"Glass always challenges you. I'm obsessive about bringing craft and design together to give each piece its own character. "
Founded in 1979 in Corning's historic Market Street District, Vitrix Hot Glass Studio is regarded among America's prominent contemporary glass studios.Glass artist, Thomas P. Kelly, owner of Vitrix; along with Robert Kelly, business manager; glassmaker, George Kennard and Jason Rose, are committed to no compromising quality and craftsmanship. When Tom went to work for Bob Rockwell in 1982 he had no idea that glass would end up playing such a major role in his life. Mr. Rockwell is the world's leading collector of Carder-Steuben glass. Under the guidance of Mr. Rockwell, Tom had the opportunity to handle and examine the work of Frederich Carder. After working with Mr. Rockwell for three years, Tom's attention was down the street to the glass studios of Alex Brand and Thomas Buechner.After much persistence, he was offered part time employment at both studios where he had the opportunity to learn from two distinctly different artists, each having their own unique talents. Eventually, Tom found himself blowing glass full time with Thomas S. Buechner III at Vitrix Hot Glass Studio. At Vitrix, visiting artists such as Lino Tagliapietra and Fritz Dreisbach educated and influenced him. Kelly's work has exhibited internationally and can be found in many galleries throughout the USA, Canada, Europe, and parts of Asia.
