Chico Rodriguez Raskey Chico Rodriguez Raskey, founder of Chico Art Glass. Originally from Michigan, glass artist Raskey studied glass making in Germany, where he gained experience and notoriety. Now living in Seattle, Raskey exhibits his European influenced pieces worldwide. Chico's classical guitar teacher first inspired him to pursue a career as an artist. In 1990, after graduation from high school in his hometown of Ludington, Michigan, Chico went to Europe to further his interest in glasswork where he apprenticed with Peter Strauss at Glaskunst Aus Hopfen. Through this studio, Chico established contacts with many glass studios in Germany, Czechoslovakia, and France. In 1992, Chico continued his career in the San Francisco area working in many production studios, gaining skill and dexterity.  In 1995, Chico returned to Europe to teach for the German glass school Glasshouse Wertheim. During this time, he assembled a glass team that traveled throughout Europe giving demonstrations of glass making to schools. During this exposure, he was hired by many famous glass artists to manufacture work, including: Jean-Paul Raymond, Detlaf Tanz, Walter Bahr and Kurt Wahlstab. In 1997, Chico returned to the United States to establish Chico Art Glass in Seattle with a line of glass greatly influenced by his travels and contacts throughout Europe. Born: 1972 in Ludington, MI. 1990 Student travels through Europe assisting introduction by Glaskunstaus Hopfen, Germany. 1991 Construction of studio using Glaushaus Wertheim, creating a glass collection after American and European styles. 1992 Studio work with George Bochnig Studios in Detroit, MI. 1993 Studio Assistant for Thomas McEwen by Lakeside Dune Glass in Muskegon,  MI. Production Assistant for R. Strong Glass in San Francisco, CA. 1994 Exhibit in San Francisco with Jamie Valchez. 1995 Exhibit in American Craft Council Association. 1996 Master and apprentice exhibits in Sausalito, CA. University of Nurnberg Glasvach Schule glass demonstrations. Guest US artist for the city of Ulm, Germany. Weinach Market Glass Studio. Studio gaffing in Glaushaus Wertheim, Germany. Studio work with Canadian Artist Andre Berezowski.  Seminar teacher for glassblowing in Glaushaus Wertheim, Germany. Studio gaffing for French artist Jeau-Paul Raymond. Studio work for German artist Detlaf Tanz. Studio gaffing for German artist Walter Bahr. Exhibit by Denk Gallery in Coberg, Germany. Exhibit by Duft and Glas in Ulm, Germany.