UPDATE: The Solano County art community is in mourning following the passing of Phillip Glashoff, a cherished metal sculpture artist, who died peacefully in his sleep on December 21, 2025, after a month-long illness. His family announced the news via the Glashoff Sculpture Ranch Facebook page, sparking an immediate outpouring of grief and tributes across social media.
Within hours, nearly 200 comments flooded in from friends, collectors, fellow artists, and community members, each sharing personal memories of Glashoff and his whimsical creations that adorned the region. “Finding words to describe Phil and his work is difficult,” said local artist Richard Rico. “His creativity reached to every corner of Solano County and beyond.”
Glashoff’s influence on the visual and cultural landscape of Vacaville and surrounding areas was profound. Known for transforming scrap materials into playful sculptures, his work included everything from humorous characters to politically inspired pieces. “He was a true believer in our homeland and its beauty,” Rico added. “We are all richer for having known him.”
Local artist Lisa Rico remembered him as a “free-spirited, dog-loving liberal” who generously contributed to community events. “His impact on our art community is tremendous. I will miss him. Rest easy, my friend,” she wrote.
Glashoff, a fourth-generation farmer in Suisun Valley, turned his family’s land into the iconic Glashoff Sculpture Ranch, home to hundreds of sculptures crafted from recycled materials. Alongside his wife, Jan, he created a destination filled with imaginative pieces like “Mario the Pizza Chef” and other quirky characters.
His artistic journey began at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he discovered his talent while creating parade floats. He later managed the Nut Tree in Vacaville, where he established beloved events like the Great Scarecrow and Pumpkin Patch contests, drawing 200,000 visitors annually by the time he left.
After stepping away from the Nut Tree, Glashoff dedicated himself to sculpture, producing hundreds of unique works over the next four decades. His use of unconventional materials, including discarded farm equipment and bowling ball retrievers, gave life to his playful and approachable art.
In recent years, Glashoff and Jan split their time between Suisun Valley and Maui, where he continued sculpting. However, friends and family note that his heart remained firmly planted in Solano County, where his legacy will endure.
A memorial service for Glashoff is planned for spring 2026, with details to be announced later. The art community’s loss is palpable, as many reflect on the void left by a man who not only created art but also inspired and uplifted those around him. As Jean Cox, a longtime supporter of the Vacaville Museum, stated, “Phil was the creator behind the Nut Tree’s Pumpkin Patch and Scarecrow Contest. He will be missed.”
Stay tuned for updates as the community continues to honor Phillip Glashoff’s remarkable contributions to art and culture.