Erin and Mike McMillen have completely transformed a space that previously housed a day spa into a bright, cheerful glass gallery complete with two studios and an artist’s loft. The Melting Point opened its doors in September and represents approximately 50 glass artists who create sculpture, jewelry, wall hangings, goblets and mesmerizing kinetic pieces. Large observation windows provide a glimpse of the glass-art process: Watch artists at work in the torch studio – where classes of up to 12 students are also held – and the hot shop with its glowing furnace (and shop dog). An intercom allows observers to communicate with the artists in the studio, making the 1,200-square-foot gallery an interactive experience. Artists from across the country are scheduled to teach classes and work on-site, making themselves at home upstairs in the renovated artist’s loft during their stay. (Classes are already scheduled through 2016.)
“We want this place to be a hub for the community,” says Hank Schwartz, gallery manager. “We want to show everyone what’s possible in the glass world. This is a gallery, but it’s also a community center.”
Erin and Mike are from Seattle. The couple met at The Art Institute of Seattle where they both earned degrees in visual communications. Erin is a glass artist while Mike works with metal (he also teaches archery at Verde Valley School). The couple were the stewards of the Robert B. McMillen Foundation, which grants scholarships in the field of visual arts. Erin says 29 artists have had their college education paid for completely by the foundation. (Today, Erin’s sister runs the organization.) The first scholarship recipient, Natasha Kuring, relocated to Sedona from Washington to manage The Melting Point’s hot shop.
Hank says the gallery is a playful, fun place with whimsical art pieces that often serve as conversation starters. “It’s art for the sake of art,” says Hank. “We are creative in everything we do, right down to our colored staples, the gumball machine that serves up glass marbles and the sign out front that looks like a lit furnace at night. We’re here to put a smile on your face.” – By Erika Ayn Finch. Photograph by Deb Weinkauff.
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