Rapidly developing as a glass destination, Wanganui is home to a thriving, active glass community, with over 30 practising glass artists. Many exhibit nationally; several, including Emma Camden, Claudia Borella and Katie Brown, are known on the international scene.

The flourishing glass movement in the region has developed through its strong association with the Wanganui Glass School, the only place in New Zealand where full-time study of glass is an option.

The Glass School also offers intensive workshops in glass blowing and kiln-formed glass during the highly popular Wanganui Summer School of the Arts.