Shannon Spruiell

Introduction

Hello, and welcome to my website! I'm a Seattle-based glass artist who works with both traditional and contemporary forms. My practice draws on Swedish techniques, which are used to create sculptural vessels that explore function, memory, and emotional resonance. I began working with glass in 2015 while studying painting at Texas Tech University. From the moment I stepped into the hot shop, I knew I had found my true medium.

Career

I received my B.F.A. in Studio Arts with a minor in psychology from Texas Tech University in 2015. After gaining foundational experience working with Carlyn Ray in Dallas, Texas, I moved to Seattle in 2018 to pursue glassmaking full-time. I worked as a glass artist and later as a studio manager at Glass Eye Studio from 2018 to 2022. After some time in the intense production world, I decided to branch out and become a freelance artist, using the skills and experience I had gained. I now work and teach at institutions including the Chihuly Garden and Glass, where I give live glassblowing demonstrations, and the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, WA, where I also support veterans through the Hot Shop Heroes program.

Mission

At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to connecting with the community. Glass is more than a material—it's a means of connection, reflection, and healing. I’m passionate about creating access to the glass studio and using this craft as a tool for transformation, especially in trauma-informed and community-centered spaces. My mission is to advocate for those who have experienced trauma, offering the support they need when the justice system may fall short. Through both teaching and making, I aim to foster empowerment through shared creative experience.