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Photos by Meg MacDonald

Glass Art: Coldberger

It’s the community that drives me! I get to play with my best friends, and that’s my work.

Nicole Berger, better known as Coldberger, is a true product of the ’90s. In her work, you’ll see a lot of inspiration from the decade’s colorways and geometric shape designs.

When creating and developing her art, she draws inspiration from the objects around her, reimagining them in her own style and voice. “I don’t care as much about what object I’m making — it’s more about putting my energy into the work; the canvas can be anything,” she said. “I love my style and the shapes and palettes I create, but another huge inspiration and driving force is my community. I get to play with my best friends, and that’s my work. How could I want anything else?”

Getting her start in glass in 2010, she attended Tyler School of Art at Temple University in Philadelphia. The supportive, family-like atmosphere of the program gave her a strong starting foundation. Afterward, her education continued as she spent the next two years apprenticing with world-renowned artist Daniel Coyle. After spending 25 years in Pennsylvania, she decided it was time for some new scenery.

nberger_purplehaze

In 2016 she moved briefly to Montana to assist another legend in our industry, Christopher McElroy, also known as 2 Stroke Glass. This experience gave her an education in cold-working glass and various color techniques, as well as other skills in electrical work, woodworking and even breaking down a deer. After her stint in Montana was up, it was time for the next adventure. The glass art scene has always been strong in Colorado, filled with many talented glass friends, and beautiful scenery — the perfect combo for her next home.

Coldberger is always on the move, it seems. When she’s not at home in Denver, you can catch her traveling the world at various trade shows, gallery openings and teaching classes. If you want to try to get one of these coveted learning opportunities, you can reach out to her about upcoming classes at the Corning Museum of Glass in New York or Barcelona Glass Studio in Spain. You can also catch her nearly every year at the world-famous Pilchuck Glass School, where she’s been on staff since 2014. 

I truly hope you enjoy the art presented here. Coldberger’s work has always been articulate yet fun, fashionable yet timeless, and always leaves me with a smile on my face. 

coldberger.com | @coldberger

Photos by @missmeg_mac

This article was originally published in the January 2025 issue of All Magazines.

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