations and Displays. He handles the
transportation of the gallery inventory and materials to the various
"Art Fairs", the set-up and take down at those venues and exhibits at
the gallery. He is an expert "Art Handler" and is sought out by many
clients both private and public.
ROB SHIMMELL
As an
assistant in the Shipping Department since 2000, Rob has become an expert in handling, packing and transporting of
art. He works in the set-up and take-down of displays in the gallery and
at other venues and provides assistance throughout the gallery.
NICKOLAS SOLOMON
Nick Solomon is a multi talented employee who
tracks inventory, assist with online auctions updates the website and works with
shipping and the set up of
exhibitions.
