Bio: Jerry Lopez

I began working in stained glass in Charleston, SC in 1978 with Charlestown Glass Studios learning all facets of stained glass design and fabrication. Upon moving to Germantown, MD, my wife Laura and I opened "Glass Fantasies" stained glass studio in Gaithersburg, MD. Commissions were primarily residential entryways, sidelights, lamps and windows. We outgrew our studio and moved to Old Towne Gaithersburg, MD.

We were able to expand our capabilities offering our stained and leaded glass for residential, commercial and liturgical clients. Additionally we began carrying a full line of retail glass supplies and equipment for hobbyists and the trade. We continued to expand and began offering classes in stained glass and multi-level glass sandblasting and etching. We gained recognition as one of the premiere stained glass studios in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area and were able to draw popular glass artists of the time, for our Visiting Artist Workshops.

In 1999, we sold Glass Fantasies and opened Lopez Art Glass in Paeonian Spring, VA. We built a 36' x 42' studio adjacent to our home, which was situated on 12 acres. We divided the studio into a stained glass area, fused glass area, blown glass area and a classroom. We purchased state of the art glass kilns and cold working equipment and were able to create beautiful art glass pieces. Both Laura and I taught introduction through advanced glass classes.

Ultimately, we moved to McMullen Cove in Gurley, AL in October 2016 to be close to our Grandchildren. We were juried-in to Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment Center in Huntsville, AL in March 2017 and currently reside in Studio 127 where we continue our art glass interests.

In my non-artist life, I was in the Navy and served aboard nuclear submarines from 1965-1977. I worked in Northern Virginia supporting Naval Submarine Programs before starting my company TECHNAUTICS, Inc. in 1986. Subsequently, I sold my company in 1999 to retire and focus on my art glass passion.

Art Education and Training:
Fused Glass, Blown Glass and Mold Making: Boyce Lundstrom
Glass Fusing: Patty Gray
Glass Fusing: Martin Kremmer
Stained Glass Design: Narcissus Quagliata
Bead Making: Corning Glass Works
Painting on Glass: Albinas Eiskus
Glass Blowing: Eric Kvarnes
Glass Blowing: Boyce Lundstrom
Glass Casting: Linda Ethier
Flame Working: Stephanie White
Cold Working: Kerry Transtrum
Silk Screening on Glass: Sister Marie Anne Tatina, obl OSB
Sandblasting: Norm Dobbins