Glass and Growth: A Conversation with Artist Tyler Kimball

Powell Gardens’ Painted Garden exhibition celebrates the intersection of art and nature, and one of the most striking installations in this year’s showcase comes from Kansas City-based glass artist Tyler Kimball of Monarch Glass Studio. His piece, Growth, transforms the conservatory into a luminous world of glass wisteria vines and crystal monoliths, offering visitors an enchanting experience of light, reflection, and nature’s endless evolution.

About Tyler Kimball’s Growth

Growth will be on view at Powell Gardens from April 26 to June 15, 2025, as part of Powell Gardens’ spring event, Painted Garden. This mesmerizing glass installation, created specifically for Powell Gardens’ glass-domed Conservatory, features three sculpted wisteria vines of hot glass cascading from above, illuminated by sunlight streaming through the ceiling. Below, the pond showcases three striking obelisks of glass mineral formations rising from its waters, lit from beneath to reveal intricate textures of blown glass crystals and geodes.

With rich hues of amethyst, hyacinth, alabaster white, and emerald green, Growth symbolizes two contrasting forms of nature’s beauty: the rapid growth of wisteria vines and the eons-long formation of minerals. Together, they evoke the complexity of nature and humanity’s own journey of growth and adaptation.

The Art of Glassblowing

Kimball’s fascination with glass stems from its unique properties—its ability to shape light, cast reflections, and remain ever-changing depending on its surroundings.

“Glass is like no other material,” Kimball explains. “It enriches the space around it, throwing refractions and reflections throughout a room. It draws viewers in with layers of depth and transparency. Even once it’s finished, the way light interacts with it keeps it forever new.”

But working with glass is no easy feat. Kimball describes the art of glassblowing as a demanding, lifelong pursuit.

“Glassblowing takes years of devotion… and even after decades, you’re still learning,” he says. “It’s not just about shaping the glass; it requires knowledge of plumbing, electricity, masonry, and metal fabrication. The process is like a dance—often with a team—where everyone must move in sync. The glass doesn’t wait; it’s on the move, and if you’re not ready, it will take its own form.”

Nature as a Muse

Much of Kimball’s work is inspired by nature, and glass itself is a material deeply connected to the natural world.

“Glass comes from nature,” he says. “Its molecular form is similar to crystals and diamonds, created by pressure, heat, and time beneath the earth’s crust. It can mimic the glaze of a still pond or refract light like morning dew on a leaf. Glass wants to be natural—it pays homage to the greatest artist of all, Mother Nature.”

A Midwest Connection

Kimball’s connection to nature is deeply rooted in his experiences growing up in Missouri.

“As a kid, I used to explore the woods, especially a lichen glade near my family’s property. It was a magical place—spring water glistened down red rocks, catching in the mossy tangles,” he recalls. “My parents taught me how special it was, and now I understand the importance of nurturing nature. Without teaching the next generation to appreciate these places, they won’t be protected.”

This reverence for the natural world informs Kimball’s artistic philosophy. Through his work, he hopes to inspire visitors to look closer, appreciate beauty, and recognize the importance of conservation.

About Tyler Kimball

Tyler Kimball, a Kansas City native, has been creating glass art since 1999 and is the owner of Monarch Glass Studio. His work is known for its bold colors, innovative forms, and seamless integration with architecture and community spaces. Kimball’s artistry reflects his passion for using glass to transform spaces, offering viewers a unique and lasting experience. With extensive experience working on international projects and honing diverse techniques, he continues to craft pieces that inspire awe and connection. For Kimball, creating glass art alongside the people he loves in his Kansas City studio is not just a career but the joy of his life.

An Invitation to Experience Growth

At its core, Kimball hopes visitors simply enjoy Growth—that they take in its colors, its craftsmanship, and the magic of glass.

“I hope people love it,” he says. “I hope they’re enamored with the way glass can transform a space. But more than that, I hope they leave with a deeper appreciation for Powell Gardens as a whole. There’s so much care put into this place, and it allows us to experience the beauty of our region in an incredible way. My work is just a small part of that.”

Experience Growth and the rest of the artwork displayed during Painted Garden at Powell Gardens until June 15, 2025. Let art and nature inspire you in a way only glass—and a garden—can.