Ghost Pepper Glass is a public glassblowing studio in Austin, Texas. As the only glassblowing studio of its kind in the Austin area, we seek to create an environment that caters to both the most skilled glass artisan while inviting the most novice enthusiast. Ghost Pepper Glass is, first and foremost, a space for artists and craftspeople to dream big and work together to create that which can only be made by hand. We offer classes for absolute beginners, equipment rental for experienced professionals, a retail space for gift givers, and everything in between. If nothing else, we welcome you to stop in, say “hello” and watch us play with molten glass for a bit–but we cannot promise you won’t get hooked!
Shara Funari – Education Coordinator – www.sharafunariGlass.com
Shara is a founding member of GPG and a Texas native, coming up through the San Antonio glass scene via a true grit, production studio apprenticeship. Her work represents her wide range of skill and appreciation for the material, often focusing on complex techniques for creating patterns and textures while showcasing the natural and unique qualities of glass. Her work stands apart due to adventurous color combinations, often embracing the chemical reactions that can happen when mixing certain glasses or exposing color to low-oxygen environments in order to bring a metallic shine to the surface. Shara has also worked extensively on utilizing recycled and repurposed glass to create beautiful light fixtures and tableware which are available in limited sets.
Keith Moy – Instructor/Studio tech
Keith had a background in industrial design before finding his passion for glass and it shines through with his modern design aesthetic. His glassmaking style plays to the strengths of the material while showcasing technical prowess through clean, delicate forms. Moy’s use of color, while simplistic at first glance, focuses on the nuances of saturation, density, texture and the interplay between color and form that can come from specific heating patterns and stretching of the material. This understated and elegant approach not only pays homage to the glass but compliments any home’s decor.
Risa Recio – Hot SHop Instructor www.taktakgoods.com
Risa discovered glassblowing while in grad school in Chicago and quickly became invaluable to the local glass studio, Firebird Community Arts, where she taught glassblowing as a means for those traumatized by gun violence to heal through art. Moving to Austin, she jumped right into our production team by helping us to fabricate some large commercial orders and it was an instant fit. Rounding out our motley crew, she brought along a bunch of oddballs of her own. That is, Risa doesn’t just create glassware, she imbues each piece with a personality and character…a “simple” facial expression that inevitably inspires a backstory in the minds of each onlooker. While these designs are certainly whimsical, each one is carefully crafted so your new best friend will last a lifetime. Get ready to squeal with joy before clicking the link below.
Ellen Dick – Flame Shop Instructor – www.cadooglass.com
Andrea Deleon – Hot Shop Instructor/Tech – www.AndreaDeleon.com
Graduating from University of Texas with a BFA in Studio Art, Andrea is a multidisciplinary artist working primarily in glass and metal. From scientific lampworking to forging blades, to setting stones in custom jewelry, to lost wax casting, to off-hand blown glass, to printmaking, there’s not much Andrea can’t do! Her Art often explores geometry, light, optics and texture to draw the viewer into what is often an illusion. When she’s not in her own studio or teaching jewelry courses at ACC, you’ll find her running our Taste of Glassblowing crash courses!
Grisha Khutoryan – Hot Shop & FLame Shop Instructor >>>Grisha’s Instagram<<<
Grisha began his exploration of glass in 2014 at The Ohio State University. Since then he has worked with this material in various forms ranging from stained glass to blown glass to quartz manufacturing. In 2016, his focus turned to borosilicate glass (flameworking), creating functional art using a high-temp torch (including pipes, drinking vessels and jewelry), ultimately building a home studio. Despite his success working in borosilicate glass, Grisha ultimately found he missed working collaboratively and began working part time for GPG in 2019 on our production team. In 2024, he joined the team full-time as an instructor of our blown glass classes and is also helping to bring flameworking to GPG in the near future!
Manda Barnes – Hot Shop Instructor >>>Manda’s Instagram<<<
Manda initially went to school for graphic design but after taking a cold working class at the College for Creative Studies she instantly fell in love with the material and changed paths! Her passion is teaching and it shines through when you take a class with Manda. Whether you’re coming in for a quick experience or a full-on fundamentals course, she will pour her energy into showing you the best time! And her art works are sure to put a smile on your face as she creates some of the most whimsical and narrative-filled items in our shop!
Jean Nelson – Office Manager/Production Assistant
Jean really runs the show behind the scenes! As a hobbyist glassblower for many years, she understands both the fabrication and administrative sides of our studio and is the best equipped to explain complex processes to the uninitiated. Jean is a bit of a perfectionist and, with her work, focuses on repeating forms or new techniques with minimal color until the process is dialed in. You can find her potion bottles around the gallery year-round!
Katie Plunkard – Owner/Instructor – www.katieplunkard.com
Katie has been blowing glass since 2005 but she became fascinated with glass much earlier when she saw glass artisans working on the island of Malta at the age of 11. After finding a public glassmaking studio years later in her home town of Chicago, she tried her hand at making a cup and was instantly hooked. With a background in both sculptural work and functional tableware, Katie enjoys blurring the lines between decorative art and functional craft while also trying to imitate patterns found in textile work wherever possible.
Shop Dogs/Human Resources (And their Favorite Snacks)
Let’s be honest, these guys really run the show. If you are good at giving pats and belly rubs, you’ll do just fine in our shop. If you’re afraid of dogs, fear not! We can absolutely keep this K-9 team entertained in another part of the shop, should you want to come in anyway.