SwellColors Artist Mary Tantillo - Certified Southern Ocean Made

We are Now on the Brew Trail with Southern Ocean Made

Southern Ocean Chamber Close-up is a brief introspective on why our members do what they do. This year, for our Holidays Redefined program, we are highlighting participating members to share their seasonal specials, promotions, events and professional stories. Our Holidays Redefined program encourages shoppers to support local businesses throughout the holiday season. For more information on this program, visit: https://bit.ly/2pWIdgp.

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SwellColors Glass Studio on Long Beach Island has been in business for 12 years and is an art gallery featuring many different types of artists (photography, oil, acrylic, watercolors, pottery) from all over the US. Owner and founder Mary Tantillo specializes in glass art and also holds many workshops open to many different ages and skill sets. Tantillo originally started running this business out of her garage after she left her career in pharmaceuticals.

After 6 months, Tantillo expanded to her flagship studio open to the public year round in Surf City. “Two years ago I opened a summer studio in Viking Village, Barnegat Light which houses silversmith Ceire Parker who brings all our jewelry designs to life,” the artist shared. The studio’s primary focus is creating glass art for homes and businesses. “We make custom stained glass windows and doors. We also create custom mosaic art which includes exterior murals and decor such as kitchen backsplashes,” Tantillo added.

Tantillo credits her artistic inspirations to her surroundings and team. “I can say that I am inspired  by all the beauty in our area; the ocean, beaches, sunsets, cedars, the bay… all of it. What I love most about SwellColors are the talented people I work with every day and the really cool ideas we bring to life. I think what sets us apart from our competitors is that everything is hand-crafted and we offer skill sets that are disappearing. We bring a bright perspective to an ancient craft,” she stated. The studio is also an accredited business in our Southern Ocean Made program.

This holiday season SwellColors Glass Studio is offering their annual ornament making extravaganza! Visitors can come in and make three fused glass ornaments for $50 (per person). This is a fun way to make personalized gifts for the holidays.  “This awesome class is offered on a walk-in basis (from 10-3) daily from November 18th through December 23. Celebrate your inner ELF!” Tantillo shared with excitement.

While many local shops are closed for the season, SwellColors will remain open year round. “We are open daily from November 16 through Christmas Eve (excluding Thanksgiving). Check our website or facebook page for updates on hours and more info,” the artist and founder said. Their only sale of the year will be held on Small Business Saturday, November 24th. “We will have festive music, drinks, and home made treats as a way to thank you for shopping small, hand crafted, and LOCAL,” Tantillo said.  She will also be opening up her studio in Viking Village that day and will have a craft show, hot cocoa, sales and photos with Santa Claus.

For more information on SwellColors Glass Studio, visit: www.swellcolors.com or follow them on social media.