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Illuminating Stories in Glass: The Art of Arvid Lee
- Arvid Lee
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
I discovered the work of Arvid Lee on social media. The vivid colors, contextual narratives, and dimension of his stained glass implored me to share his work wth Garden Spices. Gate open! - Victorine
In the heart of Southern Maryland, where tradition and modernity meet, contemporary stained-glass artist Arvid Lee is quietly transforming light into language. Known for his vibrant and uplifting works, Arvid’s creations radiate joy and peace, inviting viewers into moments of reflection and celebration. His art doesn’t just catch the light—it tells stories, capturing the essence of people, places, and culture with bold compositions and a kaleidoscope of color.
About the Artist
“I am a storyteller,” Arvid explains. “And I invite you to join me on this visual journey.”
That journey began early. From his elementary school days, Arvid’s natural talent was clear. He collected art awards with ease, sketching, painting, and experimenting with different mediums. Chalk, watercolor, oils, and pencil—all offered unique challenges and discoveries. But it wasn’t until the early 2000s, when he stumbled into a stained-glass class almost by accident, that he uncovered the medium that would define his career.
“I had no idea stained glass would grip me the way it did,” Arvid reflects. “From the very first class, I was hooked. I also knew I wanted to do something different than what other stained-glass artists were doing. I didn’t want to just repeat patterns—I wanted to create something original, alive with movement and energy, something that reflected my own voice.”
At the core of Arvid’s philosophy is a simple but powerful belief: “You can create anything once you see it in your mind.” This guiding principle shapes his process, from the first sketch to the final cut of glass. Each piece begins as a vision, sparked by an experience, a story, or simply the dazzling interplay of light and color in everyday life. His stained-glass panels often evoke movement—rippling blues that recall water, fiery oranges and reds that suggest the rhythm of music, or bright yellows that feel like laughter made visible.
For Arvid, color is both a tool and a language. “My mind is always drawn to the vast palette that stained glass makes possible,” he says. “There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing how light activates those colors, how it shifts depending on the time of day or the space it inhabits. That ever-changing quality keeps me inspired.”
And it shows. Viewers often describe his work as uplifting, a rare combination of serenity and energy. His panels seem to glow from within, as though each piece of glass holds its own memory of sunlight. By combining bold design with emotional resonance, Arvid creates art that feels both contemporary and timeless, rooted in craft yet open to endless interpretation.
Beyond his individual creations, Arvid views his art as a means of connection. Stained glass, with its centuries-old tradition in sacred and secular spaces, naturally invites people to gather, to look, and to share. Arvid embraces this role, using his work to bring together communities and ideas. Whether displayed in a gallery, a festival, or a private collection, his pieces spark conversations—about beauty, about culture, about the simple but profound act of finding joy in light.
As his career continues to grow, Arvid is also committed to making his art accessible. His stained-glass works are available for purchase, and he welcomes commissions for those who want something uniquely personal. Whether designing for a private home, a public space, or a corporate office, Arvid brings the same passion for storytelling and originality to every project.
Every shard of glass, every luminous panel, carries part of Arvid’s journey and part of the world he sees so vividly. For those who encounter his work, the invitation is clear: step into the light, and discover the story waiting there.
Though he holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Villanova University, Arvid’s heart led him back to art. He continued his education with numerous art-related courses, refining his skills until stained glass became more than a passion—it became a calling. His works now grace exhibitions across the United States, and many reside in the homes and offices of collectors who are drawn to the luminosity and warmth of his pieces.
Recognition has followed. Arvid’s artistry has been highlighted in several publications, including the Washington Post. and 2022, he was honored as a featured artist at the Maryland State Arts Council’s Juneteenth Festival. But for Arvid, accolades are secondary to the emotional connection his art creates. His windows and panels are more than decorative objects—they’re touchstones of memory, culture, and imagination.
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