Meet Our Team

Our team consists of a small, dedicated staff of full-time and part-time employees that are passionate about glass art. Our Glass Art Kalamazoo team is committed to these core values in our interactions with each other, our artists, our students, and our clients:

Carrie Vanderbush

Executive Director

With 15+ years experience in nonprofit administration and a Master’s degree in Public Administration, Carrie stands as a proactive manager and tactical planner for GAK. Carrie’s drive for the organization is rooted in her enthusiasm for making glass art accessible. In her spare time, Carrie enjoys making fused glass art.

Dan McAllister

Operations Manager

Dan supports office operations and leads customer service for GAK. Dan’s excellent interpersonal and communication skills serve well as the manager for social media and volunteers. Dan’s passion of local arts, business and community engagement make him an asset. Dan enjoys developing his skills in the hot shop.

Justin Lewis

Studio Manager / Glass Artist

Justin started his career as a Marine Biologist. Justin’s glass blowing and torch work began at Ball State University before teaching at Corning Museum of Glass in New York and later working at studios in New Zealand with Lava Glass. Justin manages our 7,000 sq. ft. facility, classes, and teaches glass blowing.

Contact

Address:

Glass Art Kalamazoo

326 W Kalamazoo Ave #100

Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Phone:

(269) 552-9802

Hours of Operation

Monday: Closed

Tuesday – Friday: 11:00 AM-6:00 PM

Saturday: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Sunday: Closed

Instructors

Bobbi Alkhamis: Fusing

Ekin Aytac: Glass blowing

Jesse Baker: Glass Blowing

Sam Brown: Lampworking and glass blowing
Tory Hollister: Glass blowing
Casey Niemi: Lampworking and bead making

Mike Ouding: Glass blowing
John Rath: Glass blowing
Sue Rath: Fusing
Jake Shaff: Lampworking

Kathy Schultz: Bead Making

Lester Wright: Fusing

Board of Directors

Kellen Manley, President

Tyler Scime, Vice President/Treasurer

Morgan Rogalke, Secretary

Sam Brown

Brent Harris

Alyssa Kole

 

Interested in board service? We'd love to talk to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question? Check out common questions and answers regarding Glass Art Kalamazoo.