Growing up immersed in the family business, William James Lupkin spent countless hours after school and during summers at the studio, surrounded by the artistry of stained glass. While he always had an appreciation for the craft, it was during his time at Ball State University — where he studied Fine Arts with a concentration in Glass — that his passion for glasswork truly took shape. There, he explored both traditional and modern glass techniques, shaping his artistic perspective and honing his technical skills.
After earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Glass in 2018, William pursued his passion as a production glassblower at Kokomo Opalescent Glass — America’s oldest art glass manufacturer. His time there deepened his expertise in hot glass techniques before he returned to the family business to continue its legacy alongside his father and brother.
William brings a diverse range of skills to William L. Lupkin Designs, Inc., specializing in slumped glass, fused glass, blown glass and glass beveling. His craftsmanship has contributed to numerous projects, including the design and fabrication of a stained glass medallion for Vera Bradley —featured in their national online magazine — and a series of mixed-media mosaics for Eddie Merlot’s restaurant in Boston, MA.
For William, the joy of glass artistry comes from creating unique, handcrafted pieces that enhance spaces with beauty and light. He envisions the future of William L. Lupkin Designs expanding to a wider audience, bolstered by the studio’s new hot glass division, where he will lead custom glassblowing projects.
Outside of work, William continues to explore his artistic expression, creating original art glass pieces displayed in galleries, exhibitions, and museums across the country. If given the opportunity to design a dream stained glass piece, he envisions a dynamic mix of painted glass, decorative jewels, and vibrant roundels — transforming a space with color, texture and light.
