Instructor Profile

A native Californian, Suzanne Balestri was an interior designer when she first began her explorations with kiln-formed (or "fused") glass.  After taking a glass workshop for fun in 2006, it didn't take long for her passion for the medium to ignite.  Before she knew it, she was selling her work in over 50 boutiques and galleries across the country.  Suzanne later shifted her focus to concentrate on personal artistic endeavors, and in 2017 began teaching kiln-formed glass locally through the Art Glass Guild of San Diego, Fallbrook School Of The Arts, and her home studio near Encinitas.  She absolutely loves sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for this medium with both novice and experienced students alike.

Her style demonstrates a powerful grace influenced by her dedication to yoga and whole wellness, while her interior design background has refined her eye for color arrangement and clean design.  "Melding a classic process with a modern touch rejuvenates my soul.  When I work with glass to transform it into art, I step into a haven for nurturing and creative expression."

When not creating, Suzanne enjoys running on the beach, playing with her dog Taco, or exhibiting at various local art events.  She is beyond grateful for her husband, her 2 sons, and for the fact that she has family in Hawaii and Italy!  Aloha and Ciao!

Suzanne graduated from San Diego State University with a BS in Marketing; minor in Advertising.  She also received her BFA at Design Institute of San Diego.