Have you ever wondered what happens inside a professional stained glass studio? When most people visit Baltic Art Studio, they see beautiful finished artwork, colorful glass panels, and students creating their first stained glass projects. What they don’t always see is the work, craftsmanship, and expertise that happens behind the scenes every day.
A visit to Baltic Art Studio offers a glimpse into a world where traditional craftsmanship meets artistic creativity. From historic stained glass restoration projects and custom commissions to hands-on classes and community events, every day in the studio is different.
Whether you’re interested in learning stained glass, commissioning a custom piece, or simply exploring a unique artistic space in the Chicago area, here’s a look at what happens behind the scenes at Baltic Art Studio.
Many art studios focus on either education, production, or restoration.
Baltic Art Studio combines all three.
Our studio is home to professionally trained stained glass artists and conservators with decades of experience working on projects throughout the United States and abroad. Team members received professional training in Europe and continued their education through workshops, conferences, and professional organizations, including the Stained Glass Association of America.
Because of this unique background, visitors experience much more than a typical art class.
They step into a working studio where traditional stained glass techniques are practiced, preserved, and shared every day.
Every project begins with a conversation.
Some mornings start with meetings about custom stained glass commissions. Others involve restoration planning, client consultations, or design discussions for residential, commercial, religious, or historic preservation projects.
During this stage, artists review:
Whether the project is a small decorative panel or a historic church window, careful planning ensures every detail is considered before work begins.
Creating stained glass involves much more than assembling pieces of colored glass.
Each project moves through several stages:
The process begins with sketches, layouts, and detailed patterns.
Artists consider:
A successful stained glass design must work both as artwork and as a functional architectural element.
One of the most exciting parts of the process is choosing glass.
The studio contains a wide variety of colors, textures, and specialty glasses.
Each sheet reacts differently to light, creating unique visual effects that cannot be duplicated by manufactured products.
Once the design is finalized, artists carefully cut individual glass pieces and assemble them according to the pattern.
Precision is critical.
A small error can affect the overall fit and appearance of the finished work.
On any given day, one workbench may contain a new custom project while another holds a stained glass window that is more than one hundred years old.
Historic restoration remains an important part of the studio’s work.
Our team has participated in restoration and conservation projects involving:
These projects require specialized knowledge and a deep respect for preservation standards.
The goal is not to make a historic window look new.
The goal is to preserve its original character while ensuring its long-term stability.
Throughout the week, the studio transforms into an active learning environment.
Students arrive with varying levels of experience.
Some have never held a glass cutter before.
Others return to develop more advanced skills.
Classes offered at Baltic Art Studio include:
Students learn:
The atmosphere is welcoming, supportive, and creative.
Many students are surprised by what they can accomplish during their first class.
One of the most enjoyable parts of studio life is hosting private workshops.
These events bring together friends, families, couples, coworkers, and community groups looking for a creative experience.
Private workshops are popular for:
Guests leave not only with a finished project but also with a memorable experience they created themselves.
Walk through the studio and you’ll find inspiration everywhere.
Finished artwork hangs on walls.
Glass sheets glow as sunlight passes through them.
Works in progress reveal different stages of the creative process.
Every corner reflects years of artistic practice and craftsmanship.
Visitors often discover:
The studio serves as both a workspace and a gallery of ideas.
The Chicago area has a rich artistic tradition, and Baltic Art Studio is proud to contribute to that creative community.
The studio brings together people who appreciate:
Many visitors first discover the studio through a class and later return for additional workshops, custom commissions, or restoration services.
Others simply enjoy exploring a creative environment that feels both educational and welcoming.
The studio’s success comes from a commitment to craftsmanship, education, and authenticity.
Every project receives the same level of care, whether it involves:
That dedication has helped Baltic Art Studio become a respected destination for stained glass enthusiasts throughout the Chicago area.
Yes. Classes are designed for all experience levels. Beginners receive step-by-step instruction and guidance throughout the process.
Absolutely. The studio designs and fabricates custom stained glass and fused glass artwork for residential, commercial, and religious projects.
Yes. Restoration and conservation services are available for historic, religious, residential, and commercial stained glass projects.
Baltic Art Studio combines professional European training, historic restoration expertise, SGAA involvement, custom design services, and hands-on educational programs in one creative environment.
There are many places to view art.
There are fewer places where you can watch artists at work, learn traditional techniques, and experience the creative process firsthand.
When you visit Baltic Art Studio, you gain access to:
Whether you’re interested in art, history, design, or simply trying something new, the studio offers an experience unlike any other.
A visit to Baltic Art Studio reveals much more than beautiful stained glass. It offers a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship, education, preservation, and creativity that make this art form so special.
From historic restoration projects and custom commissions to beginner-friendly classes and private workshops, every day inside the studio reflects a commitment to artistic excellence and lifelong learning.
If you’ve ever wanted to see how stained glass is created, meet professional artists, or experience the creative process firsthand, we invite you to visit Baltic Art Studio and discover what makes this Chicago-area studio such a special place.
Many studios offer beginner classes for adults and older teens, depending on the workshop.
Gift Certificates Available
Good for classes or stained glass purchases — a thoughtful gift for art lovers of all ages!
Come visit us at the studio!
Browse available work in person or ask about custom projects.
Not in the area? We ship!
Just give us a call or email and we’ll arrange secure packaging and delivery.
Call us at (773) 526-1127 or
Email us at balticartstudio@gmail.com
And don’t forget to follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes looks and studio updates!
With gratitude,
Baltic Art Studio Team
