The Valdosta Chamber, Turner Center board members, staff, and other dignitaries, cut the ribbon at the new Richard Hill Glass Art Studio, located at 506 North Ashley Street. The new Glass Studio will allow the Turner Center to teach the art of glass blowing, fused glass, stained glass, and torch-working.

After the dedication, attendees were able to watch live demos of these classes inside the new facility. Glass Art Manager James Downey provided a demonstration on the art of glassblowing in the Hot Shop. In addition, several Glass Arts students—of which there were 76 of them in the first 6 weeks of classes—demonstrated the arts of fused glass and torch-working.

“Thank you to Dan and Carolyn Coleman for the generous donation that allowed Turner Center to purchase the property and to the City of Valdosta and Lowndes County Board of Commissioners for their enduring support for the arts in our communities. The Turner Center can do nothing without dedicated sponsors and donors. Many other generous hands helped to make today a reality including Richard, Platinum Roofing, Bill Sineath, Glass Pro, Ace-Electric, Professional Plumbing, Waller Heating and Air, Concrete, Jeff Cooper and Rutland – for the security system and cameras,” said Executive Director Sementha Mathews.

For more information or to tour the studio, contact the Turner Center at 229-247-2787.