Carlee WrightThere’s something magical about a marble — a swirl of molten glass, shaped in fire, cooled into a tiny universe you can hold in your hand. Each one is unique, carrying the imprint of its maker.
That sense of creativity drives Otto, a local artist and founder of The Glass Union. Two years ago, he opened the private studio with a vision, as he puts it: “When I built this place, I went off that movie Field of Dreams — build it, and they will come.” And they have. From resident makers like Flexor and Scomo to visiting artists from across the country, The Glass Union has become, just as Otto intended, “a gathering place for artists,” where glass, graffiti, and metal merge in unexpected collaborations.
Now it’s time to share that spirit with Salem. On September 14, more than 100 hand-crafted glass marbles will be hidden throughout downtown in the inaugural Great Marble Hunt. Find one, and it’s yours to keep.
The hunt stretches from Riverfront Park to the Capitol, Ferry Street to the police station. “Marble zones” will be marked on a free map available at the event hub, which will also host a vendor market where visitors can browse locally made goods, shop for glass art, and maybe even catch an artist at work before setting off to search.
“It’s all about community, it’s all about spreading the love… It’s very collaborative,” Otto said.
Each marble is a one-of-a-kind creation, crafted by skilled glassblowers using techniques that range from fluid, watercolor-like designs to playful “scribble tech.” Marbles vary in size and value, and will be placed throughout the day, ensuring plenty of chances to discover a treasure.
Free and open to all ages, the hunt is part scavenger adventure, part art experience, part community exploration. Whether you’re a collector, an art lover, or simply curious, it’s a chance to explore Salem, enjoy the thrill of the chase, and take home a pocket- (or palm-) size piece of creativity.
The Great Marble Hunt
9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14
Starting at: 120 Commercial St NE
instagram.com/thegreatmarblehunt
Note: This is a free event, but you will need to register to claim some of the larger marbles. Click here to register.
This story originally ran in Press Play Salem issue 25 (Fall 2025)
We run on coffee, curiosity, and community. Fuel our next story (and our next cup) by supporting Press Play Salem. 👉 buymeacoffee.com/pressplaysalem
Author: Carlee Wright
Carlee Wright is a community instigator with a grand love for Salem and notably fashionable shoes (Hello, John Fluevog!) who turns waste into wearable art in her "spare" time.
The Book Bin
