Sandi Martina

Background

A child of a ‘Coastie’ (US Coast Guard), Sandi has traveled the coasts of America. North Carolina to California, Alaska to Texas. Rich memories and unique environs influence her life and her art. Sandi graduated in 1980 from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh with a degree in Visual Communications. She’s a self employed graphic artist / designer / photographer since 1990 and glass artist / instructor since 2008.

Sandi’s adventures in glass began with creating mosaics followed by fusing, casting, flameworking and glassblowing. She discovered glass an ideal medium to express and bring her creative background and ideas to life. Sandi creates functional, decorative and sculptural art in her Glasshouse Studio 712 at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia.

Sandi shares her passion by teaching a variety of workshops, camps and multi week classes. She’s been selected into the Workhouse Directors Collection over multiple years and has exhibited in several Glass National / International annual juried exhibitions at the Workhouse. Sandi has also exhibited in several local juried shows, most recently the 35th Creative Crafts Council 2025 Biennial at the Mansion at Strathmore in Rockville, MD. In addition to her Workhouse studio, Sandi shares gallery space in Studio 25 at LibertyTown Arts Workshop in Fredericksburg, Virginia and in Fire On Studio 22 at the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.

Artist Philosophy

Creating with glass is an adventure. An evolution of design through exploration and experimentation. New discoveries inspire original art. The intricacies of color, texture, depth and form make the journey limitless. Merging metal, wood and other media elevate the challenge.

I create functional, decorative and sculptural art glass using a variety of glass along with repurposed steel, found objects, stone and driftwood bases. Some works incorporate organic and metal inclusions or torch blown and flameworked components. Handbuilt bases and forms enhance the organic nature of my designs. Works include servingware, lighting, wall installations and accent tables.

Glass half full!