Today we’d like to introduce you to Gregory Holder.
Hi Gregory, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Gregory V. Holder, founder and Master Sandblast Artist of Icons By Holder / Glass Icons by Holder. My journey began with a vision of transforming glass into something more than decoration—I wanted to create artwork that preserved history, legacy, achievement, and personal stories.
I established my business in 2000, and over the past 26 years I have developed my craft around deep-carved and sandblasted glass artwork. What started as an artistic passion has grown into creating custom pieces that celebrate athletes, families, organizations, historic accomplishments, and individuals whose stories deserve to be preserved.
My work today combines traditional sandblast craftsmanship with contemporary presentation, including Starphire glass, detailed carving, custom framing, and LED illumination. Every project begins with the story. I believe the artwork should do more than look impressive—it should mean something to the person receiving it and have the ability to be passed down as part of their legacy.
As my company has grown, my vision has expanded beyond individual commissions. I’m developing projects that connect art, sports, fashion, youth programs, and scholarship fundraising. Through Icons By Holder, my goal is to continue creating one-of-a-kind work while using my craft to recognize achievement, inspire young people, and preserve stories for future generations.
After more than two decades, I still approach each piece with the same philosophy: the glass is the medium, but the story is what gives it value.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Building Icons By Holder from the ground up has required persistence, sacrifice, and believing in my vision even when others could not see it yet. As a Master Sandblast Artist, I chose a highly specialized craft where much of what I create has to be designed, engineered, and executed by hand. There was no blueprint for the path I wanted to take.
Over the years, I have faced the challenges that come with being an independent artist and entrepreneur—financing projects, educating clients about the value of custom sandblasted glass, protecting original concepts, and continuing to grow the business while remaining true to the quality of my work. There were times when opportunities did not come as quickly as I expected, but those experiences taught me patience, discipline, and how to create my own opportunities.
Since establishing my business in 2000, every obstacle has helped refine both the artist and the businessman in me. I learned that success isn’t simply about creating something beautiful; it’s about having the perseverance to keep building when no one is applauding yet. Twenty-six years later, I am still creating, still evolving, and still pushing the boundaries of what can be accomplished through sandblasted glass. The challenges became part of my story—and ultimately part of my legacy.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am Greg V. Holder, founder of Icons By Holder and Glass Icons by Holder, established in 2000. For more than 26 years, I have specialized as a Master Sandblast Artist, creating custom, deeply carved works of art in glass.
My work goes far beyond traditional glass decoration. I transform personal stories, family legacies, sports history, cultural heritage and important life achievements into museum-quality works of art. My pieces often incorporate Starphire glass, deep dimensional sandblasting and carving, custom framing, illumination and detailed imagery to create artwork designed to become a permanent part of someone’s legacy.
What I am most proud of is my ability to take an idea or a person’s story and create something that did not exist before. Whether I am honoring an athlete, a mother, a family, a historic achievement or an entire organization, I want the finished work to carry meaning—not simply look beautiful.
My creativity has also expanded beyond glass into fashion, children’s concepts and branded collections, but storytelling remains at the center of everything I create.
What sets my work apart is that I approach glass as a sculptural medium. I am not simply placing an image on the surface. I use depth, texture, light, composition and hand craftsmanship to give the artwork dimension and presence. Many of my works are one-of-one creations specifically designed for the individual, family or organization they represent.
After more than two decades, I am still challenging myself to push sandblasted glass beyond what people traditionally expect it to be. My goal is simple: create artwork that tells a story today and preserves a legacy for generations.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I like best about our city is its diversity, culture, beautiful environment, and the opportunities it provides for families, artists, entrepreneurs, and young people. I especially appreciate the sense of community and the many people who work hard to make the city a better place.
What I like least is seeing talented young people and underserved communities without enough access to mentorship, creative programs, scholarships, and opportunities. I believe we can do more to connect our youth with successful people, businesses, education, sports, and the arts so they can see what is possible for their future.
Pricing:
- * 15” × 21” — Signature commissions starting at $3,500 * 24” × 36” — Legacy commissions starting at $5,500 * 30” × 40” — Collector commissions starting at $7,500 * 40” × 50” — Museum-scale commissions starting at $12,500 * Monumental & Custom Installations — Private consultation / custom quotation
- * 15” × 21” — Signature commissions starting at $3,500 * 24” × 36” — Legacy commissions starting at $5,500 * 30” × 40” — Collector commissions starting at $7,500 * 40” × 50” — Museum-scale commissions starting at $12,500 * Monumental & Custom Installations — Private consultation / custom quotation
- * 15” × 21” — Signature commissions starting at $3,500 * 24” × 36” — Legacy commissions starting at $5,500 * 30” × 40” — Collector commissions starting at $7,500 * 40” × 50” — Museum-scale commissions starting at $12,500 * Monumental & Custom Installations — Private consultation / custom quotation
- * 15” × 21” — Signature commissions starting at $3,500 * 24” × 36” — Legacy commissions starting at $5,500 * 30” × 40” — Collector commissions starting at $7,500 * 40” × 50” — Museum-scale commissions starting at $12,500 * Monumental & Custom Installations — Private consultation / custom quotation
- * 15” × 21” — Signature commissions starting at $3,500 * 24” × 36” — Legacy commissions starting at $5,500 * 30” × 40” — Collector commissions starting at $7,500 * 40” × 50” — Museum-scale commissions starting at $12,500 * Monumental & Custom Installations — Private consultation / custom quotation
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.glassIconsbyholder.com
