Mark Leputa, born in Pennsylvania and a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, discovered his passion for glass art during a backpacking trip to New Zealand. Captivated by the heat, fire, and fluidity of molten glass, what began as a short holiday turned into a transformative three-year apprenticeship. This experience marked a pivotal shift in his life, leading him towards a professional career as an artist. Upon returning to the United States, Mark joined Orbix Hot Glass and spent time at renowned glass institutions, including the Pilchuck Glass School, where he met his future wife, Melanie Long. It was during this time that Mark refined his craft and experienced tremendous artistic growth.
Mark was twice awarded the Alabama State Council of the Arts Fellowship Grant, exhibited at the prestigious SOFA International Expo, and became a NICHE Award finalist, representing Alabama. His work has been showcased in numerous exhibitions worldwide. Over the years, he has traveled extensively to teach workshops while continuing to exhibit his art. In addition to working at his private studio, High Priority Studio, in Tucson, Arizona, Mark remains an active member of the Sonoran Glass School and the Tucson glass community.
Known for his precision and meticulous attention to detail, Mark approaches each piece with relentless focus and dedication. He believes every touch he makes to the glass holds significant meaning, and each title is carefully chosen to bond the physical piece with its emotionally driven design. Working with glass has taken Mark on a journey of self-discovery, where he is able to explore, experience, and create. Inspired by nature and the idea of personal exploration, he views each piece as a stepping stone to the next, with every series building on the last. Through both success and failure, Mark gains deeper self-understanding and strives for continual growth in all aspects of his life.