Front Row left to right: Bob Freed, friend of owners; Chamber Ambassador Nancy Stulberg, Real Estate One – Rosemary Davis Realtors; Owner Victor Terrasi; Owner David Terrasi; Ambassador Holly Irish, Beron’s Tree Service; Back Row left to right: Jim Durian, CEO, Choose Marshall; Ambassador Carl Gibson; Kierith Kurth, Choose Marshall.
The Choose Marshall Chamber recently held a Ribbon Cutting for Glass Act at 113 West Michigan Avenue in downtown Marshall. Owned and operated by David and Victor Terrasi, the bright studio offers stained glass artwork; stained glass restoration and repair; custom-made pieces for display or inserts in cabinets; and stained, fused, and mosaic glass classes and supplies.
Two years ago, David and Victor moved to Marshall from Bay City for family, friends, and David’s work. Six months later they purchased the downtown building just as the pandemic shut down the state. The first four months of ownership were spent renovating an upstairs apartment and setting up the studio. In August 2020, the studio opened with limited hours and services due to Covid-19 restrictions. A grand opening and ribbon cutting was planned for summer of 2021.
“The Marshall location has really expanded our customer base,” said David. “We now routinely have visitors from metro Detroit, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. Of course, we still see loyal customers from our previous location. Also, local foot traffic has increased in this downtown space.”
Victor is the resident artist and much of the work for sale are pieces he created, or that are creations of the business’ previous owner of 30 years. He also teaches the classes. “I like to keep class size small to help students feel comfortable about asking questions as well as giving one-on-one time to learn,” he said. “Our class prices include use of all equipment and supplies. We don’t want people to have to invest in a lot of tools before they learn the techniques. Classes should be fun and hopefully will get people interested in learning more,” added Victor. Students leave each class with a small original piece of artwork.
Noting the other complementary businesses in town, David added, “We’re really interested in partnering with other local businesses to create an ‘artistic weekend adventure’—taking a class with us and another gallery, a special meal at a local place, and an overnight at one of Marshall’s bed-and breakfasts—this would be a unique weekend.”
Glass Act Studio is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11am – 5pm and Saturday 11am – 4pm. Classes may be scheduled by appointment. Glass Act can be reached at 269-558-8028, or via email [email protected] and Facebook www.facebook.com/113wmichiganave.
To learn more about the Choose Marshall Chamber and local events, contact the Welcome Center at 269-781-5163 or www.choosemarshall.com.