The Villages, FL --he managerial team at Symphony Placements strives to provide people, on a temporary, temporary to permanent and direct hire basis, who will mesh with a client’s current staff and company culture, people who can quickly acclimate to the beat of the company and position. Their management team includes two staffing experts: founder and 25+ year veteran of the personnel industry, Wanda Smith, and her protégé and business partner, Marta Chavatel. Symphony Placements itself was launched in 2006 and has become a go-to resource ever since. Symphony Placements has an excellent record of accomplishment with clients in both government and private sectors, and various genres often supplemental staffing for organizations engaged in Federal and State government contracts. They can focus on a few significant talent areas such as large project staffing, customer contact centers, customer service, medical, administrative and legal services. Much of their business comes from repeat clients and referrals, a measure of performance and client value. When taking on each assignment they apply a consultative approach, digging deeply to understand the client’s business and personality. They also research factors like labor pools, competitive local wages, and childcare, to avoid attrition and maximize retention of the hires. “I followed my passion and haven’t done that badly. I built something larger than I had ever envisioned. We have a succession plan in place for the company, and Marta will continue to carry the torch in the CEO position. My dream will not die.” For more information about Wanda and the firm visit https://www.symphonyplacements.com/
Hillsborough, CA - “About 1 in 36 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder…” according to the CDC. Retired pediatrician Dr. Ivy Fisher has dedicated her life to improving the understanding and treatment of autism, and is honored to have worked with over 4,500 families so far. “Throughout my practice, I observed an increasing number of children presenting with autism spectrum disorders,” said Dr. Fisher. “What began as families being referred to me for my interest and experience grew into a dedicated effort to support this community.” Dr. Fisher’s firsthand experience with autism within her own family has influenced her advocacy work. Her son, diagnosed with autism at age two, has thrived as an independent adult, defying many stereotypical expectations. His journey through specialized education and therapies, including speech and occupational therapy, reflects Dr. Fisher’s steadfast belief in tailored intervention and parental involvement. Now retired from clinical practice, Dr. Fisher continues to serve as an invaluable resource for families navigating autism. Her consultancy services guide parents through the complexities of diagnoses and helps them access essential services, such as Behavioral Intervention Analysis (BIA) programs. “Seeing the difference these services make in a child’s life is remarkable,” Dr. Fisher shares. “Early intervention and support can set the foundation for thriving in all aspects of life.” “In an era where misinformation can easily spread, it’s crucial to rely on data and proven research,” explains Dr. Fisher. For more information about Dr. Fisher, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivy-fisher-a1a54812
Washington, DC - Paul Medina, founder of Capital Energy Training, is pleased to announce his innovative fitness training philosophy that integrates advanced movement science, holistic wellness strategies, and personalized attention, cultivating health and vitality for clients of all ages and abilities. Paul Medina, once an athlete with a promising career in baseball, turned his lifelong passion for sports and rehabilitation into a dedicated mission to empower individuals through movement. His journey from sports through injury to becoming a fitness training expert has shaped his approach to helping clients transform their lives. Paul’s vision is to educate people on how to move correctly, maximize efficiency, and reduce the risk of injury. His training emphasizes: Body Mechanics and Efficiency: Using his deep understanding of anatomy, Paul focuses on how the body functions in space, improving coordination, balance, and reducing injuries.Cryotherapy and Recovery: One of Capital Energy’s standout features are their in-studio cryotherapy tank and infrared sauna. Paul incorporates these cutting-edge technologies to accelerate recovery, reduce inflammation, and improve overall health outcomes.Integration with Medical and Wellness Experts: Collaborating with physical therapists, occupational therapists, and medical professionals, Capital Energy Training develops customized programs that address individual needs and goals.Comprehensive Coaching for All Ages: From young children to seniors, Paul’s inclusive approach covers the entire spectrum of fitness needs. The training programs are personalized, ensuring each individual achieves optimal health benefits. For more information about Paul Medina, please visit https://www.capitalenergytraining.com/
Atlanta, GA – Brenton “Brent” Wright is the founder and CEO of Virely LLC. Established in 2021, Brent and Virely also launched Dealsby, the technology used by Virely for their web and app-based referral marketing technology platform. For this show, Brent will discuss Dealsby. Dealsby is a unique type of community-centric and geolocation-based referral marketing technology. “Our mission is to reshape the small business marketplace, one referral at a time,” declares Brent. “It will give small businesses the ability to offer unique and customizable customer referral programs for their business that are web and app-based,” explains Brent. “When you visit their website or access their app through Android or Apple, there is a “Dealsby” map that will launch on your desktop, tablet, or mobile device with member businesses within a thirty-mile radius from your current location or to the location that you select. What you then do is refer those Dealsby member businesses in exchange for a pre-approved member small business discount using your SMS, email, or social media. This helps small businesses that are Dealsby members to be referred more frequently to new potential customers faster, because regular customers are looking for savings opportunities.” “We’re introducing a disruptive technology to the small business community,” concludes Brent. “It’s a new way of doing things.” For more information, visit https://virely.co/ and https://dealsby.io/ If you would like a demonstration of Dealsby, go to the Dealsby website and click the “Schedule a Demo” link Please also read their E-Book
Sarasota, FL - Sally Gabriel runs Epilogue End of Life Care, her company that provides end-of-life doula and grief coaching services. In her radio show, Sally will explain what an end-of-life Doula does. While formalized programs to train death doulas began in the early 2000s, the practice goes back ages. Dying in the comfort of your own home, with the care and support of loved ones, is more traditional than our modern and impersonal practice of dying in hospitals and nursing homes. And, while most people have heard of birth doulas, who help to bring a life into this world, they may not have heard of death doulas, who attend people at the end of their lives. While Sally is not a lawyer, she does make sure that people have certain legal documents prepared and filed, along with their advance directive. Sally offers 8 specific services that are outlined on her website. Working with clients is a custom process; not all families will utilize all of these diverse services “It is important when people can no longer speak or make decisions with a clear mind that they have someone to make those decision for them. This person is called their ‘health care surrogate’ or their ‘medical power of attorney’. Sally invites people to explore what it means to have support through grief and life’s final chapter She advises that as you contemplate the end of your life, consider what it might be like to have a dedicated companion to guide you and your loved ones through the journey. Sally assures us that people’s wishes for a dignified and comfortable experience will be honored. For more information about Sally and her work, please visit www.epiloguecare.com
Medford, NJ - Compassionate Healing Services, led by founder Kat Schwarz, is proud to announce a fresh approach to mental health that unveils the untapped potential of energy healing, extrasensory perception, and mindfulness-based practices. At the heart of the company’s mission is a commitment to offering compassionate, individualized, and spiritually enriched healing practices that diverge from conventional mental health modalities. • Reiki and Energy Healing: Utilizing the ancient Japanese art of energy healing, Kat Schwarz provides sessions that harmonize the body’s energy systems, promoting healing and a profound sense of peace. • Mindfulness and Meditation Practices: Schwarz incorporates mindfulness practices that teach clients to live in the present moment, improving emotional regulation and fostering a deeper connection to one’s self and surroundings. • and Mediumship Training: Rather than dismissing extraordinary abilities as symptoms of mental illness, Compassionate Healing Services nurtures these gifts, teaching individuals to integrate them into their lives positively. •Monthly live workshops: All of Kat’s workshops are designed specifically for empaths looking to approach healing from a more holistic and spiritual lens • Comprehensive Six-Month Group Program: Kat’s flagship Empath Empowerment Program includes both group & individual coaching sessions and focuses on complex trauma, inner child healing, mental health mastery, and alignment with one’s higher self. This program is designed to provide a comprehensive guide through a life-changing journey shaped by Kat’s own experiences and professional expertise. For more information about Kat Schwarz, please visit https://www.Katschwarz.co
Richardson, TX - Higher education is a labyrinth. It’s a journey fraught with academic challenges, political underpinnings, and ethical dilemmas. Students navigating this complex maze often find themselves in need of guidance, expertise, and a steady hand to help them reach their academic goals. Enter the Degree Solutions Group, founded by Dr. Cody Arvidson—a beacon for those lost amidst the intricacies of academia. Degree Solutions Group is pioneering higher education coaching by assisting students at all academic levels, from high school seniors crafting their college essays to doctoral candidates striving to complete their dissertations. Founded by Dr. Cody Arvidson, the organization offers personalized coaching tailored to meet individual academic needs and aspirations. Dr. Cody Arvidson has a deep-rooted history in higher education. Dr. Arvidson’s academic journey led her to focus on one of the most pressing issues in education today academic dishonesty. Through Degree Solutions Group, Dr. Arvidson translates what she’s learned into practical assistance for students, especially those working on high-stakes projects like dissertations. “I help Ph.D. candidates get their dissertations done correctly,” says Dr. Arvidson. “I tell my clients, ‘You generate the content, and as an editor, I will help fix the content when I’m reading through it.’” Her service extends beyond just editing; it’s about supporting and mentoring her clients. Degree Solutions Group, under Dr. Cody Arvidson’s leadership, is a trailblazing force in academic coaching. For more information about Cody J. Arvidson Ph.D. and Degree Solutions Groups, please visit https://degreesolutionsgroup.com/
Harrisburg, PA - Deborah Vereen is a thought leader, master trainer, and a subject matter expert in the area of DEIB. Now, most people might be familiar with those initials when it comes to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, but Deborah strives to take it a step further, helping create a culture of Belonging. “DEIB is not EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity) or Affirmative Action. EEO is about anti-discrimination law and compliance. My end in mind is for people to feel safe and accepted for their total selves, and how they can authentically show up and express ideas and critical thinking solutions in the workplace.” Deborah has formed a consultancy named The Vereen Group which works with for-profit & non-profit organizations in the community, business, education and government sectors to enhance and sustainably move the belonging approach forward. She did not immediately set out to do this particular work, but back when she had a career in retail food market management for Ahold/Giant Food Stores, and then won an award for the most improved store bottom line, the realization that she was the only woman, and the only person of color in management circles, gave her insight and made her want to level the playing field for others. Deborah uses her skills, lived experiences, and passion to design and implement initiatives and processes, and to coach executives, in an effort to create systemic change and ignite excellence and empathy in the workforce. For more information about Deborah and The Vereen Group initiatives, please visit https://thevereengroup.com/ or https://makedeistick.com/
Tulsa, OK - Stacy Diann, a certified practitioner renowned for her expertise in subconscious energy healing, Emotion Code, Body Code, and Belief Code, is touching lives with her unique method of healing that empowers individuals to overcome emotional blocks and achieve holistic well-being. With a compelling personal journey that defies convention, Stacy Diann’s practice offers a path to personal transformation and spiritual enlightenment. The combination of Emotion Code, Body Code, and Belief Code allows Stacy to identify and remove energetic imbalances and trapped emotions, beliefs, and dysfunctions in a unique and personalized way. Her skill set empowers individuals to transcend chronic emotional states and physical ailments, leading to improved mental clarity, emotional balance, and spiritual discovery. Her practice extends beyond individual healing. Stacy has witnessed the profound impact her methodologies have enhancing interpersonal relationships and fostering environments where individuals can thrive. By addressing compounded living energies such as other type of frequencies through the Body Code, she assists her clients in shedding unhelpful frequencies and reclaiming their potential. Energy healing, as practiced by Stacy, is not merely a therapeutic process; it is a holistic recalibration of mind, body, and spirit. As a practitioner, Stacy does not simply ‘heal’ individuals but facilitates an environment where self-healing can occur, encouraging clients towards self-discovery and empowerment. Her methods have been praised for their efficiency and enduring effects, with numerous success stories documenting physical health improvements and liberated emotional states. For more information about Stacy Diann, Subconscious Energy Healer, please visit https://www.stacydiann.com
Sacramento, CA - Scot Buell, revered for his comprehensive expertise as a petroleum engineering consultant and a passionate advocate for sustainable practices and active living, is proud to announce a unique expansion of his services that blends end-of-life planning, athletics, and engineering consultation. Drawing from his professional journey in petroleum engineering and his personal experiences as a marathoner and environmental steward, Buell is dedicated to promoting a vision of longevity, quality of life, and sustainability. Buell expresses his support for innovative options like Recompose Life human composting, which transforms end-of-life processes into ecological contributions. “Traditional burial practices consume land and introduce toxic chemicals into the environment,” Buell explains. “New methods like human composting symbolize a shift toward responsible, sustainable practices.” In addition to planning for life’s final stages, Buell is a staunch proponent of active living as a means to maximize quality of life. An avid marathoner, he incorporates guidance from experts like Dr. Peter Attia to combat major diseases such as Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular disease. With the insight from Attia’s book “Alive,” Buell follows a lifestyle that includes rigorous exercise, balanced nutrition, and smart health choices aimed at what Attia calls the “bonus decades” of life. After 40 years with Chevron, Buell now offers his immense experience as a petroleum consultant, helping companies navigate the complex challenges of modern energy production. His career has encompassed every facet of upstream operations, including drilling, production, and reservoir management. For more information about Recompose Life, please visit https://recompose.life
St. Louis, MO -- At an early age Karen Barney learned about a profession that helped people with disabilities--whether physical or mental health In nature--to learn, grow, improve function and achieve true quality of life. That is why she pursued a career in the Occupational Therapy field. While working on her dissertation, she had a personal experience that led her to focus her efforts on incarcerated persons. Today Karen J. Barney is a professor emeritus at St. Louis University, where she launched The Transformative Justice Program, a multipronged effort and educational program. This initiative is aimed at helping individuals who are currently incarcerated to learn professional/life skills that can help them transition more effectively into mainstream society, The program is a grant-funded initiative and by appearing on the radio, Karen hopes to raise awareness of the program and opportunities to support it. Karen and her team collaborate with City, State and Federal criminal justice initiatives and work strategically toward organizational and social change. These groups also utilize evidence based transformation services, and engage community, university, and systems, in the transformative justice model. The program was envisioned In 2010 and established in 2014. It is an interdisciplinary effort within the University though Karen herself is affiliated with the SLU Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, within the College of Health Sciences. As a professor, Karen is also involved in teaching and publishing endeavors that bring notoriety to the University. For more information about Karen or the initiative, please visit: www.slu.edu/mission-identity/initiatives/transformative-justice
Bowie, MD - Film historian and academic scholar Dr. Rory Palmieri is a man on a mission—a mission to bring long-overdue recognition to Miklós Jancsó, the Hungarian filmmaker who is the most under-appreciated major filmmaker of the 20th century. Despite devoting four and a half years of his life to this monumental project, Palmieri acknowledges he still has two more years to go before he can complete his manuscript. He emphasizes that Jancsó’s work is almost entirely unknown outside of Hungary, despite the filmmaker’s critical acclaim domestically. “Jancsó’s films are rarely seen; even scholars and critics who attended international film festivals often missed them,” Palmieri laments. Although the director is mentioned and briefly discussed in numerous textbooks and articles in English, only a few early masterpieces have made it into film festivals and home video in the U.S. The bulk of this great artist’s work is unavailable anywhere in the world, except perhaps in the Hungarian Film Archive in Budapest. Rory Palmieri is an accomplished film historian and language expert with a doctorate in English focused on American literature and film. He has worked in government service as a translator and has a long-standing passion for literature, cinema, and languages. In addition, he is an amateur filmmaker and has worked on other amateur films and as an extra on Hollywood productions. He is now dedicated to bringing attention to Miklós Jancsó, through his upcoming manuscript. For more information about Dr. Rory A. Palmieri, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/rory-palmieri-a7a79176 and http://www.roryapalmieri.com
South Orange, NJ – Dr. Frank Gardella is a Professor in Mathematics Education and Mathematics at Hunter College – CUNY. In addition, he has devoted his career to the improvement of the education of mathematics. He has accomplished this by serving as a teacher, supervisor, an educational consultant, and as an author of several books related to mathematics education. “In my working with teachers as a consultant, I try to become part of the school community to advance the learning of mathematics on the part of children,” summarizes Frank. “Students come first, mathematics come second,” asserts Frank. At Hunter College, Frank has a program called the Elementary Mathematics Specialist Program. With this program, elementary teachers study mathematics and how it is effectively taught. Frank identifies one of the main concerns regarding the education of mathematics the top-down approach that is often utilized, especially with national standards and national curriculums. The main problem is that there is no middle management support for elementary teachers. Elementary principals often do not understand the teaching of mathematics. As for the future, Frank is looking to publish his newest textbook, titled What We Call Middle School Math. While he explains that this is only a working title at the moment, he ultimately feels that he will use this as the permanent title. The book is intended to explain what is currently involved in the middle school math curriculum. “All children can learn mathematics,” concludes Frank. “We just have to figure out a way to get them to learn it.” You may also visit his page on LinkedIn
Stockton, CA - Ken Clapp, an iconic figure in American short track racing and longtime co-owner of Stockton 99 Speedway, is taking a moment to reflect on his career and his ongoing passion for the sport. With a legacy spanning over 70 years, Clapp’s contributions have shaped the motor sports industry, particularly on the West Coast. Short track racing refers to races held on tracks that are less than one mile. “Short track racing is where most drivers start before they move on to bigger things,” Clapp explains. “It’s the heart and soul of American racing.” Nearly five decades ago, Ken Clapp became a co-owner of Stockton 99 Speedway, helping it become one of the premier short tracks in the western United States. Clapp’s passion for racing began in the small town of Walnut Creek, California, during World War II. Living near a garage that housed race cars, Clapp was captivated by the excitement of motor sports. In 2022, Ken Clapp released “Sea to Shining Sea: Racing from the Wild West to Daytona,” a memoir that offers a deep dive into West Coast racing history and Clapp’s personal journey. The book, written with Bones Bourcier, features over 400 pages of photographs that vividly capture Clapp’s experiences and significant moments within the industry. It serves as both a testimonial of his life’s work and a source of inspiration for aspiring racers and business professionals alike. Beyond his accomplishments on the track, Clapp’s enduring influence is cemented with the Ken Clapp Annex at the Woodland Estrella Museum Auto Display located in Paso Robles, showcasing his lasting impact on motor sports history. For more information about Ken Clapp, please visit https://westcoaststockcarhalloffame.com/
Stockton, CA - Ken Clapp, an iconic figure in American short track racing and longtime co-owner of Stockton 99 Speedway, is taking a moment to reflect on his career and his ongoing passion for the sport. With a legacy spanning over 70 years, Clapp’s contributions have shaped the motor sports industry, particularly on the West Coast. Short track racing refers to races held on tracks that are less than one mile. “Short track racing is where most drivers start before they move on to bigger things,” Clapp explains. “It’s the heart and soul of American racing.” Nearly five decades ago, Ken Clapp became a co-owner of Stockton 99 Speedway, helping it become one of the premier short tracks in the western United States. Clapp’s passion for racing began in the small town of Walnut Creek, California, during World War II. Living near a garage that housed race cars, Clapp was captivated by the excitement of motor sports. In 2022, Ken Clapp released “Sea to Shining Sea: Racing from the Wild West to Daytona,” a memoir that offers a deep dive into West Coast racing history and Clapp’s personal journey. The book, written with Bones Bourcier, features over 400 pages of photographs that vividly capture Clapp’s experiences and significant moments within the industry. It serves as both a testimonial of his life’s work and a source of inspiration for aspiring racers and business professionals alike. Beyond his accomplishments on the track, Clapp’s enduring influence is cemented with the Ken Clapp Annex at the Woodland Estrella Museum Auto Display located in Paso Robles, showcasing his lasting impact on motor sports history. For more information about Ken Clapp, please visit https://westcoaststockcarhalloffame.com/
Ridgefield, WA - Darlene Lambert Netzer, a retired Montessori educator, is excited to share her enriching experiences and transformative teaching methods with educators, parents, and students seeking a deeper understanding of the Montessori educational framework. After a distinguished career dedicated to nurturing young minds, Netzer reflects on her impactful journey as a Montessori instructor and the innovative strategies she embraced in order to foster a love for reading and writing among students. Throughout her impressive career, Darlene Lambert Netzer’s approach to teaching reading and writing has been guided by a simple yet profound philosophy: allow students the freedom to explore literature that genuinely interests them and encourage sharing and collaboration among peers. By meticulously curating a diverse selection of classic and contemporary literature, Netzer created a classroom environment where students could explore their interests, express themselves, and develop a lifelong passion for learning. Netzer’s classroom was more than a space for traditional learning—it was a haven where students could immerse themselves in literary exploration. Her personal library and classroom collections were meticulously stocked with books that catered to different reading levels, ensuring that every student, regardless of their reading proficiency, could find meaningful and engaging content. In addition to her practices, Darlene Lambert Netzer highlights the overarching philosophy of Montessori education—student-driven learning within state standards. For more information about Darlene Lambert Netzer, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/darlene-lambert-netzer-4a730113
Atlanta, GA - Carman Bailey, founder and CEO of Magna Cartha Consulting Co, is taking the helm in construction safety and occupational health. With a dedication rooted deeply in personal experiences and a lifelong commitment to community well-being, Carman is helping small to medium-sized companies navigate the often-complex safety and regulatory expectations on construction job sites. “I’ve always been interested in safety,” Carman reflects. His journey began as a lifeguard at age 14, a role that cemented his understanding of the importance of vigilance and precaution. In 2007, Carman’s enthusiasm for construction safety truly ignited. His ability to apply structured safety rules similar to lifeguard duties catapulted his interest and led to the establishment of Magna Cartha Consulting Co. His goal was to bridge the gap between small and medium-sized construction firms eager to tackle bigger projects but lacking the understanding of heightened safety expectations. At Magna Cartha Consulting Co, knowledge meets practice. Carman and his team offer comprehensive safety training sessions, certification preparation, and strategy development for burgeoning companies. Their expertise ensures clients transition smoothly from residential or light commercial work to high-stakes projects. Magna Cartha Consulting Co, led by Carman Bailey, provides expert occupational safety, health, and construction safety consulting services. Known for transforming small firms into competent industry contenders and enhancing the safety culture of top-tier corporations, Magna Cartha Consulting Co ensures every client meets the highest safety standards, earning them success and a robust reputation in the construction industry. For more information about Carman Bailey, please visit https://www.magnacartha.com.
Largo, FL - In a four-part interview, we dive into the colorful world of fine artist, Cheryl Yellowhawk, a lifelong painter, who stirs our emotions and innermost feelings with her spiritual artwork, Native American background, Southwestern landscapes, colorful still life paintings, expressive floral compositions, vibrant birds and animals, beautiful women, joyful children and family pets. Cheryl loves to paint representational objects that tell a heartfelt story. She has written several books combining both her beautiful artwork and inspirational poetry. Her books are a healing journey through the depths of dissociative identity disorder, post traumatic disorder, and depression following the traumatic death of her mother in a five-car fatal accident when she was 35 years old. This life altering event careened her life’s course from that of a devoted mother of two children, a Registered Nurse, and active member of the community to a person recovering from delayed grief symptoms and then striving for the recovery her authentic self. Cheryl’s world changed when she began a 6-week drawing and beginner’s painting class at the local High School in her small town. Cheryl in particular deeply loves painting flowers which she describes as breathtakingly gorgeous. As she continues to grace us with her masterful artwork, Cheryl also teaches at the beach art center one or two days a week helping others on their own artistic journey. Another notable accomplishment is that her oil painting entitled “Eagle in Flight”, was published in the 2002 “Dreams and Visions” calendar and also toured with the Smithsonian Exhibit of “Birds of Raptor” countrywide exhibit. For more information, visit www.cherylyellowhawk.com
Celina, TX - Grow Strong Teams, a pioneering company founded by Judy Cirullo, PT, ACC, CPC, C-IQ, proudly announces a range of executive, business, and team culture coaching services designed to transform leadership styles and team dynamics in small to medium-sized businesses. With a rich background in physical therapy spanning over 40 years and a passion for professional coaching, Judy Cirullo brings unparalleled expertise to the realm of business leadership and team development. Having successfully owned and managed four different practices across four states, Judy Cirullo recognized the critical need for comprehensive leadership and management training—skills often overlooked in traditional healthcare education. The unique services offered by Grow Strong Teams cater specifically to the needs of small to medium-sized businesses in the healthcare and other sectors. This targeted approach helps business owners transition from merely functioning as clinicians to becoming effective leaders who can skillfully manage their teams. Grow Strong Teams addresses several key challenges faced by business owners and leaders, particularly in the healthcare sector: Grow Strong Teams employs several innovative tools and frameworks to foster leadership and team development: Position Success Tool, Why.OS Discovery, Six-Step People-First Culture Framework While Grow Strong Teams primarily targets healthcare-related businesses like vet clinics, dental practices, and allied health facilities, its services are adaptable to any small to medium-sized business seeking to foster a people-first culture. For more information about Judy Cirullo and Grow Strong Teams, please visit https://growstrongteams.com/.
Westlake Village, CA - The Glass Arts Collective, founded by Nancy Dillingham Marks, is a new glass art studio promising to enrich the vibrant landscape of artistic expression for beginners, glass enthusiasts, and professional artists. Nestled in the heart of the Conejo Valley, this niche studio specializes in fused glass—a unique category of glass art known for its warmth and versatility. “Glass art is far more than a craft; it’s an invitation to explore creativity in the middle ground between the fiery intensity of hot glass and the serene sturdiness of stained glass,” says Dillingham Marks. Fused glass, considered “warm glass,” occupies a middle ground between the high-temperature processed hot glass/glass blowing and the unheated crafting of cold glass/stained glass. This medium emerged around 50 years ago thanks to innovative engineers at Bullseye Glass Co. in Portland, Oregon, who set out to push the boundaries of traditional glassblowing. “We source sheets of colored glass made by hand, ensuring each piece is unique. This glass, typically shipped in large 20 by 35-inch crates, can be mixed into stunning creations,” Dillingham Marks explains. “The glass transforms as it’s heated between 1400 to 1500 degrees, akin to thick molten honey, allowing it to blend, soften, and create myriad forms, which fused the glass together” The fusion process can involve multiple firings: initially to flatten the glass and then to slump or drape the softened glass over molds for shaping into bowls, platters, trays, wall art, garden art, and more. This process opens innumerable possibilities for artists. For more information about Nancy Dillingham Marks and the Glass Arts Collective, please visit https://glassartscollective.com/