When my daughter Kate and I signed up for a stained glass class at the Working Artists Gallery in downtown Grand Junction, we had no idea what we were in for. But by the end of the four weeks, we had completed two beautiful projects, learned new skills from working with glass, made new friends and were inspired to create on our own time.

This feeling wasn’t unique to Kate and me. According to the gallery’s owner, Roni Schwinn, many students continue class projects at home; some even create their own working studios.

Timi Nees was so enthused after taking a stained glass class earlier this year that she set up her own studio in her garage.

“I’ve always wanted to learn stained glass, but the reason I signed up for this one was to learn the craft so I can create a piece for a new door for my house,” she said.

Over 27 years on Main Street makes Working Artists the oldest gallery in Grand Junction, said Schwinn, who worked under the gallery’s former owner for seven years before purchasing it nearly two years ago.

The colors of the stained glass hanging in the store’s window at 520 Main St. beckon downtown passersby, making it nearly impossible to walk past the store without wanting to go in and take a look.

In addition to a variety of classes, the gallery features metal work, fabrics, jewelry, hand-blown glass, sculpture, fine photography and more from over 80 local artists. It’s also the biggest stained glass supplier between Denver and Salt Lake City.

“Working Artists was meant to be here for a long time,” Schwinn said. “Did you see the metal sign embedded in the concrete in front of our door?”

Schwinn attributes the business’ longevity to her kind and knowledgeable employees.

Joanie Post, an artist whose pottery is sold at the gallery, said, “Roni and her staff are all very friendly and know their artists.”

Schwinn wants the gallery and its classes to continue to be a fun place where people can learn and be part of a congenial, supportive group.

“I think our students will tell you there is a really safe feeling here in our small groups,” she said. “Everybody comes to us for a reason.”

Nees said it’s easy to forget your outside worries when you’re focused on your project in class. Even outside of the classroom, she said an expert’s advice is only a phone call away.

“If I have a question or need help, I can drop in or just call, and someone can usually help me right away,” she said.

Stained glass classes, in foil and lead, are offered at the gallery throughout the year on Friday or Saturday afternoons for four weeks. Workshops are also held on Thursday evenings this summer during the downtown Farmers’ Market.

For more information on upcoming classes and events, drop by Working Artists Gallery at 520 Main St., call 256-9952 or visit www.workingartistsgallery.com.