McGorty and Perillo Visit The Glass Source in Shelton

SHELTON – As part of their continuing Small Business Highlights series aimed at showcasing the many unique small businesses that Shelton has to offer, State Representatives Jason Perillo (R-113) and Ben McGorty (R-122) visited The Glass Source, a unique stained glass studio owned and operated by Michael Skrtic, located at 415 Howe Avenue.

The Glass Source had its beginnings as a studio in Shelton called “Metro Art Glass” which was frequented by hobbyist Mary Pillsbury.  When the owners retired, Mary bought the studio and renamed it The Glass Source, focusing on classes, retail and residential and custom designs. The studio portion was taken over by Deborah Breither in 1997.  Skrtic, who apprenticed with Mary since 1995 and has a fine arts background, took ownership of The Glass Source in 2004.

Rep. Jason Perillo, owner Michael Skrtic, and Rep. Ben McGorty at The Glass Source in Shelton.

Under Mike’s direction, the Glass Source has focused on restoration, custom design, teaching and experimenting.  It moved to its current 4500 square-foot space in the Conti Building in Shelton in 2006, including a large class area, gallery, and retail area as well as ample working space for their creations and restorations.

Perillo and McGorty were given hands-on access to ongoing restorations and projects that Skrtic is currently engaged in, complete with explanations about the intriguing process for restoring damaged or old glass works, and the inspirations for new and exciting designs.

“This is simply one of the most fascinating little businesses in Shelton,” said Rep. Perillo.  “This kind of fine art is extremely rare. Individuals like Mike, with his talent, knowledge and experience in this field are rarer still.  It is easy to see why this studio continues to be one of the Shelton’s great treasures, and why his work has earned an international reputation.  I urge area residents to come out and check out this impressive studio for themselves.”

“The artistic craftsmanship you will find at The Glass Source is second to none,” said Rep. McGorty. “It was a real pleasure to get to see how Mike does the amazing work he does up close and in-person.  There is nothing else like it in the region or the state, and I’m proud to have him as part of the Shelton community.”

Mike shows Jason and Ben how he is approaching a project he is working on.

The Glass Source has been recognized as one of the top studios in the nation for the restoration of custom glass designs, as well as its development as a major learning hub for glass art hobbyists.  Some of the major installations and restorations they have been involved in include facilities at Yale University such as Vanderbilt Hall, Yale’s Law School and Science building, Bellarmin Hall at Fairfield University, St. Paul’s Church, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, St. Joseph Church in Shelton, Golden Hill United Methodist Church in Bridgeport, just to name a few.

For more information about The Glass Source, you can visit them on the web at theglasssource.com.

Mike shows Jason and Ben a restoration he is working on of a window from the 1830’s.