© 2021 All Rights Reserved.
Glass Art Kalamazoo (GAK) is a nonprofit, community-access glass arts and education center located at the Park Trades Center in downtown Kalamazoo.
Our facilities include a variety of glass art studios, an art gallery and gift shop. We routinely host public demonstrations and events designed to increase community awareness and exposure to glass art. Discover your creative side by taking a class, exploring our art gallery/gift shop, or watching a live hot glass or Journey Bead demonstration during Art Hop. We hope to see you in our studios soon!
Our Mission
Our mission is to enrich the community by providing exceptional experiences in glass art. We do this by teaching, creating and promoting glass art in West Michigan. Our vision is to be a recognized destination where everyone can experience and create glass art.
Non-Discrimination Policy: Glass Art Kalamazoo will not discriminate on the basis of religion (creed), race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, marital status, height, weight, arrest record, genetic information, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients. Glass Art Kalamazoo is an equal opportunity employer.
Glass Art Kalamazoo, formerly West Michigan Glass Art Center, was founded in 2002 by a group of glass artists known as the West Michigan Glass Society. In 2010, West Michigan Glass Art Center moved into a space at the Park Trades Center. Through glassblowing classes, studio rentals, and professional demonstrations, the WMGAC saw significant growth into 2013. It was this same year that WMGAC joined the launching of the Bronson Journey Beads program in partnership with Bronson Children’s Hospital and the Bronson Health Foundation which utilizes volunteer bead makers to create glass beads for children to document their “journey” through cancer treatment. Journey Beads has created over 25,000 beads for children with serious illnesses.
In 2016, the former West Michigan Glass Art Center was rebranded and re-equipped with new tools and studio improvements. The center re-opened on September 1, 2016 as Glass Art Kalamazoo (GAK) and classes began on October 1.
Since our re-launch, GAK has educated over 7,000 students in our glass art classes from beginner “Make It!” Classes to Advanced Workshops. We have exposed another 17,000 people to glass art through our monthly Art Hop demonstrations and we have steadily grown our member base to include over 75 emerging and professional glass artists. We believe there is value in keeping this vibrant art form in Kalamazoo. We hope that you agree and join us for a class, become a volunteer, or make a donation to support glass art soon!
Address:
Glass Art Kalamazoo
326 W Kalamazoo Ave #100
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone:
(269) 552-9802
E-Mail:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Friday: 11:00 AM-6:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Have a question? Check out common questions and answers regarding Glass Art Kalamazoo.
© 2021 All Rights Reserved.