“I want to keep the art going. It’s a dying art.”
Lindsey, 72, worked for a phone company where she climbed telephone poles and did other work that was considered men’s work at the time. She admires artist Georgia O’Keefe because she did what she wanted to do no matter what people said about her. “She was her own woman,” said Lindsey. “I climbed polls and went up ladders so I was in the men’s world, but anybody can do this [glass art].
She says most women who work with glass art use the kiln method while most men who work with glass art use torches.
Lindsey graduated from California State University at Fullerton in 2003 and retired from the phone company the same year. She started Glass Goons with her business partner Julie Lewis in Pasadena. The two continue to work together: Lewis from Pasadena and Lindsey out of her home in Chino Valley.
Lindsey teaches her art methods to eager students in a two-day class at her studio at her home. Her classes are scheduled by appointment. She also hosts curious visitors such as children attending Boys and Girls Clubs and other locals.
“I like teaching and letting people see the process from beginning to end,” she said. “I want to keep the art going. It’s a dying art. Some are trying to sell their studios because it has become so expensive.”
She sells her glass art creations at the Prescott Farmers Market and The Pea Vine gift shop in Chino Valley. She also participates in the Prescott area artist tour each October. “Most of my sales are [the from] word of mouth.”
Lindsey is active in the community as she volunteers with the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Chino Morning Lions to support local charitable causes. She also donates some of her artwork for raffles to help non-profit organizations.
She and her husband, Barry, purchased the property in Chino Valley in the 1990s, but didn’t move here until after she retired in 2003. Barry, a retired executive, and Patty found the Dells while traveling and decided they wanted to move near the unique rock formations.
When they take time off, they like to see the world. “I’m serious about kayaking and Barry is serious about fishing. Each year, we drive to Georgia and kayak a different river. The last trip we did 121 miles in seven days.” QCBN
By Stan Bindell, QCBN
For more information about Glass Goons classes and artwork, call 714-651-7648.
Photo by Stan Bindell: Patty Lindsey sells her creations at the Prescott Farmer’s Market and The Pea Vine gift shop.
