Welcome to Under the Sun Glass Studio, where the artistry of glass comes to life! Founded by Master Glass Artisan Chandell Popik. Chandell brings over 46 years of experience and a passion for creativity rooted in her Alberta upbringing, designing Canada's only glass studio of its expansive nature in 6 glass art disciplines that is a vibrant hub for glass artistry and enthusiasts of all levels. With skills honed in Murano, Italy, Chandell is a renowned master glass artist specializing in stained glass, glass fusion, glass casting, torch/lampworking and glassblowing. Creating well over 15,000 speciality commissions in glass for residential and/or commercial requests her work is worldwide. Join us in celebrating the beauty of glass art and discover your own creative potential here at Under the Sun!

Phillip Murray Bandura joins us from time to time from Calgary Alberta. Phillip graduated with distinction from the Alberta College of Art and Design in 2005, receiving a BFA in glass. 

After graduating, Timothy Beliveau, Ryan Fairweather, and Phillip Murray Bandura established the art collective BeeKingdom Glass, which ran from 2005 to 2020 out of a home/garage studio in the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood of Calgary. The BeeKingdom achieved great success as an art collective, winning the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Emerging Artist Award, making Avenues Top 40 Under 40, and exhibiting work locally, nationally, and internationally. Exhibiting their art in numerous nations, including the USA, South Korea, Germany, and Greece. BeeKingdom participated in the Unity and Diversity exhibition as part of the Canadian Pavilion in 2009 at the Cheongju International Craft Biennale South Korea in organization with the Alberta Craft Council. The Glenbow Museum featured an exhibition of BeeKingdom Glass in 2014, Iconoclasts in Glass. 

BeeKingdom and Phillip's works have been acquired by a number of eminent institutions and individuals, including the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, the City of Calgary, the Tacoma Glass Museum, Elton John, and the Aga Khan.

Phillip has spent many summers throughout his arts career volunteering, assisting, and on scholarship at the world renowned Pilchuck Glass School. Phillip was a founding member of Berlin Glas e.V., Berlin's first glass-blowing studio. 

In 2020, Phillip went back to school to the Alberta University of the Arts and received his Master of Fine Arts Degree in Craft, specializing in glass. This  past summer Phillip traveled to Germany to attend the Bild-Werk Frauenau school with Stephen Paul Day and John Moran’s class Wonder-Land: Sculpting in Glass and Bronze with the help of a grant from the Alexander Tutsek Foundation.

Dené has always had a passion for glass and is thrilled to share her love for lamp working with others. As a valued member of our Studio Team, she is expanding her skills across all mediums of glass while apprenticing under Chandell. Dené is eager to help everyone discover the fascinating world of glass art. With her training, she will be leading mini glass experiences like Pick Your Project in Stained Glass and fun Fusion workshops, as well as offering a variety of new and exciting lampworking courses.

Korina joined our team and works part-time instructing a variety of glassblowing classes while she completes her Masters. Welcome to Korina's world as a visual artist, where she explores the captivating nature of glass. Her work blends fragility and strength, utilizing traditional hot glass techniques to express her emotional and experiential journey. Each piece reflects the quiet beauty of light and form, as well as the healing process that occurs during creation. Join join of her many engaging classes or emerse in her creative pieces while discovering how these objects resonate with memory, personal history, and the surrounding environment.

Dyana is an accomplished architectural technician, designer, and production manager who seamlessly blends creativity with technical expertise. Recently, she has embraced the art stained glass, discovering the joy in techniques that unite vibrant colors and intricate patterns. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for transforming ideas into reality, Dyana is excited to embark on her journey in glass art and design here at our studio. Swing by the studio, shop in the gallery or see what is on the production table with Chandell as she brings innovative visions to life!

Meet Victoria Popik, a passionate professional hailing from the charming town of Calmar, Alberta. With a BBA in Business Management from NAIT, she has a successful full-time career working for the Goverment of Alberta.  Victoria’s expertise enhances our, marketing, business communications, event coordination, and beyond. Outside of work, you may find her at the studio helping out "just because" with her little one, Owen, who often loves taking on the role of the "Studio Boss" for the day or eating in kitchenette!