Midtown Glassworks

Brian Maness

A native Memphian, I grew up as a “gym rat” that loved sports.  My church had an art program that included stained glass.  I would often go down and watch as they had class.  

I ended up at Lambuth University on a soccer scholarship and needed a “joke” course to complete my freshman class load.  I took stained glass as a joke and ended up falling in love with it and  taking Stained Glass I, II, and III.  I have been doing it ever since that class in 1992.  

I have been fortunate enough to work in churches that allow me to teach classes as a part of their recreation and outreach programs and often teach at conferences all over the country.  When I am not working on glass or being a Vivian’s dad (my 21 month old) I work as the community outreach director at Colonial Park United Methodist Church.

Being in my studio and working with my hands is a place where I find joy and peace.  Working with glass feeds my soul in so many ways.  It is my time to think and be alone.  I love to see a project take shape and come to life.  Holding a finished piece up to the light for the first time is really exciting.  When a piece is completed, I feel that it holds my memories and feelings forever.  I can look back at a piece years later and remember where I was and what I was thinking about.  

Contact:

facebook.com/MidtownGlassworks
twitter.com/midtownglass