Compelled by their passion for glass art, Linda Touzeau and Linda Reed began teaching fused glass classes through Green Valley Recreation (GVR) in 2012. By 2016, the popularity and demand for more classes in fused, mosaics and stained glass led to an application to GVR for club status. Starting with thirty-five members, the Glass Artists Club (GAC), with Linda Touzeau as president, adopted this Mission Statement:
“To provide opportunities and resources, including a well-managed facility, for GVR members to learn and expand their glass artistry skills.”
As club membership grew, GAC’s facilities were spread over multiple, cramped GVR locations. After a January 2020 visit to a class in session, the GVR Board agreed that a dedicated space for the Club should be found.
In February 2020, Linda Touzeau and Jayne Becker presented GAC’s vision and space needs to the GVR Board’s Facilities Expansion Subcommittee. It was the beginning of an arduous 4-year process that included many member-supported meetings, fundraisers, letter writing and advocacy, as well as a hiatus during the Covid-19 pandemic! Through it all, GAC maintained remarkable growth, with 89 members by the end of 2020.
In early 2022, GVR staff identified underutilized space at Santa Rita Springs Center (SRS). After setting aside part of the space for other clubs, GVR allocated 4200 sq ft for a new consolidated Glass Arts Studio. GAC board members worked with GVR’s architect, staff and consultants to design a functional, safe, and welcoming studio.
In December 2022, GAC had grown to 139 members; Jayne Becker was elected president. In March 2023, GAC held a “Wall Bash” party at the Santa Rita Springs site to celebrate the demolition of existing walls and the start of 10 months of construction.
On February 23rd, 2024, the Glass Artists Club, GVR Board, staff and members, and the SRS arts community celebrated the Grand Opening. But the journey is just beginning. The beautiful new studio is now home to creation of some spectacular glass artistry by GAC members. Classes, workshops, open studio time and pop-ups fill the active GAC calendar, and the GAC membership has grown to well over 200 members.
