Shea Oberleuter: From Melbourne Polytechnic to British Vogue and Vanity Fair
Shea Oberleuter, a graduate of Melbourne Polytechnic's Glass and Glazing programs, is scaling new heights in the world of glass art. Recently featured in British Vogue and Vanity Fair, Shea's journey exemplifies a fusion of traditional glass techniques with contemporary aesthetics through her brand, Lewa Glass.
Shea completed the Certificate III in Glass and Glazing (Designed Glazing) MSF30422 course at Melbourne Polytechnic in 2022 and went on to complete the Certificate IV in Glass and Glazing MSF40422 in 2023.
Her recent features in British Vogue (May, June, July 2024) and Vanity Fair (June 2024) highlight her outstanding glass work as the creative force behind Lewa Glass, bringing her art to the world stage. The July British Vogue feature praises her ability to blend “art, interior design, and architectural innovation,” drawing from her multicultural indigenous roots and “infusing her work with diverse heritage and life experiences."
Shea is the first Indigenous person to teach in GLAAS Inc’s First Nations Glass Workshop Program. The program works to make glass classes accessible and provides opportunities for First Nations glass artists to develop a higher representation within the Australian glass art sector. The program, made possible through a grant from the City of Stonnington, also gives non-Indigenous people the opportunity to experience Indigenous culture as shown through glass.
Shea was recently selected for the inaugural "Magnify” Artist in Residency program, an initiative of the City of Kingston (through Kingston Arts) and Craft Victoria, which she describes as a “pivotal moment in my career.” The opportunity has allowed Shea to refine her skills through diligence and experimentation, ultimately leading her to discover her own unique style. Alongside her residency, Shea remains busy producing exciting glass art, teaching workshops and exhibiting her work while also working, being a mum and looking after her family.
Shea thanked her peers, teachers and supporters and shared her aspirations for the future: “Since graduating from Melbourne Polytechnic, the support I have received from my peers and especially from GLAAS Inc. has been incredible. Donna Kennedy and my teachers have generously shared their knowledge and skills in the Glass and Glazing industry with me, and for that, I am forever thankful.”
“Looking ahead, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for the future. I hope to share my artistic vision across Australia and internationally. The journey so far has been immensely rewarding, and I am eager to see where this path will lead. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this incredible experience; your support means the world to me.”
Pictured: Shea Oberleuter with her Unity Bowl art piece.
About our Glass and Glazing Program
If you dream of building on your visual art skills, becoming a glazier or finding practical applications for your creativity in the booming architecture and construction industry, this unique program offers the skills to succeed.
Glaziers are in high demand in Australia, with employment opportunities predicted to grow by more than 10% in the next five years.