Stained Glass Club Member Spotlight: Pamela Swartz

Julie White

In September 2025, Pamela took a leap into the vibrant world of stained glass, discovering a new creative outlet that quickly became a passion. Raised in the scenic state of Oregon during the winters and enjoying summers in McCall, Idaho, Pamela spent the past 39 years in Portland, where she dedicated time to raising her son. A year ago, in May, Pamela made the big move to Robson Ranch, bringing along her son who now resides in Casa Grande. Though they hold cherished memories of Portland and the Pacific Northwest, they’ve found a welcoming and beautiful oasis in the Arizona desert.

Before embracing retirement, Pamela enjoyed a fulfilling dual career: first as a corporate travel consultant and trainer for 23 years, followed by a 20-year stint as a residential real estate appraiser. This diverse work history has paved the way for a richly textured life, now filled with hobbies and new interests.

Living in Robson Ranch has proved to be a delightful experience, with its stunning natural beauty and an impressive range of activities. “There is such a huge variety of things to do here,” Pamela shares enthusiastically. “You can stay as busy as you want without even leaving the ranch, or not; the choice is yours. Some days I just want to chill in my backyard with my three fur babies and that’s ok too!”

In addition to stained glass, Pamela loves to explore both locally and internationally, embracing different cultures. With a heart for service, she has been actively involved in animal rescues as well as volunteering at children’s hospitals and foster kids’ programs. After taking the first year to settle in, Pamela now looks forward to continuing this important work in Arizona.

What draws Pamela most to stained glass is the fulfillment that comes from creating art. “I am obsessed with stained glass,” she explains, “and the sky is the limit in what you can create. I want to challenge myself to try different stained-glass techniques and push the boundaries with more avant-garde pieces.”

With each stained glass project, Pamela is not just crafting beautiful art but also weaving their life story into each stunning piece. As she continues her journey in the world of stained glass, the club is proud to have such a creative spirit among its residents. She truly inspires us with her ideas and determination.

If you would like to join in the fun, e-mail rrazstainedglassclub@gmail.com to sign up for a beginners class.