Started working in glass in 1971.

What my glass tries to say cannot be separated from the forces that are used to create it. Glass becomes what it is made or born to be. I try not to get in the way. To flow with it while I dance along is enough for me.

Micheal Nourot, founding partner of Nourot Glass Studio has been making glass for over 40 years.  He was born January 1949 in Riverside, California. Micheal was one of the first 16 students at Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Washington.  He attended the first  “Session” fall/winter of 1971–72. Working with founder’s Dale Chihuly and Jamie Carpenter, Mr. Nourot designed and helped build the first hot shop at Pilchuck.

Following the Pilchuck experience, Micheal left for Venice, Italy.  There he apprenticed to glass master Checo Ongaro at Venini.  Just a handful of Americans were allowed into the famed Italian glass houses in the 1970’s: Dale Chihuly, Richard Marquis, and Benjamin Moore, included. Formulas for the Nourot glass have their origins from this time.

Micheal’s Light Opera, founded in April 1973,  in Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco, was his first studio.  Soon afterward, Micheal Nourot formed a partnership with Ann Corcoran, also a CCAC alumni (whom he married in November ’74).  On August 1, 1974 the Nourot Studio moved to Benicia, California where it is located today. The Nourots have three children, Lois, 31, Nick, 28 and Gabriel, 15.

“Rufled Bowl”
Michael Nourot

“Scarlet Nova Olana Platter”
Michael Nourot