It is difficult in this age of Dale Chihuly to believe that the studio glass movement is a new phenomenon in the 5,000-year history of glass. Artists like Chihuly have become so entrenched in the cultural landscape that it is hard to fathom a time when this was not so. Yet the whole movement - of which Chihuly is one of the original apostles - began in 1962 at the University of Wisconsin under Harvey Littleton, Chihuly’s teacher.

The first generation carried the vital idea that glass could become a true art medium used by artists independently in their studios rather than being the sole provenance of craftsmen working in large-scale workshops and factories.

Among the centers of this new movement was the Pilchuck Glass School (founded by Chihuly and others in 1971), an event that made the Pacific Northwest one of the vital centers of this new studio glass movement, which spread from the United States to become an international phenomenon.

With its current offering, “Look Forward,” Tacoma’s William Traver Gallery decided to engage in a unique curatorial exercise: to have members of the first generation of studio glass artists (the “masters”) choose one or two names from the roster of up-and-coming studio glass artists - the next generation of the movement.

The show juxtaposes work by the first generation masters alongside that of the “emerging masters” that they have selected. On wall texts throughout the gallery, the masters give some insight as to why they selected a particular artist of the next generation.

While it is a fascinating exercise to see who chose whom and why, the real value of the show is in the sheer exuberance, variety and visual flavor of the thing. Between the masters and the “emerging masters,” there are 39 artists exhibiting more than 60 pieces of amazing art. Every color and texture and technique of glassmaking seems present in the show.

There is everything from an impossibly tall and delicate bottle form - Dante Marioni’s “Black Leaf” - to a simple beer bottle with a humorous label that is presented by Eli Hansen and Joey Pierce.

“Look Forward” functions as a “greatest hits” sampling of the practitioners of the current studio glass movement - especially those affiliated in some way with Pilchuck. Everyone from the uninitiated viewer to the seasoned aficionado of art glass will find plenty to enjoy here.

The Traver is a treasure of the Tacoma art scene, often putting together exhibitions that equal and often surpass those of its next-door neighbor, the Museum of Glass.

“Look Forward” runs through April 5 at William Traver Gallery, which is located at 1821 Dock St. #100. For more information visit www.travergallery.com or call (253) 383-3685.