The Studios of Cocoa Beach is proud to present “Turtle Mania 2022” featuring fused glass turtles by Jamille Haddad during the month of February. The turtles represent over 40 years of study and work in glass and are a tribute to his late brother in-law, Leon Azis. The turtles include wall hangings and sculptures to be displayed on flat surfaces. They often include lights set on timers which highlight the glass’s transparent luminosity.

Jamille has been working in glass since learning stained glass in 1978. The next four years were spent perfecting the craft and teaching classes at his glass studio in the Orlando area. After reading an article in a stained glass journal, he became intrigued by the possibilities of fused glass, an art that had its beginnings in Egypt around 2000 BC and was virtually forgotten until the 1980’s. In 1982, at a summer workshop at the Bullseye Fusing Ranch in Portland, Oregon, Mr, Haddad learned the basics of fusing glass. 

Since then Jamille has been designing and producing fused glass as well as stained glass art in central Florida. Commissions have included windows, entryways, back splashes in kitchens and bathrooms, sink vessels and wall hangings.

The Studios of Cocoa Beach is located at 165 Minuteman Causeway, next to Heidi’s Jazz Club in downtown Cocoa Beach. You can view these incredible glass sculptures during gallery hours Wednesday and Thursday 9am to 6 pm, Friday and Saturday 10 am to 7 pm and Sundays 10:30 am to 3 pm. Visit the website www.studiosofcocoabeach.org for artists profiles, workshop schedules and more, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.