Glass Artist Jim DeLange and His Victory Over Cancer
By Melody Reed, executive director of Columbus Glass Art Center
We sat down with longtime member artist and glass instructor Jim DeLange to talk about his journey in glassmaking and how his art helped carry him through one of the most challenging years of his life. Jim’s work can currently be seen in the Columbus Glass Art Center’s Holiday Sale through Dec. 23.
Melody: Jim, how long have you been working with glass, and where did you first learn glassblowing?
Jim: A television program on hot glass ignited my interest, and I took my first class in 2006. It was at the Springfield Art Museum in a very small hot shop with one other student. I just wanted to try it. I had no intention of pursuing it as a hobby, let alone a business.
Fortunately, the instructor was the director of what was then Glass Axis. She encouraged me to take a more advanced class there, which I did — and here I am still doing glass.
I spent several years learning how to blow glass and improve my skills before I felt comfortable selling my work. For about five years I did summer art fairs, which helped people get familiar with my work. Now I sell through Columbus Glass Art Center sales and in the Dayton Art Institute gift shop.
I’ve also created several large-scale commercial installations, including pieces for Gordon Foods’ headquarters in Michigan, Kettering Hospital in Troy, a new hospital near Toledo and the City of Centerville’s golf club.
Melody: Glass is a physically demanding art form, and this past year significantly affected your process. What changed for you?
Jim: In 2024, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer and began treatment last August. I went through 40 rounds of radiation, which left me unable to manage much physical activity, including blowing glass. It was both frustrating and encouraging to slowly ease back into my passion.
There were good days and not-so-good days, and some days I couldn’t work at all. My numbers are good now, and the cancer is in remission, but I have to continue hormone treatment for another year.
Beating cancer has changed how I blow glass. I’ve learned to listen to my body, slow down, take more breaks and focus more intentionally. A side effect of medication is occasional brain fog, so being deliberate is important.
Melody: What advice would you give someone who wants to try glassblowing for the first time?
Jim: Start at the very beginning and be patient. It looks easy, but mastering the basics is essential before moving on to more complicated work. Try different approaches to skills and figure out what works best for you.
It’s also valuable to learn how to be an assistant. It makes you a better glassblower because you get to see the process up close.
Melody: What advice would you give others who are battling cancer? And what would you recommend for preventing or catching prostate cancer early?
Jim: Advice on fighting cancer is difficult because everyone’s cancer is different. It’s important to be comfortable and confident with your doctors. You need to ask a lot of questions about treatment, medications, side effects and possible outcomes.
Many cancers are very treatable if caught early. Symptoms can often be identified during a yearly physical. Your doctor can also tell you what other tests you should get regularly. Know your family history, since some cancers can be hereditary.
Dealing with side effects can be physically and mentally exhausting, so it helps to have family or friends to support you. If you can, talk with others who have gone through similar treatments.
Most importantly, listen to your body after major treatment like chemotherapy or radiation. Trying to be a hero will only make things worse and slow recovery. Sit down or take a nap. It’s okay.
Jim always has work for sale in the gallery and gift shop and teaches classes weekly at Columbus Glass Art Center, which will be open for its annual Holiday Glass Art Sale through Dec. 23. More than ever, we encourage everyone to shop local and support local artists this year.
This article is part of a bi-weekly column brought to you by the Greater Columbus Arts Council as part of the Art Makes Columbus campaign. Explore a calendar of events, public art database and artist stories at columbusmakesart.com. To learn more about GCAC grants visit gcac.org.