3 local artists making stunning stained glass art in Birmingham

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stained glass
Stained glass ornaments from Sway Design Studio. Photo via Sway Design Studio

Searching for a one-of-a-kind gift? Looking for more local makers to support? These three stained glass artists are creating stunning pieces right here in the Magic City. Keep reading to see photos of their work and to find out how to purchase a piece yourself.

1. Sharon Whelton Glass

Sharon Whelton’s iridescent shells and colorful croissants first caught my eye at The Market at Pepper Place last year. I’ve been following her work ever since and am continually amazed at her creations.

Sharon took her first stained glass class in March 2019 and immediately fell in love with the process. Every piece of glass featured in her original designs is cut by hand, smoothed, soldered, polished and then packaged in eco-friendly materials by Sharon.

Despite being diagnosed at a young age with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, Sharon pushes through fatigue, muscle weakness and more to continue to create stunning stained glass art.

Browse all of Sharon’s pieces on her site, and follow her on social for shop updates and new stained glass creations.

Find Sharon Whelton Glass online: Instagram | Facebook | Website

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2. Sway Design Studio

Each piece from Sway Design Studio is handcrafted by Ann Claire (AC) and Alicia Bishop—a sister-in-law duo making one-of-a-kind stained glass ornaments, wall hangers, trinkets and more.

After taking a stained glass class together last year, they decided to turn their dream into a reality with Sway.

From florals and landscapes to jewelry holders and indoor mailboxes, their stained glass art incorporates soft colors and finishes—each created from start to finish by AC and Alicia.

They offer custom orders via Instagram and payment through Venmo. DM them to create your custom piece, and follow them for available pieces posted on their feed.

Find Sway Design Studio online: Instagram

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3. Next Exit Glass

Inspired by a stained glass piece his mother made for his grandmother when he was young, Ryan Grayson began making stained glass art in January of this year.

“Seeing it hang in her kitchen window catching the light and holding such an amazing presence in that room inspired me to give that same feeling to other people. To me, there’s something magical about an image in stained glass.”

Ryan Grayson

Ryan’s work features unique shapes, vibrant colors and interesting textures that catch sunlight so beautifully.

Currently, the only place to find and purchase Ryan’s work is on Instagram @nextexitglass, but give him a follow and stay tuned for a website coming soon!

Find Ryan online: Instagram

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Know of more local makers creating glass art in Birmingham? Share them with us on social at @BhamNow on Facebook and Instagram, or @Now_Bham on Twitter.

Hannah Chambley
Hannah Chambley
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