Show us your space: Jamie Coulson Bowers

From light-filled private painting studios to collaborative offices with cityscape views, the varied workspaces of CCAD students and alumni represent the multitude of career paths an art and design school can help forge. Here’s a peek into where several of our students and grads make the magic happen M–F (or, sometimes, 24/7).

Until recently, Jamie Coulson Bowers’ artistic endeavors took a backseat to other life obligations. She worked full-time as an Associate Creative Director in oncology marketing for a Westerville-area advertising agency and cared for her 3-year-old son, Henson (named after the famed Muppet-maker Jim Henson). Her husband, David Bowers, passed away in July 2018, and, in November, she embarked on a self-care sabbatical that has seen her return to her personal creative practice. That includes running her small business, Glass Half Full, for which she creates fused glass pendants and other jewelry pieces. Her notable designs include ones she calls “Forever Pendants,” which incorporate the cremains of beloved family members and pets so their wearers can hold their loved ones close.

Bowers’ cozy studio space in Central Ohio is a haven for her own creativity, a workshop space for others to learn to make pressed glass jewelry, a getaway spot for guests, and a hideaway for her dog, Ridley.

She recently discussed her work and her inviting studio space.

Can you describe your studio?

My studio is above my detached garage. It had always been a dream and about, four years ago, I was able to take an unfinished barn attic and work with a contractor to have it transformed into my glass studio/guest studio suite.

What kind of work do you do in this space?

I have a small kiln and create fused glass pendants.

How do you prefer to work?

I typically like to work in the evenings with music on, and I'm also a crammer. I tend to cram in a lot of work at once, unless it is a project I have been hired for.

What do you love about your space?

I love that it is on my property, that I designed it, and that it is also a guest suite for visitors—I may possibly add an AirBnB in the future! I have taught a couple glass pendant workshops in my studio and would like to do that again.

Check out Jamie Coulson Bowers’ Glass Half Full on Facebook, and don't miss a feature from The Columbus Dispatch about her work.

Learn more about CCAD’s Advertising & Graphic Design program or apply here.

Are you a Columbus College of Art & Design alum making work in an eye-catching, unusual, or otherwise compelling space? We’d love to see it! Fill out the form here for an opportunity to be featured.