Jen Elek
Instructor
Jen Elek is a studio artist and educator based in Seattle, Washington. Through immersive installations composed of blown glass, steel, and neon, Elek explores themes of human connection and community. Her vibrant work highlights the physical and symbolic properties of her materials—their ability to reflect, magnify, and radiate bold color and emotion. Elek earned her BFA from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. Originally from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, she became an integral part of the Northwest arts community after relocating to Seattle in 1995. An active and respected presence in the international glassblowing community, Elek has taught workshops around the world, including at the Sydney College of the Arts, JamFactory in Adelaide, Australia, Hilltop Artists, the Pilchuck Glass School, Penland School of Crafts, UrbanGlass in New York, and The Studio at the Corning Museum of Glass. She has also served as a visiting lecturer at Jacksonville University (FL) and the University of Washington (Seattle).
Elek has worked alongside many notable artists and spent 15 years as a key member of Lino Tagliapietra’s glassblowing team. Her artistic contributions have been recognized through residencies at institutions including the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, the Pittsburgh Glass Center, and UrbanGlass in Brooklyn. Jen serves on the board of Pilchuck Glass school. Jen shares a Seattle-based studio with her husband and frequent collaborator, Jeremy Bert. Together, they recently completed a permanent public installation titled The Illuminated Palouse for the Port of Seattle, located near the D gates at SeaTac International Airport.
Jen Elek is represented by Traver Gallery in Seattle, Washington.
Workshops instructed by Jen Elek
