Dear member, renters, and glass enthusiasts:

I would like to thank everyone who has come forward to support our organization during these unprecedented times. As we edge closer to the May 4th, Foci MCGA has verified with Minnesota Department of Health that we can reopen to private renters to utilize the studio to make their artwork. While we are glad to reignite our furnaces, we will be proceeding with caution in an effort to keep everyone safe.

All rental reservations will be by appointment only and upon studio technician approval. Renters may create online studio reservations through Supersaas*, but your reservation will need to be approved before you visit the studio to ensure proper social distancing.

Our plan is to limit the number of people who are in the studio at any one time and make sure artists are working at a safe distance from each other. Please review our renter expectations for appointment only rentals.

*Online system for creating reservations in the Hot Shop, Kiln Shop, Cold Shop, or Neon Shop.

Rules for Renting the Glass Studio for May 2020:

• All rentals are subject to Foci MCGA staff approval and glass availability. We may ask for you to rearragin your rental slot to accommodate our reduced operations schedule. 

• If you feel even slightly unwell, please stay home. 

• Please check your temperature before arriving at the studio, if you have a fever do not attend your blow slot. 

• You will be allowed access to the studio approximately one hour prior to your blow slot. 

• A studio technician will call to coordinate with you to make sure you have everything you need prior to your blow slot. Please be prepared, as you may be working without the immediate assistance of our staff. We will be asking our staff to remain distant while renters are working in the studio. 

• After your rental slot, please fill out your rental form and place it on the front desk. You will be invoiced for your rental and we will require payment online or through bulk hours. Tori Hansen will coordinate payment with you and can be directly contacted at tori.hansen@mnglassart.org

• Renters are expected to fully clean up their work space. This includes disinfecting all tools, pipes, and work bench used during the rental slot. All tools, and pipes must be returned to their storage areas and work space fully swept. 

We thank everyone for their cooperation. Please reach out to staff with any questions and we look forward to having some activity in the studio again. We will continue to suspend classes until we have guildlines by the State of Minnesota that is is safe to reopen for teaching. We will be in touch with all students currently registered regarding expirations dates and refunds.

Kelly Nezworski

Foci MCGA Executive Director