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.

Joshua Mest

Studio Manager / Glass Artist

Joshua studied glassblowing and casting at Kent State University. He previously blew glass for a gallery in Marblehead, Ohio where he also repaired art glass antiques for museums and private collections. He then had the opportunity to manage one of three glassblowing studios located on the top deck of Celebrity Cruise Line’s Equinox ship. He is excited to share his passion for glass through teaching others.

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

Morgan Rogalke Scime, President

Melissa Beck, Vice President

Toni Fountain, Secretary

Alyssa Kole, Treasurer

Sam Brown, Member-At-Large

Brent Harris

Tiffany Dickinson

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.