The name Höglund is synonymous with modern Swedish art glass and revered internationally by art glass collectors and connoisseurs.

Just under an hour’s drive from Queenstown, between Cromwell and Wanaka, the Central Otago Höglund Art Glass Gallery can be found.

Swedish couple Ola and Marie Hoglund have displayed their specialist art glass works in more than 40 exhibitions, including the New York Art Expo, the SOFA Exhibition in Chicago and art shows in New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, USA, Hong Kong, Singapore, China, India and Japan.

“ We were appointed to produce the official art glass for America’s Cup and Team New Zealand in 2000 and again in 2003 which led to an invitation to create the art glass for the Sydney Olympic Games – The Games of the New Millennium,” says Marie.

“Ola and I have been creating art glass for many years. My background is textile design so working with art glass, light and vivid colours is the perfect media for me. Ola was born into a family of artists where glass and design were an important part of life. His mother is a ceramic artist and his father Erik, was an artist who at the early age of 21 as a glass designer, revolutionised the art of glass in Sweden.”

After emigrating to New Zealand in 1982 Ola and Marie first established the Höglund Art Glass Gallery and glass blowing studio in Nelson. Three years ago, they moved to Central Otago opening their new gallery which is dedicated to their extended family art works.

“Our family are all making glass, so the gallery has an ever-changing display of our own blown glass, our son Oliver’s glass lights and son Ossian’s blown glass, my handmade glass jewellery and paintings as well as artwork by selected Central Otago artists.

Höglund Art Glass Gallery is open to visitors daily 10.00am – 5.00pm and by appointment and is clearly signposted on State Highway 6 between Cromwell and Wanaka.