Our History

The idea that grew into J. Ring Glass Studio began several years ago in 1972, when Joe Ring left his home in St. Paul, Minnesota to work as an apprentice for the New York City firm of Leo Popper & Sons, one of the last of the old schools of stained glass studios to offer a regimented hands-on training program in stained glass window construction. By the time Joe came back to Minnesota to start his own studio in 1975, he knew that his love of glass would become a lifelong passion.

He was joined in 1977 by Susan Thrash, who became his partner, and together they built a successful commission studio in decorative art glass. Among their specialties were residential, church and restaurant stained glass, etched glass, both hand and machine beveling, glass bending (specifically for antique lamp restoration), traditional stained glass painting, mirror resilvering, and all types of window restoration. The studio also sold supplies and taught classes.

By the late 1990’s, the sales of supplies had grown beyond the original projections, which led the two owners to believe that the Upper Midwest was in need of an expanded source of supplies for glass artists and crafters, with a resource center offering professional instruction in all areas of glass craft and design. So they closed down the fabrication and custom glass work shop, and focused on developing a new educational and supply facility. The new location at 2408 Territorial Road was purchased and completely renovated to provide 14,000 square feet of warehouse, display and education areas.

Today the focus of J. Ring Glass Studio has evolved around kiln-worked glass and bead making. Both Joe and Susan view hot glass as a dynamic, versatile medium, and it is especially gratifying that now they are able to devote time developing their own styles of kiln-worked glass. You can see examples of their work from time to time in the Gallery Section of this web site. Or you can stop by the studio and see for yourself.