Taking ‘A Fresh Gather’

Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Arts has relocated to a new and improved studio in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis as the anchor of an ambitious redevelopment project, the Focus Arts building. As Minnesota’s only nonprofit, public-access glass studio and education center, expansion is vital to our organization’s sustainability. This move is a fresh gather for glass artists in Minnesota and our nonprofit organization; and with it comes increased disability access, expanding programming, and exciting new partnerships. We look forward to welcoming new members into our community and building our vision of creating a diverse community composed of dedicated makers, enthusiasts, seekers, and newcomers who feel welcomed and engaged at our center.

Key features of our new studio:

• 10-year lease, with room to grow.

• Central location next to the Metro Blue Line and bike trails.

• Dedicated classroom space for our expanding curriculum.

• The addition of flameworking equipment to our studio, accessible to the public.

• A gallery to showcase and sell local artists’ work.

• Improved space for public demonstrations and Glass Discovery experiences.

• Rental storage space for practicing established and emerging artists.

Our new home, the Focus Arts Building is managed by Seward Redesign, who has been a part of Minneapolis’ Seward neighborhood since 1969 and began as an outgrowth of opposition to the “urban renewal” of Seward West and the proposed demolition of homes on Milwaukee Avenue.

We believe that Minnesota glass art deserves to be highlighted and accessible for all. Together we have an incredible opportunity, to build a strong foundation for the advancement of glass art and education in Minnesota, to shine for generations to come. We will miss our 2010 Artblok neighboring creators, but are thrilled to be beginning a new chapter and connecting with a new area of Minneapolis. Come visit us at our new location at 2213 Snelling Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404 and say hello!

Want to support our improvements and sustain our operations through this transition? Donate to our capital campaign!

Farewell to the 2010 Artblok!

“2010 East Hennepin in Northeast Minneapolis is a complex of 14 buildings on over 6 acres. The mostly brick and industrial buildings are connected by a series of underground tunnels as well as Minnesota's first skyway. From 1930 to 1965, 2010 East Hennepin was home to the General Mills research laboratories. It is speculated that Cheerios, Wheaties and Kix were all invented within the enormous complex.” (First & First). General Mills built what they referred to as “The Labs” in 1928 and occupied the space through the 1970s. It was used for munitions manufacturing during World War II, and “Alvin,” a three-person submarine (among one of its 4,600 dives was the discovery of the Titanic), was likely to have been built in a space affectionately called “The Cell Block,” which Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Arts called its home for years.

Thank you to all members, volunteers, and students who enjoyed our time at the 2010 Artblok with us. Your support has been instrumental in Foci MCGA’s growth!