Mark Tuna began his career in stained glass as an apprentice with the esteemed Steven Frank Studios in Los Angeles in 1970, at the age of fourteen. He worked there for four years after school, learning the trade from old world masters while perfecting his talents on his own in the evenings. When he was seventeen Mark became one of the youngest journeymen in the art of stained glass and was already skilled at design, fabrication, and restoration.
At the age of nineteen, after Steven Frank Studio closed, working alone in his parent’s garage, Mark completed his first big commission for eight large decorative windows for Temple Beth Israel on Beverly Blvd. in Los Angeles. He designed, fabricated and installed this complex project completely on his own. It is as vibrant today as it was thirty eight years ago, and an important element of the Temple’s main sanctuary.
In 1979, at the age of twenty three, with almost a decade of experience, he decided to open his own shop. He bought supplies and tables, and with forty dollars left in his pocket, Mark opened Glass Visions Studio at 8629 1/2 Melrose Avenue, in the center of the design district. After twenty seven years on Melrose, he moved his studio to the larger present location where he continues to create high quality work for the design trade and private clients.
Mark’s dedication to his clients is reflected in long lasting relationships with many prominent architects, designers, builders and homeowners. Over the years his integrity, knowledge, experience and patience have become trademarks of his life’s work.
