Tyler Kimball, a Kansas City native, has been captivated by the art of glass since childhood. His journey began in 1999 with stained glass, eventually leading him to glassblowing. After developing his skills in Seattle and Portland, Tyler returned to Kansas City and established Monarch Glass Studio in 2015. Located in the historic 18th and Vine District, Tyler and his team create custom glass for various commerical, residential and public projects. Notably, Tyler is recognized for producing handblown rondels and developming mouth-blown sheet glass, distinguishing his work in the stained glass community.

One of Tyler's most recognizable series is his works of handblown glass shuttlecock sculptures, which draw inspiration from the iconic Shuttlecoks installation at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City. The Shuttlecocks installation, created by Claes Olenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, consists of four 18-foot tall badminton shuttlecocks scattered across the Nelson-Atkins Museum's expansive lawn. This playful, large-scale installation has become one of Kansas City's most beloved public art installations, and an icon of the city. 

For Tyler, these shuttlecoks serve as an inspiration for his own glassblowing designs. He reimagines the familar form through delicate glass techniques, often incorporating intricate lace-like designs and vibrant color palettes that capture both the elegance and fragility of the glass. His work transforms the original industrial sculpture into a light and translucent medium, allowing for a unique play between color, light, and transparency. By translating the shuttecock concept into glass, Tyler pays homage to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and reinforces Kansas City's reputation as a hub for creativity by bridging the gap between public art and glass sculpture. 

Tyler's collaboration with Leopold Gallery has significantly expanded his artistic reach, particularly in corporate settings. Through these collaborations, Kimball's glass artistry has become an integral part of these collections, reflecting both his creative vision and the commitment of Leopold Gallery to promote regional artists. Corporate collectors include: CrossFirst Bank, Creative Planning Wealth Management, The Columbus School of Art and Design, OH, Salem State University, OR, Cordish Companies, Sosland Publishing, Commerce Bank, Avenue 81, Church of the Resurrection, the Olathe Downtown Library, and Saint Luke's South Hospital.

Always Live Inspired. -HC