glassybaby Artist Spotlight: Adam

Adam never planned on becoming a glassblower. Fresh out of the military and studying at the University of South Alabama, he hadn’t considered working with glass—until one of his instructors, Rick Schneider, invited him to help in his glassblowing studio. When Adam hesitated, Schneider assured him he would teach him everything he needed to know. That simple invitation not only introduced Adam to the craft but also set him on the path to his future career. While learning the trade, he met Eddie Bernard, founder of Wet Dog Glass, LLC, who would become a longtime mentor. Years later, their connection came full circle when Bernard’s company outfitted glassybaby’s Montana hot shop. 

After the University of South Alabama, Adam was selected to be the glass artist in residence at the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach, where he spent three years refining his craft. During this time, he developed a deep appreciation for the almost meditative nature of glassblowing. “It demands your full focus,” he explains. “You can’t think about anything else while working with glass. The process, the teamwork, the challenge of seeing it through—it keeps me engaged.” Even when a piece doesn’t turn out as expected, he embraces what he calls “happy accidents.” 

When his residency ended, he came across a job listing for a part-time hot shop technician at glassybaby. Unsure whether to make the leap, he reached out to his mentor, Eddie Bernard, for advice. Eddie encouraged him to take the opportunity, assuring him that he’d be there for support if Adam had any questions along the way. 

Adam accepted the position with glassybaby, initially working part-time maintaining equipment while also taking on swing shifts to continue blowing glass and build a full-time schedule. As the company expanded, so did the demand for his technical expertise. Over the past decade, what started as a part-time role evolved into a full-fledged career. As glassybaby grew, the need for skilled technicians became even more essential, leading to the opportunity to establish a new hot shop in Montana. Recognizing his dedication, problem-solving skills, and leadership, glassybaby asked Adam to lead the team in Livingston, Montana. 

Relocating from Seattle to Montana, Adam embraced the challenge. “When I first started with glassybaby, I was working part-time as a technician—now we have entire teams of techs,” he shares. Under his leadership, the Livingston hot shop has flourished, becoming a thriving hub for glassblowing in the region. 

Beyond his own career, Adam is passionate about making glassblowing more accessible. In Montana, he takes pride in a robust training program that welcomes people with no prior experience, teaching them the craft entirely on the job. “The chance to work with glass, to learn as you go—it’s life-changing,” he says. He’s also especially excited about initiatives like Hilltop, a non-profit glassblowing program that provides youth with hands-on opportunities to develop skills and confidence. Programs like these open doors to a world many might never have imagined entering—just as Adam himself once hadn’t. 

At glassybaby, we’re so grateful that Adam was introduced to glassblowing—and even more thankful that he chose to grow with us.