'You can do it': Chicago Glass Collective brings makers together in Lake View

Leslie Speicher stands in front of a sign reading "Chicago Glass Collective"
It was a love of glass that inspired Leslie Speicher open the Chicago Glass Collective in Lake View, which was featured on this week's Made in Chicago. Photo credit Mai Martinez

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — This week, WBBM’s Made in Chicago highlights a glass blowing studio on the North Side called the Chicago Glass Collective.

“It's so pretty,” said Leslie Speicher. “It's luscious, and the way the light moves through it … I have always loved glass.”

That love led Speicher to open Chicago Glass Collective, a shared studio space where glass lovers can create, experiment and even sell their finished works. Speicher said they started with 15 members and are now up to 26. One of those members is David Nasca, who joined just over one year ago as an artist and studio assistant.

David Nasca stands in front of a display of glass products.
David Nasca, who joined the Chicago Glass Collective just over one year ago as an artist and studio assistant, said part of why he loves this job is that he's always learning something new about glass. Photo credit Mai Martinez

“Part of why I love this job is I'm kind of always learning new things about glass,” he said.

In addition to serving its members, Chicago Glass Collective also offers a variety of classes to the public.

Speicher said it's amazing to see people discover glass and what they can create with their own hands.

A display of multiple glass pieces.
“I love people coming in that have never touched glass before and I like to see people who don't think they have talent make something that they love," said Leslie Speicher. Photo credit Mai Martinez

“I love teaching,” she said. “I love people coming in that have never touched glass before, and I like to see people who don't think they have talent make something that they love."

Nasca says some of the reactions are priceless, and for anyone who thinks they can't create, he was adamant that it’s worth a shot.

“I promise you: You can do it,” he said.

Chicago Glass Collective, Made in Chicago.

Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Featured Image Photo Credit: Mai Martinez