Jessica Schimpf

B.F.A. Sculpture Maryland Institute College of Art
Studio Owner and Lead Glass Blower


Jessica's career started as a monumental welder and bronze artisan for The Sculpture Foundation - which made the largest sculptures in the world for artists, museums and cities (public installations). Jessica worked on the fabrication team that created work for famed artists: Seward Johnson, Kiki Smith and Jeff Koons and more.
 

Jessica first learned glass blowing after she saw a glass blower working in Baltimore. She created "Mantra Glass Art" as a mock company to see if products would sell. Mantra Glass Art Studios came to fruition in 2018 when she moved from Denver to Reno with a lot of support from the public! Jessica is grateful to be in such a supportive and artistic community that focuses on artistic growth.

Carolyn Nadeau

ASSISTANT




Carolyn first started coming to Mantra in 2019 after taking a series of lessons with Jessica. She picked up glass blowing so fast that we realized she had to be a part of our glass community.

Carolyn has learned the art of fusing, torch-working and soft glass blowing. She has also volunteer taught with us at The Nevada Museum of Art.

Carolyn helps with complex lighting and other production pieces. She also helps with other very important studio needs and is a vital part of our community at Mantra.

Ryan Kurashewich

Assistant

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Ryan was first introduced to Mantra Glass Art in 2018 during one of our live open house events in Reno with his family. He signed up for classes soon after to learn soft glass and torch glass. He has excelled at both mediums very quickly.

Ryan is a skilled artisan that helps create our memorials, lighting and he even helps ship our weekly orders. Ryan is an enthusiastic learner and has accomplished so much over a short period of time.

Check out the photo above to see Ryan's first jellyfish design in glass!