Growing up in Massachusetts, becoming a glass blower wasn’t something Chad dreamed his future would hold. As he and his family prepared to relocate to Florida, Chad’s parents surprised him with a gift of a six-week course at a local glass blowing studio. As it ends up, Chad wound up moving back to Massachusetts and went to work as an apprentice at Fried Glass studio (www.friedglassstudios.com) for several years making free-style glass art. He also came to work for Elias Studios (www.eliasglass.com) mass producing glass pieces for bulk orders. After working at both places for several years, Chad moved to Florida to join his family and to open Southern Fried Glass. Being a young, new business owner, Chad, with the help of his family, devoted 200% of his time and energy into his studio. Chad’s creations were also displayed in many southwestern Florida art galleries.
About Chad.....
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In January of 2008, Angela and her friend broke away from the Wisconsin winter. They happened across Chad's glass blowing studio, and watched in amazement for hours as Chad made several glass pieces. That afternoon, glass was purchased…emails were exchanged.
Over the months, emails flew across the country from Florida to Wisconsin and back. Soon, phone calls were made, and plane tickets booked. After spending the summer up north, Chad officially made the move in September of 2008.
Chad and Angela purchased a property together in October of 2008.. The current barn is continuously being renovated, hosting the NEW Southern Fried Glass studio and gallery!
Stop by to visit and check us out!
The old barn underwent significant cosmetic and structural changes. At this time, we have a smaller two room gallery, featuring the creativity by Chad. From the gallery, visitors may walk into Chad's studio and watch him scupting the liquid glass. Be prepared - with the massive furnace running at approximately 2000 degrees, the studio is very warm.
Our vision for the barn is to finish the upstairs (former hay mound) into a large open-concept gallery. Our intenition is to feature other artists that compliment our styles, and provide local artist an outlet to show their work, that otherwise wouldn't. On the south wall, there is currently a large door that swings open. Our plan is to put double patio doors here, build a deck, including a wheel chair accessible ramp. Leading off the upstairs main gallery, is a viewing deck where visitors may watch Chad from above as he works.
Watching glass blowing is truly fascinating! Don't be fooled - Chad makes it look easier than it is! If you're up for the challenge and would like to try it out - we offer individual lessons and several week group classes.
Why Southern Fried Glass moved to Wisconsin...
About the NEW Southern Fried Glass...
Of course at our Southern Fried Glass gallery!
Chad's works can also be viewed at VIVA Art Gallery in Viroqua, WI on an ongoing basis.
Upcoming events we will be participating in:
Art Fair on the Green
LaCrosse, WI
July 24 & 25, 2010
Cranfest
Warrens, WI
September 24-26, 2010
Omni Center Fall Show
Onalaska, WI
October 9 & 10, 2010
Past Events:
Omni Center Spring Show
Omni Center, Onalaska WI
Saturday April 10 - Sunday April 11, 2010
MayFair
West Salem High School, West Salem WI
Sunday May 2, 2010
Monroe County Historical Society Art/Craft Show
Sparta High School, Sparta WI
Saturday March 6, 2010
Holiday Fair at the La Crosse Center
Thursday November 19, 2009 to Sunday November 22, 2009
Razzle Dazzle Art Show at the Dodge Building in Sparta, WI
Sunday November 29 Noon - 4pm
Pump House Regional Arts Center in La Crosse, WI from November 24, 2009 to January 16, 2010.
Where can I see the work by Southern Fried Glass...
About SFG
