Deb Casey

Stained glass windows have always caught my eye. I love the way the colors change with every position of the sun. Thirty years ago I was taught how to make an apple sun catcher and my stained glass journey began. I have a small studio in Rockwell City, Iowa where I create everything from sun catchers to large windows. I can make a small ring box or a glass box large enough to display the family Bible. Lately, I have been building large windows around antique plates that have been stored away. Now everyone can see them and enjoy them. Visit my shop on Facebook or stop in and see me at Windows and Webs, 418 Main St., Rockwell City, Iowa.

Art Ciccotti
www.ciccottiartglass.com

Working with hand blown glass I use "Venetian" style techniques such as the use of cane and murrini to design my glass pieces. Blowing glass is a very intense medium. It requires focus at every turn in order to start and finish a piece. So whether the work takes 10 minutes or two hours to complete it all requires a constant focus and attention. It's this intense challenge and the immediate reward of the finished work that keeps me coming back to each day and each piece I create.

Lori Murga
www.justbeadiful.com

As an artist, you get asked a lot "how did you become an artist?" I've known my whole life that I loved art but didn't have the opportunity to pursue it professionally until I was an adult. I've dabbled in most mediums but became passionate about glass. I've been fortunate to have been published in Better Homes & Gardens 3 times and share my passion with visitors at the Iowa State Fair every year. My love of melting glass has moved beyond lampworking and bead making to fusing and wire wrapping. I enjoy teaching private classes and sharing my knowledge of glass with others. Waking up in the morning and opening the kiln from the night before is like Christmas morning every day.

Jim and Julie Vermeer
www.vermeerglassart.com

I began fusing glass in 2005 after years of lampworking. This medium is also known as kiln formed glass. My wife Julie, started fusing in 2008 and occasionally we work jointly on special projects. Fusing art glass provides us with the freedom to experiment and manipulate glass by color, texture, shape, and how a piece will be used, be it a functional serving plate, platter, bowl or a decorative piece of art. There are infinite possibilities when fusing with art glass that can be very exciting and challenging. Magic is the only way to describe what it’s like for us to fuse art glass. When a glass piece goes into the kiln for firing, its appearance is how it was assembled. But….after firing and opening the kiln, the kiln gods have given a gift which may or may not bring forth an “Ahhhh!” We take great pride in our handmade fused art glass and we enjoy the creative process involved. We hope you like what you see and find that one special piece for yourself, family members, and friends.