Chicago Glassworks is a state of the art glass blowing facility and artist's studio
custom built into a former iron foundry. Centrally located on Chicago's near southside, Chicago Glassworks is only minutes
from downtown, but be sure to call first, as visits and tours must be arranged by appointment.
Glass artist, sculptor and photographer Eric Bladholm got his start in glass and art early. At age 11, his
older sister Sharon taught him how to make stained and leaded glass, which he pursued until his first year of college, where
Eric discovered the art of glass blowing. After completing his BFA in fine art and glass at California College of Arts
and Crafts, and a season in Europe working with several renown glass masters, Eric returned to Chicago to meet the challenges
of building a studio of his own. Several years of working in the construction trades and a partnership with his sister's studio
evolved into the formation of Chicago Glassworks over 20 years ago.
The glass
created at Chicago Glassworks is all made by the artist himself. The colors and textures of nature are the departure
point for many of Eric's inovative explorations with hand blown glass. Summers in Door County, Wisconsin as a child,
and extensive travels in Europe have influenced his work in functional objects, sculpture and photography. Eric also produces
custom lighting products for many national and international designers and lighting firms.