Denise Tollensdorf

Denise had always worked at artistic endeavors in various mediums but was drawn to the texture and color palette of glass. Some glass samples left from her grandfather, a glazier, provided the impetus for a lifelong career. Primarily self-taught, Denise worked alongside a Master in the Quad Cities to hone her skill. She began working professionally in stained glass in the early 1980s and owned a retail store in downtown Galena for 10 years from 1983 to 1993. The bulk of her work was custom work from architects and interior designers, but she also did restoration work including windows at the Grace Episcopal Church and the Westminster Presbyterian Church. She now enjoys the process of her own designs, adding that "the spark of inspiration from choosing glass and creating designs" excites her.
The style she works in depends on the wishes and design aesthetic of my customers. She uses both lead and copper foil construction techniques.
“I have been involved with the Galena Center for the Arts since its’ inception, and it has been thrilling to see the organization grow.”