THE LOFT Art Studios and Gallery - The Ghost of the Past

Ever since moving into my space in the Kiva Courtyard three years ago, I have been intrigued by the occupants of those who began their business here and have moved on to bigger and better things. I have had the good fortune to hear individual stories about the past, about how a perfumer was here in the Courtyard, a furrier was here as well, and just this morning, I met a Mr. Bill Treacy, who happened to be the person that helped to create the fabulous stained glass door upstairs in my studio. Not everyone ventures up there but those who have have gone ga-ga over the door. It is beautiful. I spent about a half hour with Mr. and Mrs. Treacy and he related that he had just gotten out of the Army and came to work for Mr. Lincoln who owned GlassArt Studios back in 1965. He said the Courtyard was THE place to go in Scottsdale back then with the stores, the fashionistas, even having a chance to meet Claire Luce Booth who came in to his workplace.

Bill also explained how the door was built and the process. It's such a great door. He cut each individual glass and labeled them, chipped them, and put assembled them. There are hundreds of these pieces of glass. Then he put modeling clay on each glass piece, then poured resin and sand to make the frame. At that moment, it was Ah-Ha. Because the whole time I have been here, it has been a mystery. Imagine my excitement to find all this out! And, he told me where everything was set up and where the artisans worked. It was such a great story and I wanted to share it with those that may have an interest in downtown Scottsdale, especially those in the Kiva Courtyard. Built in the 50's, the Kiva Courtyard was originally artists' demonstration studios (confirmed by Bill now), and we are attempting to bring that part back to life. Bill and his wife live in Texas and were visiting Scottsdale for a conference, when they decided to just walk through and see what the changes were from his past. I'm so glad I came in early this morning!

What a great idea to have the entire back half of the courtyard be for artisans once again.