To better utilize the facilities offered by the glass factory, a program to support emerging contemporary glass artists was created in 1983. Recognizing the needs of these artists to have access to hot glass, a group of artists including Paul Joseph Stankard and Tom Patti worked with WheatonArts to establish the “Creative Glass Center of America.” Through CGCA, contemporary glass artists are provided with the facilities, equipment, time and housing to further develop their art.