Often times, the key to large scale success in the glass craft field is to find a niche and become proficient and known for quality.

That is the case of Jancik Arts, an Ocala, Fl company that designs and produces stained glass artwork for luxury properties.

The two company leaders produce works for both commercial and high-end residential environments.

Their special niche however is the travel/hospitality and leisure/entertainment industries. 

Clients include: Epcot Center, Disney World (Orlando, Fla.); Princess Cruises (Italy, France and Japan); and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (Portugal).

They are also represented in such religous and commercial buildings as Mormon Temple, Latter-Day Saints (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and Orlando, Fla.); U.S. Post Office (El Paso, Texas); Floridian Golf Course (Stuart, Fla.), among others.

JAI custom designs range from contemporary to classic and include ceiling domes, vertical flat glass and magnificent chandeliers.  Each design is one of a kind and registered with the Library of Congress. 

To view some of  JAI’s world class creations:  http://jancikarts.com/promo_cd/promo_slide.html

The company is owned and operated by Angelique Jackson, Chief Designer, and, JoAnn Jancik, Mastercraftsman.

Their business philosophy:  Provide emotionally appealing, full-service art glass products on schedule and within budget.    Since day one, they have achieved this goal, 100 percent.

What began in 1978 as a hobby has evolved into a thriving, global business.  

For three decades these  artisans have created breathtaking glass art, working closely with architects, interior designers, art consultants and home owners all over the world. 

In addition to stained glass, JAI also designs metal sculptures such as the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Space Station Playroom, Magnolia Gate and Heron Flight Sculpture.   Click here to view some of these pieces:  http://jancikarts.com/metal/metal_slide.html.

Jackson is JAI’s President and Chief Designer and works out of her studio in Clayton, GA.   She creates each design by hand without the use of a computer.  Angelique is an award-winning artist/designer, and schooled draftsperson – She trained in steel fabrication with Ken Williams, owner of Southern Metals, Inc. 

“Glass evokes deep emotion.  It’s a spiritual experience,” Jackson explained. 

Jancik is JAI’s Master Glass Fabricato.  She cuts and assembles each piece of glass by hand, in her studio, which is located in a large horse barn in Ocala, FL  

Jancik earned a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Southern Mississippi where she also completed post graduate work.  She trained in the field with David Clymer, fourth generation bevel master craftsman. 

 “Working with glass is not just a profession for us.  We draw personal satisfaction from exploring what glass can be – We love working together and we love what we do,” added Jancik.

During their first 10 years, Jackson and Jancik built their portfolio by  producing stained glass structures primarily for private residences.   “Our first clients felt the passion that we had for our craft and they supported us,” noted Jackson. 

It was during this first decade that JAI had an opportunity to create their first large scale project, for a Catholic church in Florida - The artists designed and built 2 beveled art glass curtain walls, measuring 8 ft X 50 ft each, a first in the history of their trade.  

No color was used because the priest wanted the colors of real flowers outside to shine through.   “We depicted all of the symbols in hand-cut bevels - It was very challenging,” added Jancik.

The next decade (1988 – 1998), was marked by JAI’s first ceiling dome for a private residence in Jackson, FL – This was a true turning point and further differentiated  the company.  

The business catapulted to an international level with its first cruise ship project. The first ship JAI designed was the Sun Viking, by Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.

Since the late 90s, JAI has continued to grow and evolve.  The company  plans to expand its work in the hospitality industry.   “Cruise ships are hotels on the water, so this is a natural progression for us,” Angelique said. “Our goal is to do more business in the U.S. and Europe -  We’d also like to venture into the Middle East.”