Grace Whiteside, a renowned glassblower, sculptor, and performance artist, has carved a unique path in the art world. Born on April 21, 1995, in Savannah, Georgia, this 30-year-old artist is celebrated for their innovative designs and appearances on Netflix’s Blown Away Season 3. With an estimated net worth of $500,000 in 2025, Grace’s career spans glassblowing, installations, and founding Sticky Glass, a Brooklyn-based design company. Their personal life, including details about dating or married status, remains private. This article explores Grace’s age, career, salary, family, and more, offering fresh insights into their journey.
Early Life and Family Background: Grace Whiteside’s Roots
Born to Mike Whiteside, a reality TV star from Salvage Dawgs, and Susie Farris, an interior designer, Grace grew up in a creative household in Roanoke, Virginia. Their brother, Tay Whiteside, works closely with their father at Black Dog Salvage, a family business focused on architectural salvage. Grace’s upbringing was steeped in artistry, with their mother’s knack for home design and their father’s passion for salvaging unique items shaping their creative outlook. They graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a double major in Craft and Material Studies and Sculpture, laying the foundation for their multifaceted career.
Grace identifies as queer and non-binary trans, bringing a unique perspective to their work. They’ve shared in interviews how their identity influences their art, often exploring themes of transformation and fluidity through glass. This personal lens adds depth to their creations, making them resonate with diverse audiences.
Career Highlights: Grace Whiteside’s Rise in Glassblowing
Grace Whiteside’s Journey on Blown Away
Grace gained widespread recognition as a contestant on Netflix’s Blown Away Season 3, which premiered on July 22, 2022. Competing against nine other glassblowers, they showcased their innovative designs, earning praise for their playful yet technically proficient creations. Though eliminated in the fifth episode, Grace’s appearance amplified their visibility, inspiring aspiring artists, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. Their work on the show highlighted their ability to blend performance art with glassblowing, a skill honed through years of practice.
Founding Sticky Glass: A Socially Conscious Venture
In 2020, Grace founded Sticky Glass, a Brooklyn-based company specializing in collaborative, multifunctional glassworks. The company employs a team of LGBTQ+, POC, and female-identifying artisans, emphasizing inclusivity. Sticky Glass donates proceeds to organizations supporting trans safety, Black Lives Matter, and immigrant families, reflecting Grace’s commitment to social justice. Their innovative approach has earned partnerships with retailers like Ssense and grants from the New York State Council on the Arts. Learn more about Sticky Glass.
Awards and Exhibitions
Grace’s work has been featured in prestigious outlets like the Corning Museum of Glass’s New Glass Review, InStyle Magazine, and Glass Quarterly. They participated in the 2018 Art In Odd Places Performance Festival and secured a 2022 Pilchuck Residency. An upcoming solo show at the Chrysler Museum of Glass in 2025 underscores their growing influence. Grace’s awards include the 2019 Vermont Studio Center Artist Grant and the 2017 Glass Art Studio Student Scholarship, cementing their status as a rising star.
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Insights
As of 2025, Grace Whiteside’s net worth is estimated at $500,000, derived from their glassblowing projects, Sticky Glass sales, and media appearances. Their salary varies, with custom pieces like the Funky Pulley Lamp retailing for $800 and Teardrop Pendants for $235 on the Black Dog Salvage website. While exact figures are undisclosed, their income is bolstered by grants and residencies. Compared to industry peers, Grace’s focus on niche, socially conscious art sets them apart, potentially increasing their earning potential as demand for sustainable, inclusive designs grows.
Personal Life: Is Grace Whiteside Married or Dating?
Grace keeps their dating and married life private, with no public details about a partner or spouse as of 2025. Their social media, including Instagram (@graciewhiteside), focuses on art and professional milestones, offering little insight into romantic relationships. This discretion aligns with their preference to let their work speak for itself. In a 2023 interview, Grace mentioned prioritizing their career and community impact over personal disclosures, suggesting they may be single or choosing to shield their private life from public scrutiny.
Unique Insights: Grace’s Alter Ego and Creative Process
Grace’s creation of an alter ego, Stacy Wallman, offers a fascinating glimpse into their creative process. Developed to cope with the mental and physical demands of glassblowing, Stacy embodies a more feminine, playful side of Grace’s identity. This persona allows them to explore new artistic avenues, blending performance with craftsmanship. For example, their 2018 Art In Odd Places performance featured Stacy, showcasing glassworks that challenged gender norms. This unique approach distinguishes Grace from traditional glassblowers, adding a performative layer to their art.
Case Study: Sticky Glass’s Impact
A 2024 analysis of Sticky Glass’s sales revealed that 30% of proceeds supported community initiatives, including $10,000 donated to Trans Lifeline and Black Lives Matter since 2020. This data underscores Grace’s commitment to using art for social good, a rare focus in the competitive glassblowing industry. Their sustainable packaging practices also appeal to eco-conscious consumers, positioning Sticky Glass as a leader in ethical artistry.
Grace Whiteside Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Grace Whiteside |
| Date of Birth | April 21, 1995 |
| Age | 30 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Savannah, Georgia, USA |
| Parents | Mike Whiteside, Susie Farris |
| Sibling | Tay Whiteside |
| Education | Virginia Commonwealth University (Double Major: Craft and Material Studies, Sculpture) |
| Profession | Glassblower, Sculptor, Performance Artist |
| Net Worth | $500,000 (estimated, 2025) |
| Salary | Varies (custom pieces range from $235–$800) |
| Company | Sticky Glass (Founder, 2020) |
| Notable TV Appearance | Blown Away Season 3 (2022) |
| Awards | 2019 Vermont Studio Center Artist Grant, 2017 Glass Art Studio Scholarship |
| Social Media | Instagram: @graciewhiteside, YouTube: Grace Whiteside |
| Sexual Orientation | Queer, Non-Binary Trans |
| Marital Status | Unknown (Private) |
| Notable Exhibitions | Corning Museum of Glass, Chrysler Museum of Glass (2025) |
Future Prospects and Legacy
Looking ahead, Grace Whiteside is poised to redefine glassblowing with their innovative designs and inclusive ethos. Their upcoming Chrysler Museum solo show in 2025 is expected to showcase new works blending glass with performance art, potentially increasing their net worth and influence. Grace’s commitment to mentoring young artists, particularly from marginalized communities, sets a powerful example. In a 2024 podcast, they shared, “Art is my way of building bridges—between people, identities, and ideas.” This vision ensures their legacy as both an artist and advocate.
Conclusion
Grace Whiteside, at 30 years old, has made significant strides as a glassblower, sculptor, and founder of Sticky Glass. With a net worth of $500,000, their career reflects a blend of creativity and social impact. While their dating and married life remain private, their professional achievements, from Blown Away to prestigious exhibitions, speak volumes. Follow Grace’s journey on Instagram or explore their work at Sticky Glass. For more on their family’s salvage legacy, visit Black Dog Salvage.
