Ignite Glass Studios is a state-of-the-art glass studio and education and events facility. Located in Chicago’s West Loop, Ignite welcomes all ages and skill levels to experience the art and magic of glassblowing. Our studio offers glassblowing classes, workshops, demonstrations, team-building activities, professional bench rentals, and an artists’ gallery.
By night, Ignite’s workroom is transformed into flexible work room offering a unique venue for private, corporate and community events. The space includes a 5,788 square foot room adjacent to and interactive with the glassblowing studio that can accommodate 220-seated guests, as well as an outdoor garden, rooftop deck, and a conference room. This one-of-a-kind facility is an ideal space for any special event. Whether you are looking for a memorable space for a wedding, bar/bat mitzvah, or birthday party or an inspiring venue to engage your business clients or colleagues, Ignite Glass Studios can accommodate your needs and will exceed your expectations.
Operational Hours
Sunday 10am – 4pm
Monday Closed
Tuesday thru Thursday 9am – 10pm
Friday thru Saturday 9am-6pm
Location
Ignite Glass Studios
401 N Armour Street
Chicago IL 60642
Connect and Contact
Phone: (312) 465-2389
Email: megan@igniteglass.com
facebook.com/igniteglasschicago
twitter: @igniteglass
Meet the Team
Pearl Dick, Director, Hot Shop and Education.
With more than 14 years of working glass experience and 17 years in the professional art sector, Pearl’s work shows a rare and sought-after depth of artistry and vision. She has an extensive background in art education and inspires her students to create and love art as passionately as she does. Her love of teaching glass art to new students coupled with her unique talent make her an asset to the project. Pearl will teach a number of classes on site.
Ben Tullman, Creative Director.
Ben Tullman began his extensive love and relationship with glass in 2001. From bead-working, to his complex lacework swans, to his divergent sculptural style, Tullman has created a prolific collection of work. He now strives to create a glass studio where he can have an impact on every member of the community and foster creative energy. As the Director of Creativity, he will have a hand in developing glass courses and designing the overall functionality of the studio space.
Alex Krueger, Artist.
Alex has recently returned to his native city of Chicago, and he hopes to bring his national experience and youthful talent to the Metropolitan Midwest. Alex graduated BGSU with a BFA in Glass. He then worked the gamut of glass artistry in Seattle, WA. He plan to create stunning sculptural pieces that reflect his breadth of knowledge and creativity.
Brent Rogers, Artist.
A native of Seattle, WA, Brent worked as a production glass blower and designer at the Glass Eye Studio before relocating to Chicago in 2011. He has taken classes around the country, and has educated himself in glass technique and illustration concepts at Pilchuck Glass School, Pratt Fine Art Center, and interned with Benjamin Moore Inc.
Aaron Baigelman, Artist.
Artist Statement:
As a young boy I had a passion for art. When I first discovered hot glass at the age of eleven I fell in love with the ability to make art with the manipulation of glass. I’ve been addicted ever since. More recently I’ve started working more in sculpture. I’m trying to get away from traditional vessels and forms. Like many other glass artists, I’ve been experimenting with changing the focus from the beauty of glass itself to instead creating objects that show the contradictions inherent in the practical use of glass. I’m experimenting with objects that have traditionally not been created out of glass, particularly historical artifacts, such as Hindu Stupas and ancient weapons and armor. I try to alter the surface texture to look not like glass, but like the object I am trying to replicate. I am always trying to push the limits of the size of the glass. I approach glass the same way I approach life: more is better.
Aaron Wolf-Boze, Artist.
Aaron W. began his glass career by chance when taking an elective glass blowing class for his B.F.A. at University of Illinois at Urbana in 1996. In 2005 he received his M.F.A. from Ohio State University, and directed the entire glass department at the University of Wisconsin just two years later. Last year he made the move to Chicago, where he taught at Chicago Hot Glass and worked as a carpenter on the side. He now plans to “work his tail off at Ignite Glass doing all sorts of fun and glassy things”!
Alex Trommler, Artist.
Alex T. has recently moved to Chicago and is very excited to be a part of the Ignite Glass Team! Originally from Philadelphia, he began working with glass before attending Alfred University where he graduated in 2006. There he became interested in processes such as Hot Casting, Cold Working, and Kilnforming, and began developing work of an architectural nature. In 2009 he received a Kiln Casting residency at North Lands Creative Glass where he worked with float glass fusing. He received his MFA in glass from SIU Carbondale in 2012 where he also taught in the Foundations program.
Behind the Scenes…
Glen and Trish Tullman
Co-Owners
Aurieann LaPata
Director of Marketing and Events
Matt Tullman
Director of Finance and Legal
Megan Norton
Web Administrator/Office Assistance/Receptionist
Stephanie Lindsey
Security/Facility Support
