Membership Benefits

The Hobstar
The association's highly educational journal is published 10 times a year and filled with interesting articles and pictures relating to American Cut Glass.  Click here for a sample of articles.

Annual Convention
Conventions are normally held in the later part of July.  Association members and friends get together for four days of seminars, lectures, workshops, and a whole lot of fun.  The heart of the event is a dazzling show and sale of some of the finest American Cut Glass, presented by a group of knowledgeable and respected dealers.  The dealer's show is a vetted show.  Buyers can purchase knowing they are getting a piece of authentic American Brilliant Cut Glass.

Catalog Reproductions
As they become available, ACGA reproduces, publishes and offers original cut glass catalogs from a variety of companies in business since the end of the 19th century. While you do not need to be a member to purchase these catalogs, non-members pay a 20% premium.  Join ACGA and save money!.

Regional Chapters
You may also join one or more of the 19 ACGA regional chapters.  Chapters generally meet three or four times a year to share knowledge through programs presented on cut glass.  They are an excellent basis for local programs and projects of an American Cut Glass nature and the development of friendships with others who share an interest in this unique subject of study in antiques.  You must be a member of ACGA to belong to a Chapter.  Click on the underlined chapters to read about them.  

Member's Only Website
A great source of information, unpublished cut glass catalogs, a back library of the majority of the Hobstars. To aid in research, there's a search engine so you can find articles and photo's on a pattern you are researching. Welcome to American Brilliant Cut Glass in the 21st Century!

Collector's Insurance
The ACGA and Huntington T. Block Insurance Company, Inc. have partnered to provide ACGA members with a unique, low cost, broad coverage insurance program that will bring you peace of mind knowing that your collection is properly protected. Huntington T. Block Insurance Company is the leading provider of fine art/collections coverage and expertise. To learn more about this ACGA Member Benefit, please call Jeff Minett, 212 479 4674 or email: Jeff_Minett@asg.aon.com

Brilliant Weekends
Sponsored by ACGA Chapters, BRILLIANT WEEKENDS is a general term for a special event held during the springtime and occasionally in the fall, allowing another opportunity to congregate, acquire, discuss and share in the enthusiasm of collecting American Brilliant Cut Glass.  Check the bulletin board on the home page for current scheduled weekends.

Membership Directory
Published annually, the directory lists ACGA members and all relevant data but should be by no means considered ordinary.  It is decorated with photographs of some of the most exceptional pieces of cut glass possessed by the membership.

Pattern Identification
ACGA has a Pattern ID committee, which will try to identify the memberships' unknown patterns free of charge. Mike Kimberling tells me they have a 30 to 40 % success rate. Often times they have more attributions than actual ID's. Go to the Members only website for Mike's email.

The ACGA Collection
The ACGA Collection is located at the Forsyth Gallery, Texas A&M University,  to which you can donate your glass and get a tax deduction.

Fellowship
One of the best benefits of all, the other members of the ACGA, who make all the difference for beginning collectors by providing a resource for collecting tips, research materials, avoiding pitfalls and celebrating victories.