Fused Glass Wedding Portraits

Process photos provided by Art In Glass

From pressing flower bouquets and framing vows, to live canvas paintings and keepsake boxes—couples have more choices than ever when it comes to preserving memories of their wedding day. The notion of suspending these perfect moments and special elements fascinates us, and we’re always on the lookout for more ideas. Recently, the discovery of fused glass wedding portraits caught our eye and we’re so excited to share with you the talents of local artist, Chris Guercio, of Art In Glass—located in Dagsboro, DE.

Without giving away the secrets of her trade, Chris shared with us the basic steps of how she creates one of these stunning pieces.

1.) Chris begins with the couple's favorite wedding portrait.

2.) She then changes the image to black and white or sepia toned, and prints it on a glass decal.

3.) Chris paints the over the image of the bride and groom, adding little details and special finishes to make details pop.

4.) The background is painted free hand, creating an expressive and artistic setting for the portrait.

5.) The end product is framed according to the couple’s choice, and a stunning art piece is complete!

After admiring art glass her entire adult life, Christina Guercio stumbled upon a fused glass class in Columbia, Maryland in 2009. She was hooked within just a few sessions, and after a year, decided to buy a kiln and start fusing glass at home. She has taken classes at the Corning Museum of Glass, Vitrum Studios, Weisser Glass, Pittsburgh Glass Center, Salem Community College Glass Education Center, and has studied with several well-known glass artists in their home studios. She also is an alcohol inks artist and instructor. During the pandemic, she became a Certified Zentangle Teacher. 

Chris finds glass fusing intoxicating, with endless possibilities for artistic expression. Much of Chris’ work explores the depth of glass and incorporates a sense of movement. Her inspiration comes from nature, music, poetry, history, and literature from around the world. The goal of Chris’ finished work is to strike a balance between reflected light and transmitted light, to express depth and luminosity, and to create a piece that draws the viewer into it emotionally. She is also an avid experimenter. Her pieces range from two-dimensional to sculptural.                       

When she first began fusing glass, Chris simply sought to bring her dreams and visions into reality and that was her reward. But several years later after she started displaying her work in public spaces, she began to receive feedback from patrons and passers-by. They talked to her about their emotions when they looked at her fused glass pieces, how her artwork resonated with them, how certain pieces spoke to them, and how they would treasure her fused glass creations in their homes. Sometimes they just thanked her for brightening a hallway. She has no greater reward than to have touched the heart of another person with her artwork.

A native of Baltimore, Ms. Guercio attended public schools in Ellicott City, Maryland and graduated from Loyola College (now Loyola University) and earned a graduate certificate from Johns Hopkins University. She has traveled widely, living in California, Florida, Georgia and France. She has two daughters, both breathtakingly beautiful, headstrong, and intelligent. Her grandchildren are her joy. In 2022 she moved to Delaware where she lives a quiet life with her dog and cats, and owns a studio/gallery.

Art In Glass was started by Sharon and Russ Rowland 40 years ago and recently moved to Dagsboro, Delaware where they entered into a partnership with fused glass artist Chris Guercio. Sharon and Russ design and create original stained-glass artwork; Sharon is also a fused glass artist.

Art In Glass has a gallery where you can shop for unique gifts or get ideas for custom glass artwork. Classes in glass fusing are also available. The artists at Art in Glass will work with you to create one-of-a-kind creations that will be treasured for years. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece for your window or walls, or artwork that captures a beautiful memory, Art in Glass has the experience and expertise you need. Visit their website at www.ArtInGlass.com or call (443)420-7372 for more info.