Anita Vasquez has been captivated by the beauty and versatility of glass for decades. Drawn to its vibrant colors
and unique clarity, her artistic journey began with a degree in Art Education with a focus on ceramics from
Virginia Wesleyan University. After years of teaching and mastering various clays and glazes, Anita
transitioned into a successful career as a retail sales manager and later as a real estate agent and broker. Her
creative touch shone in retail displays, home staging, and renovating houses alongside her husband, Jim.
A chance encounter with a fused glass artist at an art show ignited her passion for this medium. Inspired, she
trained with renowned artists Suzette Brooks (a BMG member) and Craig Mitchell Smith. Since 2007, Anita
has dedicated herself to exploring the dynamic possibilities of glass, teaching fused glass techniques at her
studio in Fort Walton Beach and at the Center for Lifelong Learning. Her work, deeply influenced by the
natural beauty of the gulf coast, captures fleeting moments in time. Experimenting with kiln firing, Anita
embraces the unpredictability of glass, pushing its limits to create forms that evoke movement and elegance.
Her hands-on approach often involves opening the kiln mid-process to shape and refine her designs.
Anita’s Instagram (@paradiseglassworksfwb) has gained a loyal following, thanks to her popular “What’s In
the Kiln?” series, which showcases her latest creations and those of her talented students.
