Glass Illusions

I wish I could give this «business» a rating in the negative star category. Even one is too generous. I purchased a voucher for a glass art class for two people, totaling $ 90. I reserved the class 2.5 months prior, confirmed over the phone, through email, and when I called the day before to reconfirm, I was told that they had some gallery or art show they would be attending all week and couldn’t provide the class per the scheduled date. Since I live on the east coast and was only in town for one week, I couldn’t reschedule. So any normal human being would assume that this would warrant a refund, no? As a business, if you are too incompetent to maintain your own schedule, it would be logical to assume you would provide a refund to the customer you failed to provide a service to. Between a multitude of emails, phone calls, and even filing a BBB complaint, this business IGNORES me and my simple request to be refunded. It is appalling and disgusting how not just the owner, but her daughter write you off by saying «I’ll get back with you» or «I’ll look into this» and ignore you. There are not enough negative words in the English language to convey the disgust I have or the ineptitude possessed by the people running this scam of a ‘business’.

I purchased a Living Social voucher for $ 45 which was advertised as as a $ 90 class in fused class.
For those in a hurry, I will bottom line my comments and say this. If you want to take a glass class first check out Sonoran Class as I found this to be the better of the two classes offered. As an example of their customer service, I forgot closed toed shoes (be sure to wear them) at Sonoran and they had extra pairs for me to use. They had many colors of glass and I made a beautiful plate. The class was given while we were in front of our tools so we could follow along. They are located near downtown and Glass Illusions is on the far east side of Tucson.
The class given by Glass Illusions uses a lecture format. The instructor and owner Patty, speaks for 30 minutes or so and then you are told to go to it. She circulates around to see if there are problems. One positive is that you do receive quite a few tools if you can remember how to use them all. Also the studio was nice sized with lots of tables work on.
The glass selection was limited containing pieces left over from prior projects which on the night I attended were dark muddy colors of green, maroon, light amber along with black, white, and a small assortment of blue. Colors such as orange, red, yellow, or for that matter any bright colors were not available for use. If you wanted such colors you can buy sheets of glass (18″ square, not sure) I attempted to purchase a yellow piece at what I think would have been $ 16 dollars (not sure of price) but Patty said that it was a popular color and they were out.
We were told we could make an 8″ vase. I am unclear how a 6″ piece of glass can be fired into a vase that is 8″ tall as the glass is fired hanging over a mold. I was told it could be done though just not how.
I hesitated to write this review as the interaction between the instructor and I seemed to turn into a power play. I will not bore you with all of the she said and I saids, and instead only speak to the objective complaints. I am sure as in most cases, both of us had some responsibility in the communication problems. But, I left the class and forfeited the $ 45 voucher. That is a first for me.
After sending an email to the owner, I was given the opportunity to retake the class at a later date. This seemed very fair but I will not take her up on it.. Unfortunately only the subjective complaints were addressed, not the lack of glass etc. She indicated that «any future negative comments I see on the Internet or hear of about from other people will force me to sue you for defamation and slander.» So points given for allowing me to retake the class, points lost for threatening to sue when I indicated I would Unilocal the experience.
The only written information on her website home page is also about suing. In this case for copyright infringement. Personally, I am always somewhat suspicious when businesses use threats as a first defense. The website could be improved with a class schedule and it would really be helpful if one could sign up online. Instead you must talk with them personally.
I did find it difficult to speak with staff prior to the class. I sent one email requesting information on the classes and I received a generic email but no class information. Of the two voice mails left, (one on the night of the class) neither were returned. Only the email mentioned above received a response.
So my suggestion here is keep calling until you speak to someone in person — do not rely on email or voice mail. Also you might want to think about bringing your own glass with you just in case, Finally and this applies to any problems you have that you may wish to Unilocal later, if possible snap a picture of what you observe as I wish I had done.
Finally, don’t be late. I was four minutes late, and Patty advised, if you are going to be late, call and they will reschedule you. I assume she means you won’t forfeit the payment or voucher. I would also send a email documenting that you made the call.