Molly Brodzeller was first introduced to creating stained glass in third grade, sparking a lifelong love of the craft. Reflecting back on that experience, Brodzellar said it definitely “made roots in my mind.”
They eventually parlayed their love into a Chicago business, Stained Glass by Molly B. A portfolio of Brodzeller’s work and the partnerships they have engaged with are featured on their website. As a gender fluid nonbinary lesbian, Brodzeller said people can see a “glaringly queer glass piece every once in a while (vulva nightlights and window hangings, mini vibrators, ‘I <3 MY GF’ painted on a heart, etc.), but most pieces I create don’t showcase my identity.”
While attending Perry Meridian High School in Indianapolis, the now 26-year-old Brodzeller took an Advanced 3D Art class that was primarily focused on clay creations. But their teacher did a unit on stained glass and they were immediately hooked. Brodzeller got their teacher’s permission to complete the rest of their assignments in glass.
“My art teacher even pushed me to join a Facebook group for stained glass artists, to ensure I would never forget about my excitement for the craft,” said Brodzeller. “I assumed it would be decades until I could really dig back in. … [Then] when the pandemic began, I was in college at Indiana University Bloomington doing Zoom classes for a Nonprofit Management and Leadership major and working at a grocery store. I found myself craving a creative outlet and ordered all of the supplies to start making stained glass in my basement.”
Once Brodzeller began creating again in 2020, a few family members bought their pieces. As time went on, their business grew. Their stained glass creations now run the gamut, including custom client orders. Brodzeller said people can place custom commission orders via email or Instagram DM’s.
“Once I’m ready to start your piece, I’ll reach back out with your pattern and exact pricing before cutting into any glass,” said Brodzeller.
Brodzeller said the most exciting way they show their queerness to the world is through custom jewelry sets donations to various organizations and fundraising efforts by and for queers in their community. They said these mutual aid efforts are a reminder to their supporters of the values behind their work.
Additionally, Brodzeller holds workshops at a handful of locations in Chicago such as Indigo and Violet Studios, Chicago Botanic Garden, Ecoship and Hey, I Thought of You. These include jewelry making and small window hanging pieces workshops.
“Regardless of the end project, I do a short demonstration of the process and release participants to look through glass,” said Brodzeller. “Every workshop offers hands-on participation, letting folks try their hand at cutting glass, copper foiling and soldering.”
Brodzeller took part in Chicago Public Library’s Maker-in-Residence at Harold Washington Library which they call a game-changer for them. Through the program, they offered six free workshops, six “meet the maker” sessions and installed work in the library’s State Street window.
“The meet the maker sessions were a great opportunity to talk glass with folks who had questions or just wanted to get a taste of the process,” said Brodzeller. “I was also able to push myself to try out some different types of workshops that I hadn’t been confident enough to try. These free workshops gave me the space to feel comfortable being uncomfortable. Lastly, having work up in a window on State Street most definitely boosted my confidence as an artist. It impresses family, friends and strangers, but most importantly, I’m able to take myself more seriously as an artist, too.”
When Brodzeller isn’t creating new stained glass pieces they work at the Chicago Printmakers Collaborative (CPC) in Lincoln Square as a studio manager. After moving to Chicago four years ago, Brodzeller knew they needed to be among other artists and CPC was the perfect fit since they were a beginner printmaker at the time. They began as an intern when the owner Deborah Maris Lader saw something in them.
“I’ve hung around long enough to learn quite a bit about printmaking and earned myself an official job title,” said Brodzeller. “I maintain the space, sell prints and assist with printing when needed among other tasks.”
They are also experimenting with other art forms including leatherworking. This includes working at the Chicago School of Shoemaking where they are both an instructor and social media team member.
Brodzeller will bring their wares to the Ravenswood ArtWalk street market, a favorite of theirs, on Sept. 12 and 13 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. They will have a tent with “all kinds of stained glass goodies for purchase including jewelry, window and tabletop pieces and a flip book of past work to serve as inspiration for custom orders.” Brodzeller encourages people to come by and say hello because they “absolutely adore building community in my neighborhood and can’t wait to see what excitement the weekend brings.”
For Brodzeller, art is “especially important” during this time of open fascism from the federal government.
“The way I see it is that most of the problems of the world can be blamed on greed and the way that capitalism dictates how we’re able to live,” said Brodzeller. “When forced into a world where individualistic mindsets and power-hungry people are rewarded, we must come together for the sake of community, equality and beauty.
“I am incredibly privileged in my ability to make being an artist my full-time job. Art drives humanity and although it may not be the solution to many of our problems, more people engaging in creation, exploration and inspired world building will certainly help keep the fascism from consuming us all.”
Anyone who is interested in one of Brodzeller’s custom commissions should email them and mention this article for $20 off.
