Monarch Glass Studio: Sharing the Art of Hot Glass

A chance encounter with a stained glass window in his parents’ Kansas City home enticed Tyler Kimball into the beautiful artwork of glass blowing. Its prismatic effect, casting a rainbow of gorgeous, vivid colors on the wall, captivated him, sending the youngster on a life-long journey of this ancient craft.

“I couldn’t comprehend how humans could make something so wonderful. This fascination continued throughout my childhood, and in 1999, I started working with stained glass, which eventually led me into glass blowing,” recalled Tyler. “I started with cold working glass and was hired at a Seattle studio for those skills. On lunch breaks, I went into the hot glass studio to learn that segment and that’s how I got into hot glass.”

Learning the Art
While working for various studios, artists and facilities, Tyler honed his craft and the accolades soon followed. For years, his glass work has been shown in international galleries and purchased for many museum and private collections.

After 17 years away from the Kansas City community, Tyler returned home to share his appreciation for the fine art of glass blowing. About a year ago, he opened Monarch Glass Studio. “It would have been easier to stay in Seattle and blow glass there,” he shared. “But I wanted to come back to KC because the community deserves to have glass.”

Assisted by the highly skilled Katie Hubbs, Tyler runs Monarch Glass Studio at 1919 East Truman Road in Kansas City in the historic 18th and Vine District. He offers an extensive collection of glass works for purchase in the showroom at Monarch Glass Studio. But his specialty is creating contemporary lighting and architectural artwork for modern spaces. Set designs or commissioned pieces have been installed, gracing the rooms of many homes and businesses, from the remodeled Hotel Phillips to Saint Luke’s South to the new Commerce Bank tower.

Teaching His Craft
Tyler also enjoys educating the public about his craft, with the hope that others may discover the enjoyment and satisfaction the art of blowing glass can bring.

“We offer weekend workshops and events for the public to participate in and learn about glass blowing. I want to educate the KC community about glass blowing,” he remarked. “In addition, all of my equipment was built with my own two hands. With my extensive background and experience, I was able to apply the things that work and what I like into my own studio.”

Participate in the Art
Tyler prides himself on offering special private events that can be booked for corporate team building, family or friends at Monarch Glass Studio. Groups of up to 12 people can be accommodated through three different types of events. They can be reserved after 4:00 p.m. and run for about three hours, depending on the type of gathering the customer selects and the number of people attending. Organizers are encouraged to bring their own catered food and drinks to make the event even more special.
In a Standard Event, space is provided with tables and chairs, featuring a good viewing area of the Monarch team producing blown glass. Cost begins at $250.

In the Sip and See Event, the Monarch team will demonstrate the creation of exquisite hand-blown, lace design stemless wine glasses. In addition, each of the 12 attendees will receive their own wine glass made at Monarch Glass Studio and more can be purchased. This event costs $400 for a three-hour session.

For the Hands on Deck Event, guests will have a chance to pick out colors and blow their own Christmas ornament, pond float or bowl. The Monarch team will help each individual create their own unique piece. This runs $400. “You come in with friends or family, and everyone makes a bowl or maybe a seasonal pumpkin or ornament. You apply the color and blow the glass. It’s not a lot of work, but it’s a lot of fun and very educational,” noted Tyler. “This hands-on event allows people to get their eyes and hands on the glass. We hope it encourages them to go further into glass blowing.”

No matter if it is a weekend class, special event or creation of a gorgeous piece of artwork, the team at Monarch Glass Studio is committed to bringing more of the craft of glass blowing to the Kansas City community. “I’m making an effort to get glass into our community, and I want Monarch Glass Studio to be the home base of glass for this region,” he remarked. “It’s a really beautiful, amazing form of creating, requiring coordinated movement with all of your body and mind. And once you start, it needs to be completed right then. Glasswork is constantly challenging to me, but it’s such an amazing feeling when you see the finished piece in front of you.” ■

Visit the website at monarchglassstudio.com or call 816-503-6326.