Glass in the Spirit of Art

BeRa Stained Glass Studios

Brian S. Canfield, studio manager, actively manages each art glass commission awarded to Bera Studios.  In addition, Mr. Canfield works closely with the Studios’ clients to ensure their overall satisfaction.  Mr. Canfield holds a B.A. in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Art History and Education.  Recent past projects managed by Mr. Canfield include Holy Family Catholic Church, Zewaideh Residence, Chapel at Camp Pendleton, and St. Stephen’s Catholic Church among several stained glass repairs and residential projects.

Biographical Sketches

Nicole J. Purvis, owner, purchased Bera Stained Glass Studios in 2004.  Ms. Purvis has worked in historic preservation for the past 10 years throughout the Mid-west and California.  She meets the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications for Historic Preservation.  Her academic background is in Philosophy, Historic Preservation and Urban Planning from San Diego State University and Ball State University in Muncie, IN. Ms. Purvis gained interest in the art of glass while working at a stained glass studio during college.  Ms. Purvis endeavors to  honor the legacy of John Bera and Bera Stained Glass Studios by continuing to provide quality artisanship and professionalism.

E-mail: Nicole@beraglass.com

John E. Bera, master designer and artist began working in stained glass in 1955.  Mr. Bera opened Bera Stained Glass Studios in Chicago, IL in 1963.  His art education is from the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, the American Academy of Art in Chicago, the Chicago Art Institute, and the Illinois Institute of Technology.  Mr. Bera has been exclusively in the field of Stained Glass for the past fifty years, which included a three-year apprenticeship and nearly a two-year travel stay visiting studios, churches, museums and cathedrals throughout Europe.  On return visits to Europe and with a special authorization granted by the French Ministry of Cultural  Affairs, Mr. Bera has been able to closely view and study stained glass windows and architectural works of the well-known cathedrals of  Notre Dame in Paris, Chartres, Bourges, Poitiers as he had access to the restricted areas of these historical religious buildings.

 

Mr. Bera has designed and directed the execution of stained, leaded, and faceted dalle glass projects for churches and synagogues, as well as art glass commissions for residences, restaurants and commercial buildings.

E-mail: Brian@beraglass.com