About Us
Crafting Art and Wellness Through Glass Techniques
Our Mission
A Dream in Glass
At Glass Arts Collective in beautiful Westlake Village, CA, we’re a working glass art studio, an in-studio and online Marketplace, a local small business, and so much more. The idea for the classes is short, teaching techniques, safety, and helping folks overcome the idea it’s dangerous. At this studio, we make it fun and easy to create beautiful artwork.
I’m Nancy Dillingham Marks, and when I first dreamed of starting this studio, my goal was simple: to create a space where local glass artists could be creative, and where new folks could learn the techniques of working with fused glass in a well-equipped, welcoming environment.
Our Journey
Beginnings and a Turning Point
When I first opened the doors, I thought of myself more as a businesswoman than an artist. Timing wasn’t easy — just as I began, COVID hit, and California shut down.
What could have been the end became a turning point. With more time at the bench, I discovered that working with glass wasn’t just a skill to learn — it was a way to relax, let go of stress, and reconnect with creativity.
Studio
Hours—
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – Closed
Wednesday – Noon – 5:00 pm
Thursday – Noon – 5:00 pm
Friday – Noon – 5:00 pm
Saturday – 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday – 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Advanced registration for classes is required.
Click on Explore Classes below to book a class, review the classes, and schedule.
Available for special scheduling requests.
The Birth of Community
As the studio grew, I realized that more advanced artists didn’t always need instruction — what they needed was a workspace and a place to share and sell their art. That’s how the Open Studio programs and the Marketplace were born.
The Marketplace became more than an online shop; it grew into a way to support the artists who make this community so vibrant. Watching these artists — many of whom first walked through the door for an Introduction to Fused Glass class — develop their skills and techniques has been one of my greatest joys.
Often, I feel like a fly on the wall, hearing friendships spark and grow. A very special community blossomed here — one I could never have imagined, but which has become the heart of Glass Arts Collective.
Video transcript: Myrna Spelman testimonial
Nancy Dillingham Marks: So what do you think of your pieces?
Myrna Spelman: Oh my God, I never would have believed that they would come out like this, like a piece of art. I, I'm not talented, and these are just... I am so excited and so pleased. I, I have a gift to me, is what I have. Yes. I am, oh, the texture is just, it's just amazing. It's, oh, I'm so proud of me.
Praise from our community
Testimonials
Artists and Their Work
Commission work naturally followed as their art was seen and admired. Today, many of these artists are creating gallery-quality fused glass pieces beyond anything I could have dreamed of myself.
Not all the artists I call Artists in Residence create for the Marketplace. Some prefer to make gifts for loved ones, friends, or donate their work to charitable causes. Whether for family, community, or collectors, each piece reflects the same passion for glass and the joy of creation.
Teaching and Laughter
I’m especially passionate about sharing my love of fused glass with students of all ages — from kids as young as 7 to adults well into their golden years. My approach is simple: ensure safety first, then teach the techniques, and finally let imagination take over.
Being an instructor is so much fun for me. I can tell when someone needs a little nudge, or is confused, or feeling a bit apprehensive. Helping them through those moments to reach a beautiful, finished piece feels like a gift they give back to me.
Our classes are filled with laughter, sometimes a little singing along to the oldies, and always plenty of my puns (I’ve become known for my “dad jokes”). It’s such a joy to watch total strangers admire each other’s work as the class progresses. Honestly, I think I get more out of each class than they do!
Fused & Stained
My original vision included teaching fused glass and stained glass. Over time, it became clear that fused glass was where the greatest local passion and energy were. We offered Mosaic glass class initially, and though beautiful, it proved too messy for the space, so we are no longer offering mosaic. Stained glass has always had a smaller following, but today we’re building a growing stained glass program with the help of a wonderful instructor who shares my passion for the craft.
Giving Back
Community is at the heart of everything we do. I joined the Conejo Chamber of Commerce right away, and I’m proud that Glass Arts Collective has been able to give back through donations and sponsorships.
From supporting local school and church fundraisers, to sponsoring Rising from the Ashes in Ventura, to working with the Ronald McDonald House in Ventura, and even decorating a Christmas tree with fused glass ornaments for the Hospice of the Conejo’s fundraiser (in the picture the 2025 tree) — I believe small businesses can make a big impact. And I’m proud to be hands-on in making that happen.
Our Philosophy
At Glass Arts Collective, we believe art should be lived with, shared, and celebrated. Whether you’re discovering glass for the first time, adding to your collection, or simply looking for a welcoming creative community, we’re honored to share this journey with you.
Get In Touch
Call
(818)-318-1462
Address
31139 Via Colinas, Unit 201
Westlake Village, CA 91362