About US

David Contreras Glass is a family-owned studio built upon craftsmanship, compassion, and connection. Together, David and his wife, Nichol, work closely with families to create meaningful memorial artwork that honors cherished lives and preserves treasured memories.

With a background in luxury hospitality and client care, Nichol serves as Operations Manager and primary point of contact for families throughout the memorial process. From answering questions and coordinating orders to ensuring every detail is thoughtfully managed, she helps create an experience that feels personal, supportive, and seamless from beginning to end.

Together, David and Nichol believe this work is about more than creating beautiful artwork. It is about preserving stories, celebrating lives, and transforming cherished memories into one of a kind heirlooms designed to be treasured for generations.

At David Contreras Glass, families are never viewed as customers alone. Each memorial represents a unique life, a meaningful connection, and a lasting legacy worthy of care, respect, and thoughtful craftsmanship.

About David Contreras

For more than two decades, David Contreras has dedicated his life to the art of glass. Known for his exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, he creates both memorial and non memorial artwork that reflects a deep appreciation for beauty, storytelling, and human connection.

Originally from Seattle, Washington, David relocated to Florida in 2022, where the coastal landscape has become a continual source of inspiration. Drawing from the colors, textures, and movement of the natural world, his work often explores ocean inspired themes through sculptural sea turtles, octopuses, fish, sharks, manatees, and other marine life.

A significant part of David's work focuses on handcrafted memorial glass art created with cremated remains. Through this deeply meaningful process, he creates one of a kind tributes that offer families a tangible way to honor, remember, and celebrate those they love. Each memorial is individually handcrafted and approached with the same level of care, respect, and attention that David would extend to his own family.

Beyond the torch, David is an avid rock hound and mineral collector whose fascination with natural materials continues to influence his artistic vision. His appreciation for opals, minerals, lapidary techniques, and the interplay of light within glass contributes to the depth, movement, and visual complexity that have become hallmarks of his work.

Whether creating a memorial heirloom, an ocean inspired sculpture, or sharing the craft through live demonstrations and educational events, David remains committed to creating artwork that is meaningful, enduring, and deeply personal.

Featured artists

Sam Gordon

Florida native Sam Gordon is a glass artist based in Jacksonville, where he creates both memorial and non memorial artwork distinguished by intricate detail, luminous color, and technical precision. His journey in glass began in 2014 in Asheville, North Carolina, where an introduction to lampworking quickly evolved into a lifelong artistic pursuit.

Raised in Gainesville, Sam draws continual inspiration from the landscapes and waterways of Florida. Coastal hues, shifting light, and the natural movement of the environment often find their way into his work, reflected through rich blues, vibrant greens, warm golds, and subtle sunset tones.

Over the years, Sam has developed a distinctive artistic style defined by intricate implosion techniques, refined gold and silver fuming, and the thoughtful incorporation of crushed opals. These elements combine to create artwork with remarkable depth, luminosity, and visual complexity, inviting viewers to discover new details with every glance.

Following the loss of a close friend, Sam was introduced to the art of memorial glass. The experience revealed a deeper purpose within his work and inspired a path focused on creating meaningful tributes that honor both life and legacy. Today, he approaches every memorial piece with care, respect, and a deep understanding of the trust families place in the artist.

Each creation is individually handcrafted, resulting in a one of a kind work of art that preserves cherished memories while celebrating the uniqueness of the life it honors. Through a balance of technical craftsmanship and thoughtful design, Sam's work offers families a lasting expression of remembrance, connection, and enduring love.