Virginia Wilson Toccalino

Virginia began working with glass in 1982, with stained glass being her focus for 12 years. Following completion of the Sheridan College three-year glass program, Virginia has been awarded numerous grants and scholarships enabling her to study with American and European glass masters including such noted artists as Dick Marquis, Lino Tagliapietra, Gianni Toso and William Gudenrath.

“My very early background in textiles has subliminally shaped my work with glass. Specializing in various types of simple and complex glass canes as the decorative medium on my forms, I create linear and threadlike patterns on complex, shimmering works.”

Virginia’s work is noted for its sense of style and fluidity. Specializing in techniques that were mastered by the Venetians over 1000 years ago and held as closely guarded secrets for centuries, she has developed her art to incorporate various types of simple and complex glass canes as the decorative medium on her forms.  What follows are linear and threadlike patterns that dance and sway on complex, shimmering works, captivating the imagination and stimulating wonder in the viewer.