We invite you to explore our world of glass featuring pieces by Ignite’s artists and our visiting artists. Original pieces of art surround you in stunning colors and curious shapes in our gallery where you will encounter patterns and structures that uniquely distinguish our work. Step outside to see our garden glass sculptures nestled among the trees that twist into whimsical and serene shapes contrasting our industrial surroundings in the shadow of the Chicago skyline.
Our current gallery hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 11-3pm and by appointment. To book a gallery tour, please send us a message at info@igniteglass.com. If you would like to inquire about a custom order or commissioned work of art, please click here.
Our current gallery hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 11-3pm and by appointment. To book a gallery tour, please send us a message at info@igniteglass.com. If you would like to inquire about a custom order or commissioned work of art, please click here.
Gallery Artists
Charles Matz
Charlie Matz (BA Photojournalism ‘16, Columbia College Chicago) is a glass artist and photographer born and raised in Chicago’s South Loop. Nearly 10 years of experience in both Flameworking and furnace formed glass has given Charlie the ability to create finely detailed sculptural and functional art. A natural affinity for various crafts like metal smithing, photography and drawing since age 10 have allowed for the successful combination of multiple mediums with his glass art.
Charlie’s recent work has been mainly focused on hollow sculpted organisms that are filled with neon and other research grade noble gases under vacuum and lit via electric or electromagnetic means.
Charlie’s recent work has been mainly focused on hollow sculpted organisms that are filled with neon and other research grade noble gases under vacuum and lit via electric or electromagnetic means.
Eleanor Harvey
Eleanor Victoria Harvey joined the Ignite Glass Studios team in 2019. She received her Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts with a minor in Anthropology in 2018 from Illinois State University . While her main focus is glass blowing, she also enjoys painting and drawing. Eleanor’s work is inspired by color, pattern, organic shapes/symbols from nature, and influenced by culture, and society - most often displayed through figural forms. She is a maker of functional objects, as well as aesthetic and conceptual art. Eleanor enjoys learning new techniques, collaborating with other artists and sharing her love for glass through teaching classes.
Joe Waropay
Joe Waropay joined the Ignite team in 2013 and is a resident artist and instructor at the studio. He is also the lead youth instructors for Ignite's nonprofit partner, Ignition Community Glass, developing and implementing glassblowing programs for under-resourced youth in Chicago.In addition to his glassblowing skills, his capacity in sculpture and printmaking have brought a new dynamic to Ignite. His artwork reflects themes of Growth and Development and Memories into glass and mixed media conceptual sculpture.
Joe was born and raised in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois where we was active in sports throughout his youth. He attended Western Illinois University and the University of South Carolin-Beaufort as a Division-1 baseball plater while also majoring in art and developed his passion for glass under John Miller at Illinois State University.
Joe is an innovative instructors and youth mentor who strives to introduce a fresh approach to the traditional craft of glass while sharing his passion for glass blowing with these students.
Joe was born and raised in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois where we was active in sports throughout his youth. He attended Western Illinois University and the University of South Carolin-Beaufort as a Division-1 baseball plater while also majoring in art and developed his passion for glass under John Miller at Illinois State University.
Joe is an innovative instructors and youth mentor who strives to introduce a fresh approach to the traditional craft of glass while sharing his passion for glass blowing with these students.
Visiting and Guest Artists
Ignite hosts several visiting and guests artists each year through various residencies, collaborations, events, and fundraisers. Our gallery currently displays pieces from Davide Salvadore, Nancy Callan, Martin Janecky, Grant Garmezy, Robin & Julia Rogers, Jaime Guerrero, and more. Click below to view the current visiting works we have for sale.