Jen Elek

Jen Elek is a studio artist and educator based in Seattle Washington. Elek investigates interpersonal themes and the notion of community by creating objects and installations of colorful glass and neon light employed as a non-verbal form of communication.

Jen has been an integral member of the Northwest artist community since moving from Bethlehem, PA, to Seattle in 1995. As an educated, Elek has traveled to Canada, Japan, Australia, and throughout the U.S., teaching glassblowing workshops and is a guest lecturer at The University of Washington in Seattle. Her experience working for many notable artists, including Dale Chihuly, Ginny Ruffner, and Nancy Callan, provides her with a rich background of skillful technique. As a key member of Lino Tagliapietra’s glassblowing team for 15 years, Jen was involved in some of history’s most exciting glass projects. Jen was an interim Director at Pilchuck Glass School and is involved with The Museum of Glass, Tacoma, and Hilltop Artists. Her work has been exhibited at The Museum of Glass Tacoma, Tacoma Art Museum, Pittsburgh Glass Center, and Traver Gallery Seattle. Jen maintains a studio in south Seattle with husband Jeremy Bert.