Resident Artists

Octavio Peña

Octavio Peña is known for his beautiful stained glass creations, specifically his Star of Bethlehem and Moravian Star pieces, which make special contributions to the local community. Octavio often works side by side with mentor, colleague and friend, Linny Fowler, who introduced him to stained glass and showed him the basic tools of the business when they met in 1988. Together, the pair has been an important part of making the Banana Factory what it is today.

When he left Puerto Rico in 1959 to move to the United States, Octavio never dreamed that he would one day become an artist. Upon his arrival in this country, he went through many different jobs, enjoying the opportunity to learn new skills and work with his hands. However, after he was introduced to the world of stained glass art, he quickly developed an interest in the art form. He studied stained glass in many old churches and buildings, expanding his vision of what he wanted to create. One of his greatest influences is the work of stained glass artist Louis Comfort Tiffany, and he also takes inspiration from the creations of Frank Lloyd Wright.

After learning how to cut glass, the stained glass process came very easily to Octavio. Along with Linny, he now teaches this process to students during weekly classes at the Banana Factory. The pair has also donated their glass creations to several organizations in the region, including the Da Vinci Science Center, Wellness Community of the Lehigh Valley and the Salvation Army.

When Octavio is not working in his studio, he can be found playing the guitar or spending time with his wife, Gilma, and his daughter, Nathaly.

Artist Statement

“It’s nice to have a home base like the Banana Factory; there are individuals working individually but still working together as a community. It also allows you to meet a lot of interesting people who visit here from all over the country.”

-Octavio Peña