Michael Watts began his stained glass journey in 1987 in his home town of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. After learning the basics from a local glass studio, he quickly developed his skills and began creating windows for various homes, churches and business in the area. During this time he also developed and produced a line of gift items, which were picked up exclusively by a wholesale distributor in Massachusetts and sold to various retail and mail order companies throughout the US, Canada and the UK.
In 1994 he began working for Bovard Studios in Fairfield, Iowa where he fabricated new leaded glass windows, was trained in the techniques of historical stained glass restoration by visiting consultant, Art Femenella, learned the basics of glass painting and also assisted with on-site work, removing and reinstalling antique stained glass panels as well as installing protective covering.
After relocating to Minneapolis in 1999, he was hired by Gaytee Stained Glass in Uptown Minneapolis, where he was quickly promoted to Art Director. His primary responsibilities included meeting with clients, designers and architects to determine design direction, creating original designs, making color and glass selections and performing any glass painting needed for the completion of the designs. Michael set out on his own in 2001 as Studio Watts and began creating original designs in stained glass for his own private clients.
In 2003 Michael further expanded his focus to include interior design after being contracted by luxury home builder, Dave Alan, Inc., to assist his clients in creating new homes in the Minneapolis area. As a result, he was contracted by Brandi Hagen of William Beson Interior Design to assist with new construction projects and began to acquire some of his own interior design clients, providing color consultations and assistance with remodeling projects.
Michael moved to Europe in the spring of 2005 and spent time traveling through France, Italy and Belgium, studying and photographing historical stained glass works in various cathedrals and public buildings, and has returned to the Twin Cities in 2006 to resume his work with designers, builders and private clients.
