EVELINA MAYNER arrived in the United States in 2007 after receiving her Master of Fine Arts from Vilnius University in Lithuania (Europe). Before relocating to the United States, she studied in Austria and lived in Germany, Italy, Russia, and Ukraine. Upon arriving in Chicago, Evelina joined a team of glass restoration experts at an architectural arts firm on Chicago’s North Shore. There, her experience included restoration work on historic landmarks of Chicago, such as the glass of the Tiffany Dome at the Chicago Cultural Center, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. Additionally, she has provided restoration work for various other public and private institutions, including the New York Plaza Hotel.

In 2010, Evelina Mayner and her father, Alfredas Sutkus, founded Baltic Art Studio. Evelina receives inspiration for her art through her travels abroad, exploring new cultures, and visiting museums and galleries worldwide.

In the words of Evelina: “I grew up in a Bohemian atmosphere, within my parents’ circle of friends, who were famous European artists, architects, actors, and filmmakers. From the time I was a little girl, there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to be an artist, a decision that I don’t regret to this day! Art adds meaning to my life and gives me a way to express my deepest thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Art is a way to express my inner feelings, that which I cannot express in words. Today, I consider myself lucky to be surrounded with the creative ideas of my clients, whose ideas and visions challenge me and give my life direction. In addition, I am blessed with an expert team of glass artists who transform my clients’ creative visions into reality.”

Mr. Sutkus has more than thirty-five years of experience in a variety of glass art techniques. He relocated to the United States from Lithuania (Europe) in 1997. Upon arriving in Chicago, he joined a team of glass restoration experts at an architectural arts firm on Chicago’s North Shore.

Mr. Sutkus spent more than fifteen years touching up masterpieces by C.L. Tiffany, J. La Farge, F.Z. Zettler, F. Mayer, L. Sullivan, F.L. Wright, and many others. In addition to the glass arts, he is also passionate about aviation engineering. Since childhood, he has drawn airplanes and knew the model and make of nearly every existing airplane. After graduating college, his first job was as an airplane mechanic at a local airport. Later in life, Mr. Sutkus became a licensed pilot and parachute enthusiast.

He is also passionate about traveling. He doesn’t need much to travel, just his backpack and a camera. To date, he has visited all of the National Parks in the United States and all major European cities. He spends weekends taking road trips and discovering America’s hidden travel gems.

In the words of Mr. Sutkus: “I am honored to play an active role in the historical preservation of glass art masterpieces as I restore them and immortalize their beauty for future generations to enjoy.”

ZENONAS VAICEKONIS is a stained glass designer and the founder of ZWS glass art studio in Lithuania (Europe). After graduating from the College of Arts, Zenonas worked as a stained glass restorer and designer for the Heritage Preservation Organization in Lithuania. He is fascinated with glass technology and studies glass chemistry and physics to stay current with developments in the glass world. He enjoys sharing his inventions with his art students and colleagues.

In the words of Mr. Vaicekonis: “From the first time that I held a glass cutter in my hands, I understood how fascinating glass technology is and that the possibilities of glass work are endless. Since then, I’ve focused on staying on top of the latest glass technology. It gives me inspiration to create new, increasingly sophisticated and expressive glass artworks.”

Mr. Vaicekonis has a big family. He enjoys spending time with his beloved wife and colleague, Rima, and their three sons. They are fans of Lithuanian folk culture and often attend Lithuanian folk festivals, craft fairs, and other events.

RIMA VAICEKONIENE is a glass artist and the graphic designer at ZWS studio in Lithuania (Europe). Rima’s work is recognizable by her attention to detail and precision. She doesn’t aim for quick results. Rather, she waits patiently for hours until she is satisfied with the final product. Many of her glass ornaments and decorative interior elements can be found in galleries and in the interior design of homes.

She is also passionate about nature. Mrs. Vaicekoniene says: “I enjoy nature walks. I can see how the sun rays are joyfully playing in the water, on the leaves of trees, how they reflect in windows, and even in people’s eyes. This is what inspires me to create glass artworks that reflect the sunlight, spread joy, and please the eye.”

Besides her talent for art, Rima enjoys caring for her big family. Her house is filled with art and crafts, and her garden is always full of blooming plants and flowers. She often spends her time working alongside her husband, Zenonas, in their glass art studio.