As a young photographer in Baltimore, Maryland, Louis Di Carlo admired the stained glass windows of churches while waiting for weddings to begin. This attraction to the beauty of church windows compelled him to create his own stained glass windows. Thirty years later, Mr. Di Carlo continues the craft at his Mtn. Lake Park shop. Upon entering the showroom, one sees Tiffany lamps, glass ornaments, figurines, sun catchers, table lamps, floor lamps, and thousands of other unique items handcrafted by the artist.

Louis Di Carlo does not like to create two of any work; instead, each stained glass design reflects a particular customer’s needs or is an item of personal interest. Master teachers from Germany and Japan influenced his style, each bringing a different perspective to the art.

Di Carlo’s stained glass craftsmanship has been recognized throughout the United States and the world as orders are shipped to both domestic and foreign customers. West coast buyers visit the shop because of personal references to the quality of his work, and local customers continue to return, as no two items purchased there are ever the same. Mr. Di Carlo offers to share his stained glass techniques if one wishes to study under him. Class size is necessarily limited as Di Carlo accepts only one student at a time. Students and customers quickly learn that Di Carlo’s philosophy is “Do it right the first time, because you won’t have time to do it again the second time.” For those who already enjoy the stained glass craft, an inventory of glass, books, tools, and supplies is available, as well as hundreds of sample glass styles that range from pastels and subtle tones to darker shades.

Di Carlo’s showroom is located at 214 I Street, on the corner of I street and Route 135 at Mountain Lake Park. (301) 334-8222 www.stainedglassgallery.net