FUSION Studio
Concept
On June 29, 1993, Susan Edgerley*, glass artist and board member, presented the FUSION pilot project during a board meeting. At that time, the significant costs associated with starting a hot glass studio were a major obstacle, as was the lack of established markets. Susan’s idea was that FUSION would serve as a transitional program, a business incubator, and a crucible for glass art. It would be accessible to graduates of the vocational program offered from 1988 to 1989 and to graduates of the three-year college program that began in the fall of 1989 in collaboration with Cégep du Vieux Montréal. FUSION members would have the opportunity to use specialized equipment at a reduced cost, develop prototypes, create glass objects, and focus on building their glass art careers.
With the support of the board and the help of the executive director, Susan Edgerley developed the Studio FUSION project, sought funding, appealed for contributions from everyone associated with Espace VERRE, and mandated future members with repairing or constructing the necessary equipment. On November 4, 1993, the first glass furnace of the FUSION Studio was officially started. The dream had become a reality.
Impact
Over the decades, the program’s key concepts have endured, fostering the growth of creative and entrepreneurial values, and equipping the next generation of Quebec glass artists to sustainably develop their careers. FUSION is an essential incubator studio, where young professionals have access to hot glass at a low cost for a period of two years. Members have access to a furnace, reheating furnaces, and annealing kilns, allowing them to innovate and refine their creative vision. Working alone or in teams, they develop prototypes, limited series, or unique pieces. They can leisurely to experiment, target new markets, and participate in exhibitions while learning about the daily challenges of running a hot glass studio. They also benefit from business mentoring and guidance to participate in marketing events.
Today, the relevance and success of the FUSION program are undeniable. Thirty-one years of FUSION represent a total of 104 members who have had the incredible opportunity to focus on their glass art careers for a two-year period. Although the number has varied over the years, just under half of these members are still active glass artists, creating both productions and unique works. FUSION has also paved the way for the creation of many glass art studios in various regions of Quebec. Many have had the opportunity to exhibit their glass works in Quebec, Canada, and abroad, and to have their pieces included in various public and private collections.
FUSION’s impact on the development of glass art in Quebec and Canada is remarkable. Today’s glass artists, whether established or emerging, benefit from a rich collective expertise built over the years, the result of experience, support, and collaboration. Each participating member has left their mark and has influenced the reality of the present FUSION studio.