Annieglass has operated for 25 years on the premise that “what goes around comes around.” Community involvement, green awareness and fair trade have finally become business concerns in the recent years, but Annieglass has consistently practiced these philosophies since its foundation long before these ideals became trends.

Annie received a degree in glassmaking from the California College of the Arts, where she studied under renowned glass artist Marvin Lipofsky. Ever since, she has been committed to bringing the craftsmanship of the handmade object to her products. By incorporating efficient production processes with the exacting standards of a small atelier, Annieglass has preserved fine art technique with craftsmanship and created a market for the handmade object in the luxury marketplace. Annieglass has earned its place in the finest stores around the world, as well as in the Smithsonian Museum of American Art’s permanent collection.

Annieglass products are created in an environment that is green-friendly and responsible. The Annieglass warehouse uses an abundant amount of skylights and low wattage energy-efficient lighting. A special reflective roof keeps the space insulated, so that air conditioning is not needed during the summer. Kilns, which are not run at peak hours, fire up to 1350 degrees, a relatively low temperature and power requirement for this kind of process. The glass-cleaning machine circulates and reuses water, and glass materials are all cleaned with non-toxic vinegar.

Annieglass is a rare combination of only two materials, glass and precious metal. The glass supplier is a local factory less than 60 miles away, thus reducing its shipping and transportation footprint. The precious metal is purchased in small quantities from one supplier. Molds are reused, and leftover glass and metal materials are sent back to the factories for re-melting (Annieglass even sends in the paper towels used to wipe the products, for the factory to refine the metal residue!). Annieglass uses recycled or biodegradable packing materials for shipping, and the warehouse serves as a local drop-off station for reused packing materials.

Annieglass will be launching a new series of pieces using its own recycled scrap glass, in a marine-inspired theme.

Annie Morhauser was elected to the board of trustees o her alma mater, California College of the Arts (formerly California College of Arts & Crafts) in 2004. She will become a lecturer there in their new, innovative MBA program for designers.

 

Annie is deeply committed to social and environmental causes. She actively engages in fundraising and gives donations to over 300 charities annually. Annie sits on the advisory board and fundraises for the local Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services. Very active in supporting environmental causes in the Monterey Bay area, she also has committed a portion of the proceeds from her Butterfly collection to the local chapter of the Sierra Club.

In addition to employee scholarships, Annie speaks at events focused on philanthropy, education, and women in business. She sponsors three educational scholarships – at California College of the Arts, San Francisco State University, and a local high school. She is a trustee and lecturer at CCA, her alma mater. And in the Fall of 2008, she will become part of the faculty of their innovative new MBA program for designers.

 

In an age of short-term employment stints, the average length of time among Annieglass employees is 10 years, and it’s easy to see why. All employees enjoy a fair wage, medical and generous retirement contribution benefits. They also enjoy a profit sharing plan in which the company distributes to staff in a tax deferred savings plan. Annieglass also provides an Education Scholarship program that reimburses employees for tuition and textbook expenses in earning degrees (Annieglass staff members have already seen one MBA and one MFA completed). Annieglass also sponsors an Artist in Residence program, which allows for selected artists to use their facilities and share in their passion for working with glass, allowing the artist the luxury of completing a body of work at no cost with unlimited assistance and sponsorship.

 

Annie with Willy Elliot-McCrea, Executive Director of Second Harvest Food Bank, at Annieglass' UnforgetTables event which raised over $10,000 for the not for profit.