Some of Santa Cruz County’s most enduring success stories begin in unexpected places.
For Annie Morhauser, founder of Annieglass, that journey began in 1983 with a degree in glassmaking, a shared studio at the Old Sash Mill, and a determination to make a living as an artist. While working at a Capitola glass gallery to learn the business side of the craft, Annie built what would become one of America’s most celebrated handcrafted glass studios.
More than four decades later, Annieglass has grown into a nationally recognized luxury tabletop brand whose handcrafted pieces can be found in museum collections, fine retailers, and homes around the world—including the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Through it all, the company has remained proudly rooted in Santa Cruz County.
Today, Annie and her daughter, Ava Reinhold, welcome visitors to the iconic bright orange Annieglass building on Riverside Drive in Watsonville, where the factory, retail gallery, ‘seconds room’, and wine bar offer a one-of-a-kind creative destination.
Create Something This Summer
Whether you’re an experienced artist or simply looking for a unique outing, Annieglass is offering a full lineup of hands-on workshops and community events this summer:
- July 18 – Kyanite Earrings: Design and wire-wrap your own handcrafted earrings.
- August 1 – Glass Coasters: Create a custom set of four kiln-fired glass coasters with guidance from Smithsonian artist Annie Morhauser.
- August 8 – Poetry Reading: Featuring Santa Cruz County Poet Laureate Nancy Miller Gomez and poet Adela Najarro.
- August 15 – Summer Bouquet Watercolor: Celebrate the season through watercolor and ink.
- August 22 – Glass Coasters: A second opportunity to design your own handcrafted glass coasters.
- August 29 – Book Signing: Meet local flower specialist and author Teresa Sabanyka as she celebrates Modern Floriography.
Visitors can also enjoy walk-in experiences like the Pearl Earring Workshop or create a custom Succulent Garden—perfect for a spontaneous creative afternoon.
Go Behind the Scenes
Want to see how Annieglass is made?
Free factory tours are offered every Friday and Saturday at 1:30 p.m., giving visitors an inside look at the artisans who handcraft every piece right here in Watsonville. Afterward, browse the showroom for the full Annieglass collection or discover special finds in the popular seconds room.
A Story Rooted in Santa Cruz
Annie Morhauser’s journey—from a young artist scavenging discarded glass behind Santa Cruz Glass Company to an artist represented in the Smithsonian—is a uniquely Santa Cruz story of creativity, perseverance, and community.
More than 40 years later, Annieglass continues to celebrate that spirit by creating beautiful handcrafted pieces, opening its doors to the public, and inviting the community to experience the artistry behind every piece of glass.
Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill, meet local artists and authors, or simply experience one of Santa Cruz County’s most unique creative spaces, Annieglass offers something special all summer long.
Annieglass is located at 310 Harvest Drive in Watsonville, CA. For more information and updates, visit annieglass.com, or follow them on Instagram.
Want to learn more about Annie? Check out this short documentary called “Resilience: The Story of Annieglass”, an indepth look at Annie’s history and personal philosophy:
