For Diane, it all started with chemistry. “I was a frustrated chemistry major, long ago”, Diane said with a wry smile. “In January 2021, I took Paul’s Chemistry of Glass workshop. And I didn’t even think about blowing glass, I was just interested in the chemistry.”

“He went in the little shed back there and mixed some stuff together, he put it in a furnace, melted it, and the next day the people were blowing it. You can make your own glass. I was hooked!”

Diane’s experience with that workshop was the spark that ignited her love of glass art. She’s traveled around the country, learning at some of the best glass programs in the US. But when she wants to blow glass today, it’s at Sonoran Glass School. She and another glass artist share rental time at Sonoran Glass, helping each other, learning together, and making exquisite pieces of art. You can see Diane’s art in galleries throughout Arizona.

Diane’s home is filled with glass art; pieces of her own creation, and those made by friends, mentors, and other artists. What is it about glass art that speaks to Diane’s soul?

“I just really enjoy it. Sometimes you get some cool, unexpected results, sometimes it’s just frustrating, but it’s never boring.”

Our Youth Education Program brings glass art experiences to K-12 schools around Tucson. For the past few years, we have partnered with Safford Elementary school students in 3^rd and 4^th grade classes. The students learn about the fused glass process, discuss concepts like opacity and color theory, and create suncatchers or plates that are kiln fired at SGS.

This program provides much needed experiences to students whose art programs have been cut and can provide opportunities for students to apply STEM concepts in real life. Often, these experiences are provided free or at a low cost with grant funding to subsidize.