Today we’d like to introduce you to Bob Vogel.
Bob, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
After graduating from college, 1971, I was bit by the travel bug. I became a house panter, I realized that traveling was about time and not money. I traveled the winters, as I was painting houses in the summer. I took my first stained glass class, to be constructive during the winter months, in Minnesota, when I was not traveling, the world. After I made one hundred fifty, three dimensional lamp shades, I began making window hangings which became relatively easy. In 2000 I married my girlfriend, Victoria, of 10 years, while on a trip to Spain, we found a pamphlet, on how to get married in 24 hours. When we returned to the states we went back to each of our homes. Six monthes later, Victoria called and said, I supose we should find a house together. We were in Minneapolis at the time and could not find a home that we liked. On a trip to South Dakota Victoria saw a home in Saint Peter and fell in love with it. It is on the main drag on 169, big brick and stucco home with a wrought iron fence. The studio was built in the back attached to the garage. The neighbors, have named it, the” garage mahal”, Since the studio opened in 2007, we have been commissioned to do stained glass windows for churches, colleges, chaples, libraries and residentals homes.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The first studio did burn down in 2006 and most of the lamps, windows, two motorcycles, truck and other memorabilia were lost. As before stated, the current studio was designed by our son Alex and built in 2007. My color blindness is indeed an obstacle, Victoria is very good at putting colors together and Alex’s talent for drawing and design enabled us to create one of a kind pieces for our cusomers.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Over the years, we are able to work with customers and satifying their needs. We say if you can dream it, we can make it. A fine example of what we are most proud of is at Bethany College, old main building, in Mankato. A 12 x 5 ft window above the enterance of Jesus on the cross. The process of designing, color selection and crafting took about 6 months, If you get a chance, you should stop by.
What are your plans for the future?
Our newest adventure is working with fused glass, in a kiln. We are excited about the process of fusing and the continued learning curve that we experience every day. What is fusing, you ask? The heating of co efficient glass that has been cut into shapes. Reaching tempratures of 1250 degrees, for slumping, and 1480 degrees, for a full fuse. The gratification of the end product is quit satisfying. We are making some exiting breakthoughs and continue to create new designs. The studio and gift shop are open 7 days a week form 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. We hope you stop by.
Pricing:
- Custom pieces range from $ 200 to 250 per square foot
- Fused pieces range from from $10.00 to $300.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stainedglassstudiostpeter.com
- Instagram: Staind Glass Studio st. Peter
