Glass Roots: Top Local Artists

Pioneers and Rising Talent Shaping the Scene

St. Louis glass thrives as seasoned trailblazers and fresh voices push the craft forward. For nearly thirty years, Sunshine Daydream has fueled this energy, backing artists who expand the boundaries of tradition.

Featured Glass Blowers:

  1. Niko Cray
  2. Chad G
  3. Addison Hanna
  4. Hilljack Glass
  5. Mtn Life Glass
  6. Gladstone Glass
  7. Jack Steele
  8. Jem Glass

1. Niko Cray

Niko Cray got his start on the torch in 2010 at just 18 years old, quickly diving headfirst into sculptural work. Known for his shark and aquatic-inspired designs, he has become a leading force in collaboration culture. Many of his pieces fuse styles across artists, from Cowboy to his father, Tony Cray, producing hybrids that feel fresh yet deeply rooted in tradition. His collabs showcase the strength of community, where styles merge into one-of-a-kind works.

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2. Chad G

Chad G has been blowing glass since 1996, creating themed pieces that stand out for their humor and detail. From ice cream cones and lawnmowers to meditation faces and morels, his work tells stories in glass. He’s been featured in publications like Smoked Vol. II and Nug Magazine, taught classes, and demonstrated his craft coast to coast. His art carries personality and playfulness, sparking conversations wherever it’s shown.

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3. Addison Hanna

Addison Hanna discovered glass as a teenager and went on to earn his BFA in Glass Art from Emporia State University. His work is deeply influenced by time spent in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, translating ecosystems and textures into sculptural forms. Addison uses glass to connect people back to nature, exploring primal rhythms and the diversity of life — from the microscopic to the massive.

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4. Hilljack Glass

Local to the St. Louis area, Hilljack Glass has been flameworking since 1999. With more than two decades on the torch, his work reflects both technical skill and the grounded energy of a community artist. Hilljack’s longevity underscores the deep roots STL glassblowing has in the Midwest.

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5. Mtn Life Glass

Also based in St. Louis, Mtn Life Glass is known for his use of vibrant colors and carefully mastered patterns. Each piece carries a strong visual identity, pairing bold palettes with clean, functional forms. His work represents the ongoing evolution of the craft while celebrating glass as a medium for playful experimentation.

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6. Gladstone Glass

Gladstone Glass has been shaping glass for over a decade, firmly planting himself in the STL scene. His pieces balance craftsmanship with storytelling, reflecting both growth and dedication. As part of the local backbone, his presence reinforces how community artists sustain and grow the culture year after year.

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7. Jack Steele

Jack Steele is an emerging artist carving out his own lane in STL glass. His inventive forms and willingness to push boundaries highlight how the local community continues to expand with fresh ideas. Steele’s presence signals the vitality of the next wave of artists carrying the torch forward.

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8. Jem Glass

Jem Glass reflects experimentation and new energy in the local scene. Their work embraces innovation while remaining grounded in function, offering a glimpse into the future of glass artistry in the Midwest. As part of the next generation, Jem brings fresh perspective and commitment to craft.