(Annie Morhauser, founder of Annieglass in Watsonville, shows one of her original newer pieces made from recycled glass as the company celebrates 35 years. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/Pajaronian)
WATSONVILLE — The first time that Annie Morhauser witnessed the art of glass blowing, she knew immediately that she’d discovered her life’s passion.
With that passion, Morhauser would eventually graduate from the California College of the Arts with a degree in glassmaking, then rent a place in Santa Cruz to start up what would become the nationally-recognized studio Annieglass.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of Annieglass, which now sells its handcrafted glassware to some of the most high-end retailers and restaurants across North America. Two pieces are also on display in the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Morhauser maintains, however, that despite its success, the company never slows down — it is always on a mission for more unique, sustainable and innovative creations.
“We’re constantly in design mode,” she said. “Every six months a new collection is introduced. We’re always looking ahead.”
The company’s lines of both practical and decorative bowls, plates, serving dishes, candleholders and more have garnered attention since the 1980s, when Morhauser developed her own distinct version of the “slumping” process, an ancient glassmaking technique.
But the success of Annieglass is also in part thanks to Morhauser’s entrepreneurial spirit, which aided her in making connections throughout the industry from the very start.
“I knew that people weren’t going to come here to find me,” Morhauser said. “So I went to them. I reached out wherever I could.”
Annieglass showcases work at trade shows all over the country, from New York City to Dallas and Los Angeles. During a recent tour of Annieglass’ Watsonville facility, Morhauser spoke about how she had just returned from Atlanta, Ga., where the company was introducing its Fall 2018 line.
“I’d say about 90 percent of what we sell goes east of the Mississippi River,” she said. “Mainly because there just aren’t as many retail stores left out here in the West.”
Despite the company’s far reach, its connection to Santa Cruz County remains strong. Having moved to its current location on Harvest Drive in Watsonville about 20 years ago, the studio gives free weekly tours to visitors every Thursday and offers a number of different workshops at its new “craft bar.”
In addition, Annieglass is heavily involved in philanthropy — supporting hundreds of nonprofit organizations and handing out scholarships at both Pajaro Valley and Watsonville high schools. Morhauser said that having been a scholarship student herself, it was very important to her to give back.
“And because we can,” she added. “We’re able to help, so we do. It’s really that simple. ”
Over its 35 years, Annieglass has forged ahead with various projects, one of its most recent being “Elements,” a line of trays made from 100 percent recycled Annieglass. Another is “Storybook,” a limited edition line of bowls celebrating the 35th anniversary. “Storybook” showcases the company’s interest in merging art with technology; the bowls are created with the help of a water jet cutter.
When asked if she had a personal favorite line, Morhauser cringed.
“That’s basically like asking me to pick a favorite child,” she laughed. “Impossible!”
Touring the Annieglass studio, it is apparent how many different unique skills are put to use there every day — from the engraving station to the shipping department. Thirty ovens are used, specializing in different shapes and sizes of product, and all molds used are created in-studio.
Morhauser said that a quarter of Annieglass employees have been with the company for more than 20 years, with one having been with her for over 30. Morhauser’s daughter, Ava Reinhold, and muralist son Taylor Reinhold have also been involved with the company over the years.
“It takes a lot of hands to make this all work,” she noted.
Looking ahead, Morhauser said the company is hoping to expand its craft bar workshops, and continue experimenting with new techniques in order to stay innovative.
“Glass is beautiful, seductive and hard to control,” she said. “And just when you think you know what you’re doing, it teaches you that you don’t.”
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Annieglass will host a 35th anniversary celebration on Aug. 4 at its Watsonville headquarters, 310 Harvest Drive, from 2-4:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy cake, drinks and live music from The Greyhound Blues Band, as well as glassmaking demonstrations by staff. A silent auction benefitting Girls Inc. of the Central Coast will also be held.
For information on products, craft bar workshops, tours and more, visit annieglass.com.
