BREAKING NEWS: The Solano County art community is in mourning following the loss of Phillip Glashoff, a cherished metal sculpture artist, who passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 21, 2025, after a month-long illness. News of Glashoff’s death was shared on the Glashoff Sculpture Ranch Facebook page, igniting an overwhelming response from friends and admirers.
Within hours of the announcement, nearly 200 heartfelt comments flooded social media, celebrating Glashoff’s creativity and his profound impact on the artistic landscape of Vacaville and surrounding areas. The post detailed the family’s sorrow, marking the loss of a true visionary whose whimsical sculptures adorned the region and delighted many.
“Finding words to describe Phil and his work is difficult,” said Richard Rico, a fellow artist, and former publisher of The Reporter. “His creativity reached every corner of Solano County and beyond. He worked diligently to make this place even more beautiful.” Rico emphasized the void Glashoff leaves in the community, highlighting his commitment to enhancing local arts and culture.
Lisa Rico, another local artist and friend, remembered Glashoff fondly, describing him as “a free-spirited, dog-loving liberal with an amazingly creative soul.” She shared that his sculptures could be found throughout their property and captivated visitors. “His impact on our art community is tremendous. I will miss him. Rest easy, my friend,” she expressed.
Longtime supporter of the arts, Jean Cox, past president of the Vacaville Museum Board of Trustees, reflected on Glashoff’s legacy, noting his role in creating significant local events. “The local art world has lost an artist, but we’ve also lost someone who created Vacaville history. Phil was the creator behind the Nut Tree’s Pumpkin Patch and Scarecrow Contest. He will be missed,” she wrote.
A fourth-generation farmer in Suisun Valley, Glashoff transformed his family’s land into the Glashoff Sculpture Ranch, a 20-acre destination showcasing hundreds of metal sculptures made from scrap materials. His imaginative creations—ranging from whimsical animals to political figures—captivated visitors and contributed to the cultural fabric of the area.
Graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in pomology, Glashoff discovered his artistic talent while crafting parade floats in college. His career blossomed at the Nut Tree in Vacaville, where he initiated the beloved Pumpkin Patch and Scarecrow contests, drawing an impressive 200,000 visitors annually by the time he transitioned to focus solely on sculpture.
Glashoff’s unique approach to art involved using salvaged materials, transforming everyday objects into playful sculptures. His junkyard at the ranch became a treasure trove of inspiration—turning bowling ball retrievers into hippo mouths and discarded farm equipment into delightful characters.
In later years, Glashoff and his wife, Jan, split their time between Suisun Valley and Maui, yet his heart remained rooted in Solano County, where he continued to create. His legacy will be celebrated in a memorial planned for spring, with details to be announced later.
As the community reflects on Glashoff’s remarkable contributions, his art and spirit will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations. The outpouring of love and memories shared on social media is a testament to the profound impact he had on the lives he touched.
