About

The New Zealand Society for Artists in Glass (NZSAG)

Established in 1980, NZSAG is an incorporated non-profit organisation consisting of artists, collectors, interested members of the public and related institutions. Artists are represented across a diverse range of glass practices.

The objectives of the Society are:

  • To encourage, foster and promote the practice, appreciation, and development of Glass Art.
  • To provide the exchange of cultural ideas, and to promote and encourage the same.
  • To co-operate with any other Society, whether incorporated or not, whose objects are altogether, or in part similar to those of the Society.
  • To improve glass standards.
  • To convene glass exhibitions as opportunities arise from time to time.
  • To convene schools and conferences and other events.
  • Generally to interest itself in anything and to do or undertake anything which it is considered will in any measure attain and promote to any degree the objects for which the Society is established.

Committee members

Phillip Stokes

President

Philip’s exposure to glass began in the mid 80’s, when he undertook a project in copper foil as part of his matriculation art project. In 1997, he enrolled at Monash University’s undergraduate degree, majoring in hot glass. Graduating with honors in 2001. He established the first privately owned access facility in Melbourne for hot glass and cold work in 2002 & developed his own art practice simultaneously. The studio was situated in three different locations in inner city Melbourne for over 13 years. Him and his husband moved across the ditch in 2016. He now works from New Zealand Glassworks in Whanganui, where he continues to make his own work, mentor students & Gaffer for various artists and designers.

Murray Lazelle

Treasurer

Murray is a life long supporter of NZ glass.

Darcy Thomas

Secretary

Emma Camden

Committee Member

Emma has been working in glass in NZ since 1991. She is the co-owner of Melt45, who are the distributors of Gaffer Glass to Australasia. She is a Full-time glass caster, who lives in Whanganui (the glass city of NZ). Where her and her partner David Murray run their practice from the old masonic. Emma’s work is included in the collections of Te Papa & the Auckland Museum, as well and many others around the world. We are very excited to have Emma leading the team!

Lisa Bate

Committee Member

Lisa’s making practice focuses on kiln cast glass and mixed media, working from her home studio on the North Shore, Auckland. Originally from the UK, where she graduated with honours from BA Contemporary Crafts at Falmouth University in 2010. She later went on to hold position as Senior Technician, completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Creative Higher Education in 2014. Lisa has resided in New Zealand for 7 years now and is delighted to be welcomed as part of the NZSAG committee, to provide support for the glass community members and pursue new directions for NZ glass.

Toni Tittleton

Committee Member

Toni has been a member of NZSAG since finishing her 3 year glass diploma at Whanganui glass school in 2012. Since then she has continued to upskill, working as a casual studio assistant for some very successful women glass casters, including Ann Robinson. Toni now runs her own glass studio in rural Auckland, is a part-time caster & a full-time manager of two creative retail stores. Her career has not only been about making glass, but she has found a passion for representing and promoting all kinds of New Zealand artists ~ which she “absolutely loves doing”. She is very happy to be part of the committee and is excited to help towards the future of glass art in New Zealand.