Stanton Studios: Fostering the Next Generation of Artists

by Gabriella Colurciello, Associate Director of Marketing & Communications, Greater Waco Chamber

Bryant Stanton started Stanton Glass in a rented building, which he eventually purchased, in Downtown Waco in 1979. The original building at 414 Franklin Ave. was the original Chamber of Commerce building, in fact.

Bryant grew up around creative craftsmen who inspired him.

“As a kid,” Bryant recalled, “we’d go visit my oldest brother and seeing him walk from his kitchen table to his 1700-era Dutch barn to build furniture was inspiring.”

As a teenager, Bryant’s family moved to Andrews, Texas in 1976. When out-of-state tuition prevented him from attending Rhode Island School of Design, he chose to attend Texas Tech University upon graduation from high school. He originally planned to study to become an architect, however, his guidance counselor suggested he pursue a degree in art because of his desire to “just design stuff.”

Once in college, he felt like he wasn’t in the right place, so he went on a soul-searching walk and found a stained glass shop.

“I walked in and a guy goes, ‘you want to learn how to make stained glass?’ and I said ‘sure,’” he remembered. “He taught me to make a butterfly suncatcher and that was it; I was hooked.”

Bryant transferred to Baylor University because that’s where his then-girlfriend (now wife) attended school and started Stanton Glass Studio. When he was just starting out, his business relied on him making cold calls to churches and businesses in the area.

“My first two commissions were pelicans,” he said. First, he created a pelican for Pelicans’ Warf and then one for Brazos Landing. In addition to creating commissioned projects, Bryant taught classes early in his career.

“I sold retail supplies to my students, that way my inventory kept turning over and I wouldn’t have to inventory a bunch of stuff for projects … that’s how I was able to start building the business,” he said. “I sold everything from how-to books on stained glass to patterns to glass cutters and grinders…all the tools that you’d need.”

Just a One-Man Band

When Bryant’s business was just starting out, he did it all: he’d meet with the client, take all the measurements, hand draw the design and create the finished project.

“I realized that was a losing situation,” he recalled. “I was really good at designing, and I was really good at building, but the way to earn a living was to reproduce myself in others, so I started taking on apprentices.”

With this realization, Bryant hired a young woman to teach his classes and run the retail side of the business. This change allowed him to focus more on design and choosing materials. He had other people to cut out the glass and build the work, which is the same model Stanton Studio follows today.

“I haven’t cut glass in years,” he said. “I spend most of my time designing. Now, with the computer, it went from sketching everything by hand to drawing on the computer.”

The Next Phase

Eventually, the financial burden in Downtown Waco became too much and Bryant closed his downtown location. In the ‘80s, the economy took a hit and Bryant had to remain flexible and adjust for the more challenging times he was facing.

“I moved everything I owned to my backyard,” he said. “I had my whole shop underneath a big tarp in the backyard, while I waited to make a decision.” His brother-in-law, who was a carpenter, offered to build him a shop.

“I said, ‘I don’t have any money,’ and he said, ‘you’ll get money,’ and we built the shop behind my house.” It was a small shop and when he economized, he also reduced his staff; it was only him and one other person, Ingrid Andre.

“She was from Germany and she barely spoke English, but she wanted to learn stained glass, so I taught her,” he said. “She was one of the best builders that I’ve ever had and she worked for 30-plus years for me.”

Eventually, Bryant could move to another, bigger shop on Gholson Road. He sold the original property which would eventually become the new Homestead Heritage Grocery Store, General Store and Quilt Shop. With the proceeds, he built a new glass studio and wood shop on his property. The growth of his business allowed him to hire his current team.

A Family Affair

Bryant and his wife homeschooled their kids, so they experienced the business from a young age.

“When they had their chance to run off to college,” he said, “they said ‘no, we want to stay and work in the business,’ so now they’re all stakeholders in the business.”

Bryant’s father and two older brothers had a profound impact on him and his sons, specifically in terms of metalworking, woodworking and drawing.

“When my dad moved here…he was around the kids, showing them how to ‘fix things’ around the property and encouraging them,” he said.

Bryant recalled he and Nathan, his oldest son, have been working on woodworking projects together for years. Nathan started his career building high-end cabinets for a local cabinet shop, until his father convinced him to go into business together.

“I helped him start the business, and he tried to run it by himself for a while, and he realized he didn’t want anything to do with bookkeeping, so he’s on the payroll.”

Why Waco

“Waco has always been a community for me,” he said. “When my wife and I were in college, we joined a church and we stayed at that church. We made friends. Our business was here, and our ties were here … I felt comfortable here.”

For Bryant, being located in Central Texas is ideal for serving his customers.

“We service churches [and homes] all over the state of Texas and along the gulf coast,” he said. Easy access around the state, especially access to Texas’ major metropolitan areas, makes it convenient for him and his team to support their clients throughout the state.

“If it wasn’t for the internet, I’d have to have a storefront somewhere where people can find me. Right now, my storefront is my website.”

Since starting his business, Bryant has joined the Stained Glass Association of America, which is a 120 year old trade organization.

The Key to Success

Stanton Studios is very involved in preservation and restoration of old, stained glass windows.

“People trust us to handle their treasures and that’s a pretty big honor.”

In addition, the Studio has pretty steady design and creation work.

“With the new work, we’re pretty balanced on both sides … which is probably why we’re successful.”

“I surround myself with smart people,” Bryant said. “I hire really good accountants … we have a good attorney. I try to find really smart people to be around.”

“If our work isn’t the best, it can’t leave the shop.”

Craftsman Lifestyle

“To be an artist or to be a craftsman,” Bryant said, “it’s a way of life; it’s a lifestyle.” Craftsmen, according to Bryant, are obligated to finish a project before they get paid for it.

“My life is tied up in my craft,” he said. He lives, works and eats around his businesses, which means he’s never far from somewhere he can create, should inspiration strike.

“You never stop being creative,” he said. He loves to think outside the box and experiment with new techniques and styles so he can offer the best to his clients.

Greater Waco's Artisan Economy

“It’s been a perfect storm for Waco,” Bryant said. Serving as part of the Greater Waco Chamber’s board at the request of Terry Stevens, Bryant had the opportunity to see the impact of building the Greater Waco Chamber’s new office in Downtown Waco.

“There was something about building that building that was pretty seminal in the art culture in Waco,” he said. Bryant was a critical part of helping design the Greater Waco Chamber building as we know it now. Bryant was commissioned to design a custom glass and steel light sculpture to adorn the Jim and Nell Hawkins Conference Room in the Greater Waco Chamber building.

After serving on the Greater Waco Chamber’s board, Bryant was asked to serve on the Art Center board. Out of a conversation about growing an arts community, the Waco Arts Alliance was conceived.

“Something like Spice Village was anchored by other stores. I said ‘We’ve got to get other businesses around [The Croft Art Gallery],’” he recalled. Soon, investors and entrepreneurs began revitalizing the area, including the historic Hippodrome and the opening of Klassy Glass (currently, Stay Classy).

The Waco Arts Alliance, Creative Waco and Fiona Bond have been critical to the success of the arts economy in Waco, according to Bryant. Fiona’s incredible passion and tenacity have changed the art landscape in the community.

“She’s quietly helping the arts in Waco by showing up and showing enthusiasm. She makes opportunities for artists,” he said of Fiona.

Advice for Artisans

Bryant is clearly passionate about growing the art community in Waco, including fostering the creative spirit in the next generation of artists. His advice for them is to “volunteer in community activities and organizations. Give back to the community and connect with new people. Networking is so essential for any business-oriented person. Too often, young people focus on their craft and small network of friends. Break the mold and hang out with those who will challenge your ideas and will push you to be better.”

Why Art Matters

“Somebody told me once that the more high tech the world becomes, the more high touch people want … they want things they can enjoy that were made by somebody’s hands, not a machine,” he explained on the importance of art in our community and culture.

“People adorn their homes with things that make them feel good,” Bryant said. “As Waco prospers, people will want to decorate their homes; they will want to have things that speak to them.”

A thriving community is one that can support artisans, craftsmen and entrepreneurs who want to work with their hands. Waco is ripe with opportunity for all!

Stanton Studios
318 Rogers Hill Rd
Waco, TX 76705
stantonstudiostx.com
(254) 829-1151