President’s Message

Summer Highlights

• Regional Summer Picnics: Thank you to everyone who joined us across the region:
  • July 19: Seattle, WA at the home of Karen Seymour.
  • August 15: Fairview, OR at the home of Margie Rieff.
  • August 29: Independence, OR at Maganda Glassworks.
• Portland Saturday Market ‘Crafternoon’ (July 25): Volunteers introduced the fun of glass fusing to the general public, sparking interest in art glass and highlighting member-led classes.
• Mid-Valley Open Studio & Tour (August 1): Organized by Maganda Glassworks in Independence, OR, our Mid-Valley region hosted a successful one-day tour featuring local artist canopy setups and open studio stops.

Upcoming Fall Events & Studio Tours

Looking ahead to autumn, we have an exciting lineup of events across our region. The Annual Portland Area Open Studios Tour (September 19–20) will open working glass studios to visitors to demonstrate techniques ranging from fused and stained glass to torchwork and kiln-forming. Finally, we wrap up the season in Washington with the Glass and Decor Studio Tour in Seattle (October 17–18), visiting five North Seattle studios to showcase Guild artists alongside guest makers as part of Refract, Seattle’s annual celebration of glass.

Membership Dues Update: To ensure we can continue offering high-quality programming, events, and educational opportunities, the Board has approved a small increase in annual membership dues—our first adjustment since 2020. The dues increase allows the Guild to continue providing a place for members to promote their upcoming shows or classes, maintain an online presence with photos of your work and contact information, participate in educational gatherings and fun events, and connect with other glass artists throughout the Pacific Northwest while keeping our vibrant art community strong and sustainable.

Looking Ahead: 2027 Leadership Openings

As we shift our focus to the fall, our Nominating Committee is actively preparing for our October elections and the 2027 leadership term.

A healthy, member-driven guild thrives on fresh perspectives and shared leadership. We have several vital Board Officer and Team Leader positions open for 2027. Serving on the board or leading a committee is a deeply rewarding way to give back to your art community, help shape our educational programming, and build lasting connections.

If you are interested in stepping into a leadership role or serving on our short-term Nominating Committee, please reach out to me.

Thank you all for your continued creativity and support throughout this summer season.

Warmly,

Barb Kienle President, Pacific Northwest Glass Guild

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