Foci MCGA does not accept repairs or customs for staff to take on. As a nonprofit, our emphasis is on education and studio access and we currently do not offer a repair service.

Looking to have a broken piece of sentimental glasswork repaired? Or perhaps to have a custom glass gift created? Our community of glassworkers may be able to assist! Keep in mind that glass projects can be costly depending on the size or complexity - it is an expensive and tricky material.

Glass Repairs and Custom Commissions

Our community includes a number of independent, regional glass artists that may be able to fix your item or create something custom for you.

  • Repairs

  • Awards

  • Custom Sculpture

  • Mosaic

  • Stained Glass

  • Dishware (Kilnformed Glass)

  • Engraving (Coldworked Glass)

  • Jewelry (Flameworked or Kilnformed Glass)

  • Wedding/Unity Sculptures (Glassblown or Flameworked Glass)

  • Memorial Glass Art (Glassblown or Flameworked Glass)

  • Goblets/Tumblers (Glassblown)

  • Sculptural Collaborations

It is very uncommon for artists to accept commissions for light fixture repairs.

The needed dimensions are typically very exact making their production complicated, there’s little artistic license in these projects, and recreating them typically goes over the budget of what people have in mind. For light fixture commissions, we highly suggest reaching out to a local company that specializes in the area:

Important factors to consider prior to submitting a request:

  • One of the first steps is having an idea of how much you are willing to spend on your project.

    Each artist has a different system for pricing and will consider factors such as:

    • the cost of materials

    • the cost of hourly studio rental time

    • time spent drafting an object or picking up materials

    • the addition of a working wage

    There are times that due to its fickle nature, glass repairs end up costing more than the original piece itself.

    Brainstorm your ballpark budget and allow artists to work with the possibilities within your price range!

  • Due to the nature of glass processes, artist needs ample time to properly create or repair your item. Please plan accordingly!

    It may be difficult to create a project with a fast turnaround such as 2 - 4 weeks and tight deadlines may incur rush fees.

  • Glass Repairs or Recreations: Unfortunately glass is tricky to repair, and sometimes impossible to fix. Generally it is not possible to simply reheat and fix glass - instead requiring trained expertise, coldworking, and costly adhesives specifically formulated for glass. If possible, take photos of the glass that needs to be repaired. Take as close to exact measurements as possible. Know that recreations are possible but exact replicas are not. At times it can be helpful to coordinate a drop-off at our studio in Minneapolis with the artist. Foci MCGA is unable to accept glass items on behalf of artists.

    Custom Glass Commissions: Consider finding reference images or sketching your idea. Include details such as desired colors, opacity, dimensions, and your expectations. All of these factors are key in creating a quote. Artists tend to have more interest in these projects that require some room for creativity!

    Be flexible with the ideas that an artist may present in the event your concept is not entirely feasible!

After reviewing the above, you may submit a request:

For a more direct route, refer below to find contact list for artists who have opted to have their information available. Repairs and commissions are not guaranteed. Foci MCGA is not responsible for any of the glass pieces produced or repaired by artists. All contact, payment, and pick-up details will be coordinated between you and the artist directly. Foci MCGA is unable to accept or hold glass items on behalf of artists. Please coordinate drop-off or pick-up times directly with the artist in advance.

  • Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Arts

    • Custom awards

    • Engraving (Coldworked Glass)

    • $200 minimum

  • Jilli Braun (High 5 Glass), Jillibraun@gmail.com

    • Website: www.high5.glass

    • Specialties: Pipe customs (no water pipes), Pipe memorials, Rainbow memorials

  • Tori Hansen, tori.hansen@mnglassart.org

    • Broken glass repairs (Coldworked Glass)

    • Custom jewelry (Flameworked Glass)

    • $40-$60 minimum

  • The Milligan Studio, themilliganstudio@gmail.com

  • Isaac Theobald, isaac.theobald@mnglassart.org

    • Memorial glass art

    • Custom sculpture

  • Emma Wood, emma.wood@mnglassart.org

    • Instagram: @mycophile.e.art

    • Specialties: lichen/fungi, floral motives, miniatures, sandblasted patterns and reductive colors.

    • Kiln Fused, Stained and Hot Glass (Votives, Mushrooms, Dishes, Small Sculpture)

    • Jewelry (Kiln Fused, Beads, Flamework, Bolo ties)

    • Cold Working (Sandblast and Polishing)

    • Minor Repairs (Glueing: UV and HXTAL)

Not finding what you’re looking for or not sure exactly what you need? Reach out to us directly at contact@mnglassart.org for assistance.