Barbara and Larry Domsky “Our sole intention is to put good thoughts and positive energy into the world. We hope that our artwork will uplift and inspire those who experience it.”

One Glassy Act

Artistry, Love Forged in Glass

BY BRIAN G. THORNTON / PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DOMSKY GLASS

Like molten glass and hammered metal, this story mirrors the resilience and artistry of Barbara and Larry Domsky’s relationship. It’s a true privilege to share their journey and work—one that’s deeply personal to me, having collaborated with the studio firsthand. Their artistry has continually enriched my design projects, and this piece aims to spotlight what makes them both so extraordinary.

The Spark of Creation

Meet Barbara and Larry Domsky, local artists who have been married for more than 30 years and are now collaborators and business owners. A tour of their gallery and studio, Domsky Glass, on Highland Drive in Las Vegas, immediately begins with the story of two artists in love and sharing their love of their craft.

Larry begins: “Growing up in a creative environment, I was inspired by my father, a restaurateur in Philadelphia, who took me to work and museums, sparking my love for art. My first experience with glass came in high school through a stained-glass project, followed by a visit to Wheaton Village, where I saw blown glass for the first time and was captivated by the molten energy.

“At 19, I moved to Las Vegas, worked as a stagehand and trained in metalworking at the MGM scenery shop. There, I learned that if I could dream it, I could build it. Later, I met Barbara, a designer at a glass studio. We discovered our shared passion for creating and began teaching ourselves to work with fused and hot glass, collaborating on projects that combined glass and metal.”

Barbara adds, “I was exposed at an early age to other countries, and now, as an adult, I still remember the textures, patterns and colors of each region I experienced. South Africa entirely influenced my early panels and bowls in glass. I had such a love for the textiles and weavings of that country. They inspired my ‘Basket Bowl’ and ‘African Blankets’ series, mimicking the vibrant colors, patterns and textiles of South Africa. My early years of glass making became a learning experience, allowing me to master the challenging techniques of large paneled, fused glass work and develop my style as a glass artist. I think of that series as my roots and my current contemporary work as my wings.”

The Fusion of Materials and Souls

“Larry and I met in our late 20s through a large circle of mutual friends, and over time, we became close. We shared a love of nature and often spent weekends hiking the trails of Mount Charleston or Red Rock. We exchanged creative ideas for hours on those hikes and dreamed about the art we wanted to create.

“Our first collaboration opportunity came around 1990 when a community church commissioned us to build a 14-foot butterfly sculpture in glass and metal. We loved the experience of working together and the satisfaction of creating large-scale art. Inspired by that project, we began investing in equipment and teaching ourselves the art of glassmaking.

“In 1994, we got married. With Larry’s encouragement, I left the studio where I had been working to pursue my own artistic path. Within a year, we had secured enough commissions for Larry to leave his job as well. We took the leap and opened our first studio together, beginning to build our business.

“We shared so many similar interests and first became the best of friends. Our relationship evolved naturally, though Larry will tell you that on our first date, he shared his vision of us getting married and becoming full-time artists, working together in our own studio. I remember when he told me this—despite it being our first date, after months of friendship—I could also see that future for us. It felt like destiny that we found each other.”

The Beauty of Collaboration

Barbara says: “Collaboration is at the heart of our process, and rule number one is simple: no egos. Success begins with listening closely to the client’s needs and understanding the space. Larry and I brainstorm by exchanging ideas—first through conversation, then through sketches. Once we find the right concept, we refine it into a scaled design for the client’s review, ensuring the final piece reflects our creative synergy and their vision.

“People often ask how we balance work, creativity and our personal lives. For us, it’s natural. We spend every day together and wouldn’t have it any other way. We do bring work home—sketching and discussing projects—but we also carve out time to step away and let our brains breathe.

“When our visions don’t align, we reflect, reviewing the project thoughtfully considering the space, lighting, and how the art will be experienced. With time and careful conversation, we always arrive at a solution that best serves the client and the space.”

Illuminating Las Vegas and Beyond

Over 30 years, their work, craftsmanship, innovation, and storytelling through art have expanded across mediums, scales, and genres.

When asked if their approach to art and design had evolved since they first started, they responded: “Absolutely, yes. We have grown immensely as artists. We have challenged ourselves to evolve and so has our work. Over the years, we’ve maintained a balance of creating large-scale projects for hospitality, residential and public art. With each commission, we push ourselves to create something new and different. This constant evolution has been key to our growth as artists, helping us develop our creativity and skill.”

Barbara and Larry reflect on two pivotal turning points in their career. “The first was our work with Mandalay Bay and the opening of Reflections Gallery, which marked the beginning of our international sales,” Barbara shares. “The second came when we received commissions from the Department of Aviation to create two massive 90-foot glass and metal sculptures for Harry Reid International Airport. That project, the largest we had ever undertaken, was a five-year journey and a career milestone. It opened doors to more large-scale opportunities.”

Both are driven by a desire to create art that inspires. “We’re motivated to make the world more beautiful and to uplift others, especially through public art,” Larry explains. “Residential projects are particularly meaningful for us, as they offer a personal connection with the client. It’s rewarding to create something that resonates deeply with someone’s taste and lifestyle.”

“We’ve always tailored our art to each project—whether it’s a gallery piece, a public installation or residential art,” Barbara adds. “While gallery work reflects personal expression, commissioned work—especially in public spaces—must engage a broader audience, staying neutral yet uplifting. On the other hand, residential commissions allow us to reflect the client’s unique style, making each piece feel personal and meaningful.”

Legacy in Light and Metal

“Since our first year in business in 1994, Larry and I have connected with our community, particularly through supporting art programs for children with cancer. This involvement grew organically. With each opportunity, we became more committed to being part of the solution by raising funds for pediatric cancer care. Along the way, we’ve found our tribe of compassionate, like-minded individuals who genuinely care about the well-being of others. We are continually inspired by how our small efforts contribute to making a positive change in our community.

“Over the years, we’ve learned to switch gears quickly. Each opportunity brings new challenges and solutions. We both find it thrilling to work on so many unique projects. However, we remain focused on one project at a time, ensuring that each receives the attention it deserves. Effective scheduling and clear timelines are essential to maintaining high quality while managing multiple projects with varied demands. That and strong coffee!”

When asked about their favorite installations, Barbara responded: “Our pieces ‘Sunset Mirage’ and ‘Cloud9’ at Harry Reid International Airport hold a special place for us. We’re always thrilled to receive photos from people who have taken pictures in front of them, it never fails to make us smile. Those commissions truly proved to us that we could successfully create large-scale projects. And here’s a little secret I’ll share with you: on the backside of the glass sun center, we engrave the names of everyone we love, friends and family, along with a blessing for them all. We then fire it into the glass to remain a part of the sculpture forever.

Barbara continues: “Glass is the most incredible medium. Its ability to transition from solid to liquid and back to solid, constantly transforming in shape and color, is truly remarkable. It’s the most challenging medium to master, yet the most rewarding when it takes the desired form. The visual depth it offers in art and the brilliance of its color is unparalleled. Glass requires light to reveal its beauty fully. The ever-changing reflections of color make it feel as though it has a life of its own. Larry has a unique ability to work with metal, not just to support the glass but to enhance the art piece, adding beauty and character. His metalwork seamlessly complements the glass. His craftmanship is amazing!

“We are both deeply grateful to this community for every opportunity we’ve been given and for the support of our studio and gallery from locals and tourists. To have created artwork that will endure for years to come, enjoyed by millions of visitors and locals, is an incredible honor for us as artists. On a personal level, we truly feel connected to this community. Our contributions come with no personal intent other than to help and see our community thrive. That said, Larry and I have found immense joy in witnessing the difference we can make—seeing children beat cancer and grow up to thrive. Our involvement and contributions have been a blessing in our lives.”

Their community commitment is transparent. “Our sole intention is to put good thoughts and positive energy into the world. We hope that our artwork will uplift and inspire those who experience it. First and foremost, we hope that those who know us will recognize our genuine intent to be kind and compassionate people. Through our art and involvement in this community, we have strived to make a difference for the children and families of Las Vegas. As for our legacy as artists, Larry and I have had lifelong careers in Las Vegas built on the incredible opportunities this city has given us. We’ve created art for many of the Strip’s hotels, buildings, and public spaces. We hope our journey inspires and encourages other artists to navigate this challenging path. Ultimately, we wish for our legacy and art to uplift others and spread positive thoughts and good energy for many years.

“Throughout our 30-year career, we have mentored, shared, and given back. As we move into the final years of our careers, we believe our best art is yet to come. To achieve this, we know it will require a deep focus on the work itself.”

Looking ahead, Domsky Glass has a bright outlook. “We have an exciting year ahead, with a large hospitality project and several residential commissions lined up for 2025. Dallas-based developer Jackson-Shaw has commissioned Domsky Glass to create a signature sculpture at their new AC Hotel by Marriott/Element by Westin in Symphony Park. The Las Vegas hotel will receive a 16-foot sculptural element currently in design. With the many beautiful contemporary homes being built in Las Vegas, we’re eager to meet with these families to create unique art pieces that reflect their personal style and taste. We hope they will be inspired to contact us, visit our facility, and tour our studio to explore our art firsthand. Larry and I wake up inspired and eager to create every day, driven by our deep love for making art. The excitement of each new opportunity fuels our passion and creativity. Every commission brings fresh inspiration, and we hope we’ve also inspired others along the way.”

In the world of glass and metal, the Domskys are truly “one glassy act”—a seamless blend of artistry, passion, and precision. Their creative partnership is more than just a collaboration; it’s a shared vision that turns molten materials into lasting masterpieces. With every piece, they continue to elevate art and inspire those who experience it, proving that together they’re unstoppable.

Gallery and studio tours of Domsky Glass are available by appointment. For more information, visit www.domskyglass.com.