Stained glass creator prepares to open studio, gallery space

Glass of Life will soon open its doors in the Historic Uptown neighborhood, overlooking picturesque Round Lake Park. The new studio/gallery concept is moving into the 1,150 sq ft space that once housed The Studieaux, at at 499 7^th Ave. North. It will offer stained glass-making classes and space for local artists to display their work for sale. Additionally, studio time will be offered at an hourly rate, with access to equipment and tools.

Local artist Jodi Chemes said she happened to come across the space for rent while walking to a neighboring business. “I was actually doing the cosplay event at the Coliseum in December, and I walked over to Flatbread and Butter to get coffee and saw the for-rent sign in the space,” Chemes said. “I thought this would be so much better for visibility, my classes and custom stained-glass projects compared to my old space.  I love the neighborhood and I’m excited to be part of it.”

Chemes also owns All The Things St. Pete, a former art incubator that at one point included her stained glass art, a resin artist, a candle maker, a woodworker, an installation artist, a jewelry artist and a painter.

A Certified Public Accountant by trade, Chemes has been a tax preparer for 20 years; a decade ago, she came across a coupon for a stained glass making class in Tampa. She immediately fell in love with the art and its technical process. “It’s easy for individuals that don’t consider themselves artsy or creative,” Chemes said. “It’s something to do that kind of satisfies that need, but also doesn’t really demand too much of oh, here’s a blank canvas and go … you have something to start with.” Pet portraits are her favorite things to create, and she donates part of the proceeds to the nonprofit Friends of Strays. She calls Gall of Life a passion project; she said she loves teaching, and bringing attention to St. Pete’s art culture.

Barring any unforeseen setbacks, Glass of Life will have a soft opening in late January and a grand opening in late February. Its hours will be Tuesday through Thursday, 2 to 8 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.