4:30p-6:00p // location: Sunspots Studio, 202 S Lewis St, Staunton, VA
Sunspots Studios is more than just a gallery; it is a labor of love born in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. Founded by the husband-and-wife team of Doug and Caroline Sheridan, the studio represents a decades-long evolution of craft, community, and family-owned spirit. Their journey is one of true reinvention. From 1975 to 1985 Doug sold copper designs at art and craft shows under the banner of Designs In Copper.
His expertise with the medium earned him prestigious commissions, including the creation of 100 custom lanterns for Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello—pieces that still illuminate those historic walkways today. The Sheridans’ story in Staunton began in 1991, when they moved to the historic downtown district and began operating a small copper business out of a rented garage bay. Alongside his wife and business partner, Caroline, Doug expanded his vision from custom architectural work (including everything from copper bathtubs to kitchen sinks) to a massive national wholesale operation. Sunspots began as a copper manufacturing business before evolving into a glassblowing studio and creative destination in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Today, their work blends technical mastery with playful design, while their studio serves as a hub for creativity, education, and community engagement. This session pairs a narrative of reinvention with the fluid art of live glassblowing. In collaboration with Jennifer Hunt, Doug and Caroline will provide a captivating look at the evolution of their business and craft. We invite you to remain in the gallery following the presentation to meet the team and discuss their story and work.
Jen Hunt joined the Sunspots Studio Glass Blowing team in 2025. Her glass blowing journey began while she was assisting her brother at music festivals and corporate events creating torch glass. Twelve years later she became a full-time artist making glass jewelry and glass sculpture combined with rustic wood. Along the way she worked and learned the fascinating Millville paperweight process and the beauty and challenge of soft glass is what has drawn her to Sunspots to continue growing as an artist. She holds a BA in Theater at Roanoke College and an MFA in Acting from the University of Louisville. Jen is a champion axe thrower, roller derby queen and ends her day by tending to her Blue Ridge Mountain homestead.
THIS IS A FREE EVENT, registration will be at the door.