Rudy Maldonado – Shulgin Glass Project
Safe Spaces · Shulgin Glass Project
Rudy Maldonado
Woodworker
Rudy Maldonado is the Volunteer & Community Manager for MAPS, bridging connections between nonprofit organizations and volunteers within the psychedelic ecosystem. After facing an unjust felony conviction in 2008, Rudy found healing through psychedelics and art, turning to the psychedelic and mental health community for support while navigating the harmful flaws within the existing justice system. Since then, he formally launched his woodworking practice as Found & Found in 2019, which has served as his creative anchor, physically expressing the values of reclaiming our nature with us all.
Found & Found · @foundandfoundstore
Single Edition
Safe Spaces
This one-of-one necklace holds a piece of laboratory glass from Sasha Shulgin’s chemistry lab in Lafayette, California, and is set within a casing of old-growth redwood reclaimed from the front office sign of the previous MAPS headquarters in Santa Cruz. The old-growth redwood was hand-shaped to encase and protect the glass at its center, creating a vessel that holds this piece of history. Created as part of DanceSafe’s Legacy to Artistry Project, which repurposes original Shulgin lab glassware into wearable art to support DanceSafe’s harm reduction and drug-checking programs.
In the artist’s words
About Safe Spaces
The redwoods have been a constant north star and inspiration to my growth as a person. They have always been the grounded safe space that I’ve needed in my life to explore, release, and accept. Now, 11 years into my involvement in the psychedelic ecosystem, I see the actions and practices held by organizations like Dancesafe and MAPS as safe spaces for anyone who is searching. Sasha Shulgin was a curious creator, MAPS holds these compounds with love and respect, and Dancesafe encourages the safety of our environment.
Specifications & Purchase Information
The Shulgin glass is encased in the center of the redwood pendant with a clear window to see the view from all sides. Includes glass from Raw Batch #9. The piece was completed on June 11th, 2026.
Care Instructions: Treat it as fine jewelry. The redwood is finished with a plant-based oil (Rubio Monocoat) — wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth only; avoid chlorine, and saltwater, which can affect the finish over time. Because this piece contains glass, avoid impacts or drops, and store it separately from other jewelry (a soft pouch or lined box) to prevent scratching or chipping. Remove before swimming, bathing, or strenuous activity.
How to acquire
Acquire a piece
To purchase, please send a 3-5 sentence statement of interest.
