COMMONWHEEL ARTISTS CO-OP, MANITOU SPRINGS, CO
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Valerie Bartron

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The Art of Lampwork
Watch the Video!

A Touch of Glass
 Handcrafted Glass Wearable Art
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Destiny struck in August of 2012.  A dear friend was moving out of the country and decided she didn't want to take her studio with her.  I had no idea what lampwork was at the time.  
She fired up the torch and created a simple round bead.  I found myself absolutely captivated with the process so I purchased her entire studio that day. 

With endless hours of practice, I began creating special pieces for my friends and family.  My daughter asked what I was going to do with the bounty of beads I had made over the course of the past year and I had no idea. She asked if she could take them to a well known bead boutique to see if there was any interest.  The owner bought all of the beads my daughter had brought with her and proceeded to order more.  That was the beginning of a wonderful journey and the start of A Touch of Glass.

Since my humble beginnings, I have practiced my skill and I continue to learn new techniques. Each piece I create is a signed original, crafted in my home based studio in the beautiful mountains of Colorado.  I create my art using an oxygen and propane fueled torch, glass imported from Italy and Double Helix glass made in the USA.  I often add other elements to my work such as pure silver, enamel powders and special reduction Frit which give the beads unusual and interesting finishes.  Each bead is properly annealed in a digitally controlled kiln straight from the torch for lasting durability.  
 
I hope my pieces provide as much joy to the individual wearing it as I experienced while creating my molten treasure. 

Sincerely,
Valerie Bartron


Read an interview with Valerie to find out more.

Email:    [email protected]

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​© 1999-2025 Manitou Commonwheel Artists' Association, LLC
102 Cañon Avenue, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
719.685.1008
[email protected]

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  • Home
    • About >
      • FAQ
    • Subscribe to Mailing List
    • Contact Us
    • Directions
    • Manitou Parking
    • Membership Opportunities
    • Summer Market App 2025
    • Gallery Show App 2026 >
      • FAQ's
    • Gallery Show Inventory Form
  • Artist List
  • Events
    • Pottery By The Price 2025
    • Happy Little Trees
    • Ripples and Rhythms
    • Liminal Land
    • 36 Silences
    • Rocky Mountain Reverie
    • Summer Market 2025
  • Festival
    • 2025 Festival Info Page >
      • 2025 Festival Booth Fees
    • 2025 Artists >
      • 2025 Clay Artists
      • 2025 Fiber Artists
      • 2025 Fine Art Artists
      • 2025 Glass Artists
      • 2025 Jewelry Artists
      • 2025 Mixed Media Artists
      • 2025 Photography Artists
      • 2025 Sculpture Artists
      • 2025 Wood Artists
    • General Information
    • Sustainability
    • Map, Parking & Manitou Shuttle
    • Contact Festival
    • Festival Sponsors
  • Store
  • 50th Anniversary