Mark Olson’s extensive education and experience drives the creativity and fabrication of all Unique Art Glass pieces.
Mark started working with glass in 1976, going on to work as a research and development product designer for a large stained glass manufacturer for 10 years. Mark attended the prestigious Pilchuck Glass School, studying under Master Glass Artists Dale Chihuly and Ludwig Shaffrafh and was later recruited as a designer for a Seattle area stained glass studio designing and producing commissions for many local area residents.
Mark creates his designs with careful attention to architecture, interior design, and function, often collaborating with architects, designers, and other craftsmen. He strongly believes in the quality of his craft and the honesty of its construction.
In 1989 Mark created Unique Art Glass and continues to produce works for many Northwest homes, churches, and businesses. Mark’s work has been published in trade magazines, brochures and most recently the Greater Puget Sound area magazine Pacific.
1: We begin with an initial consultation to determine the scope of the project and the client’s goals & expectations. At this initial consultation via phone, e-mail, or in person we also define a preliminary estimate of cost and time.
2: A meeting on site or in our studio to review initial designs. If necessary, we can also work long-distance, via telephone and internet. A commitment from the client is given to proceed with drawings.
3: Mark will develope one or two design concepts to be presented with glass samples and a written quote. Changes are finalized and a 50% deposit is required to proceed.
4: Fabrication begins. We strive to stay on schedule and we will communicate any delays immediately.
5: Once the fabrication is complete we will either install, deliver, or ship the project. The balance owing will be collected at the completion of the project.
Note: Unique Art Glass is licensed and bonded.
Home & Architectural Trends February 2009, volume 2501, Inspired by Nature
American Institute of Architects (AIA) Forum Magazine, 2009, Sliding etched glass room divider. REI loft Portland, Oregon
National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) Kitchen and Bath Magazine, 2008, Tree of Life stained glass bath room window. (Award winning bath room) Tacoma, Washington
Timber Homes Magazine, 2007, (standing timber stained glass doors) Olympia, Washington
The Herald Homes & Garden March 2005, The Art of the Glass
Old House Interiors March 2004, Stained Glass: Under Glass
Better Homes & Garden Sept/Oct 2002, Freshened Up Farm House
Seattle Times/PI Real Estate A Kitchen goes Back to the Future
The Catholic Northwest Progress December 19, 2002, St Michaels Church, Snohomish, Washington
Northwest Living February 2002, Good Bones
The Herald October 2001
Remodel Seattle Spring 2001
Pacific Northwest Magazine February 2001, Bear Creek Retreat
Pacific Northwest Magazine May 21, 2000, Cascades Outlook
Pacific Northwest Magazine June 4, 2000, A Writer's Reality
Pacific Northwest Magazine October 24, 1999, An Inspired Gamble
Professional Stained Glass September 1986, Third Award Lamps/Objects SUNDAY BEST
2006: Scheduled/Cascadia Educational Center/Peter McGrain, Bingen, Washington
2005: Incorporating Technology into Arts & Crafts Interiors/Jane Powell, Seattle, Washington
2004: Fundamental Traditional Glass Painting & Vitri-Fusaille/Peter McGrain, Everett, Washington
1998: The Craftsman Weekend Lectures/Pasadena, California
1993: Art Glass Suppliers Association/Orlando, Florida
1992: European Stained Glass Design/Paul Thompson, Goddard & Gibbs Studio, London, England
1990: Glass Craft Expo/Las Vegas, Nevada
1988: Glass Painting, Pratt School of Fine Arts/Walter Lieberman & Cathleen Thompson, Seattle, Washington
1986: Advanced Fusing/Ruth Brockman & Richard LaLonde, Seattle, Washington
1985: Beginning Fusing/Ruth Brockman & Richard LaLonde, Seattle, Washington
1984: PortCon 1984 International Conference on Glass Art, Architectural Glass/Narcissus Quagliata & Susan Stinsmuehlen/Seattle, Washington
1982: Glass Art Society Conference/Seattle, Washington
1981: Bellevue Community College, Bellevue, Washington
1979: Pilchuck Glass School Architectural Glass/Ludwig Schaffrath & Dale Chihuly, Stanwood, Washington
1977: Redmond High School Graduate, Redmond, Washington
EXHIBITIONS/HONORS
2006: Street of Dreams, Dodd Ranch, Sammamish, Washington
2005: Best of Show/Street of Dreams, Nolan Woods, Woodinville, Washington
1999: Best of Show/Street of Dreams, Estates at Treemount, Redmond, Washington
1993: Best Entry-Journal American/Street of Dreams, Echo Falls, Snohomish Washington
1989: Northwest Discovery Gallery/Bellevue, Washington
1988: Raindrops Gallery/Mill Creek, Washington
1987: Ian Green Gallery/Seattle, Washington
1986: The Best Stained Glass 1986 International Competition, Third Place/ New York, New York
1983: Spectrum Glass Art Show First Place/Woodinville, Washington
1982: Peter Kirk Gallery/Kirkland, Washington
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
1989 to Present: Unique Art Glass/Owner, Designer & Fabricator
1985 to 1989: Sundance Art Glass/Designer & Fabricator
1977 to 1985: Spectrum Glass/Research & Development Technician
1978 to 1980: Homestead Stained Glass/Leaded Glass Panel Fabricator
INSTALLATIONS & RESTORATIONS
Our Lady-Fatima Catholic Church, Moses Lake, Washington
Skyline Presbyterian, Tacoma, Washington (in process)
St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Tacoma, Washington
Dearborn House, Seattle, Washington
The Highlands Chapel, Seattle, Washington
Eastside Evangelical, Kirkland, Washington
Lake Forest Park Presbyterian, Lake Forest Park, Washington
Inglewood Presbyterian, Bothell, Washington
St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Snohomish, Washington
Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Chewelah, Washington
Smith Tower, Seattle, Washington