Meet the Artists & Instructors
Every class at Glass of Life is led by someone who genuinely loves this craft—and loves sharing it. Our instructors come from different backgrounds and bring their own styles to the studio, but they all have one thing in common: they want you to have fun, learn something new, and walk out proud of what you made. Whether you're picking up a glass cutter for the first time or ready to level up your skills, you're in good hands.
Jodi Chemes
Jodi's stained glass journey began over 10 years ago in a beginner class in Tampa. After trying painting, pottery, and other creative outlets, nothing stuck quite like glass. That passion led her to open Glass of Life in Uptown St. Pete, where she helps others discover a new creative outlet. When she's not in the studio, Jodi is a full-time CPA and animal rescue advocate, especially for greyhounds. Her favorite pieces? Nature-inspired work—trees, birds, and custom pet portraits.
Owner, Founder, Instructor, Artist
Veronica Dunn
Veronica discovered Glass of Life when it opened in her St. Pete neighborhood two years ago, took a beginner class, and never looked back. Now she teaches beginner, intermediate, and Make & Take workshops. She's currently apprenticing in leaded glass and equally obsessed with traditional methods and modern tools like 3D printing and laser engraving. By day, she runs a marketing agency for small businesses. Fun fact: this native Floridian spent ten years owning ski shops in the Czech Republic.
Owner, Marketing Director, Instructor, Artist
Addie Padgett
Addie swapped San Francisco for Tampa Bay three years ago and found her creative home in stained glass. By day, she's Lead Designer for a local general contractor, helping people dream up floor plans and pick finishes for their homes. By night, she's in the studio bringing retro-inspired designs and florals to life. Think 60s/70s patterns and wildflower energy. Take a beginner class with Addie and remember: it's a Picasso, not a Rembrandt.
Instructor, Artist
Kailey Carleton
Kailey is a Florida-based glass artist with a BFA in Glass from Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Her first experience with glass came in a youth mosaic class, and she taught herself stained glass from there. Her practice spans glassblowing, flameworking, casting, and coldworking. Now creating at Morean Glass Studio and the Duncan McClellan Gallery, Kailey teaches our afternoon Make & Take workshops.
Instructor, Artist