2025 GAAC Conference

Confluence: A Shared Path

The Glass Art Association of Canada (GAAC) extends our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make Confluence: A Shared Path such a meaningful and memorable gathering. One year later, we continue reflecting on the incredible energy, generosity, and creativity shared during the 2025 conference held June 5–8, 2025, at Lumel Studios and the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre in Whitehorse, Yukon.

Confluence: A Shared Path celebrated the intersection of diverse artistic journeys, fostering collaboration, experimentation, and connection within the glass art community. Set against the stunning backdrop of Whitehorse, the conference brought together artists, educators, students, and supporters from across Canada and beyond for four unforgettable days of learning, exchange, and community building.

Over the course of the weekend, attendees participated in hot shop and flame-working demonstrations, kiln-forming and coldworking presentations, artist talks, panel discussions, and community events that explored the intersections of glass with social practice, environmental concerns, material research, and emerging technologies. The conference reminded us of the importance of gathering together to share knowledge, support one another, and strengthen the future of Canadian glass.

Looking Back at the 2025 Presenters

We remain deeply grateful to the extraordinary artists, makers, and thinkers who shared their work and expertise during GAAC 2025:

Each presenter contributed to the spirit of Confluence through demonstrations, lectures, discussions, and informal exchanges that made the conference so impactful.

Thank You to Our Hosts

We would like to once again acknowledge Lumel Studios, whose generosity, vision, and commitment to community made this conference possible. Located in the heart of Whitehorse, Lumel Studios provided an inspiring setting for creativity, connection, and dialogue throughout the weekend.

In 2026, Lumel Studios and the local planning team for the GAAC 2025 Conference were recognized with a Yukon Convention Bureau BRAVO Award for their outstanding contribution to tourism and event planning in the Yukon. The conference generated significant cultural and economic impact for the region.

This recognition speaks to the incredible dedication, hospitality, and collaborative spirit of Luann Baker-Johnson, Mel, the Lumel team, volunteers, and the wider Whitehorse community, whose efforts helped make Confluence: A Shared Path such a meaningful experience.

We are deeply grateful to Lumel Studios not only for hosting the conference, but for continuing to foster an inclusive and vibrant space for glass, community, and artistic exchange in the North. Thank you, Whitehorse, for welcoming GAAC so warmly.

Welcoming Our New Board Members

As we reflect on the success of Confluence: A Shared Path and look toward the future of GAAC, we would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to the new and returning members of our Board of Directors.

Non-profit organizations thrive because individuals are willing to contribute their time, energy, and expertise in support of their communities. We are deeply appreciative of those who have recently stepped into leadership roles and those continuing their service to help guide GAAC forward.

The continued growth and resilience of the Glass Art Association of Canada is only possible through the dedication of volunteers who believe in supporting artists, fostering connection, and strengthening the Canadian glass community.

We invite you to learn more about our current Board of Directors here.

Thank you to both our outgoing and incoming board members for their commitment, care, and ongoing support of the Canadian glass community.

Thank you to every attendee, volunteer, presenter, sponsor, and supporter who helped shape Confluence: A Shared Path into such a meaningful event. One year later, the conversations, friendships, and collaborations sparked in Whitehorse continue to resonate throughout our community.

Here's to the continued growth of the Canadian glass community, and to the paths we continue to share.

Galleries

With Gratitude: Celebrating Our 2025 Conference Sponsors

As we prepare to gather in Whitehorse for Confluence: A Shared Path, the 2025 GAAC Conference, we want to recognize the incredible sponsors helping make this national event possible. Their support enables us to bring artists from across the country together, share knowledge, spark dialogue, and celebrate the diverse voices shaping Canada’s glass community.

We invite you to learn more about our valued community partners, whose generosity and belief in our mission help us create space for connection, collaboration, and creativity for Canadian Glass.

Diamond Level Sponsor - Lumel Studios

We would like to celebrate our diamond level sponsor and host studio: Lumel Studios. Without Lumel Studios generous support and staff this conference would not be possible. This space has been a place for community to gather, a place to learn, a place for joy, for grief and a place to heal since its inception. What Luann and Mel have created here is really something special and a state of the art studio for artists to create. Thank you Lumel Studios for sharing your space and your vision with our community.