Follow Your Arts
"Journeys of Connection"
by Cejae Tayten
“Glass defies boundaries and exists in a space between—between solid and liquid, light and shadow, fragility and strength. I feel this liminality or “betwixt between” space very strongly as a nonbinary person. Using the Tiffany style of stained glass, I’m able to use the huge range of texture, shape and color of glass to create designs that captivate with shifting transformations. Every piece invites a moment of interaction, where curiosity leads and connection follows.
My decades-long creative journey has been one of continual exploration and transformation while keeping playfulness, whimsy, and a quiet mischievousness central. From the manual process of designing with a pencil to hand-carving the wooden bases for my lamps, keeping it “old school” helps me connect with each piece and unlock the flow and whimsy within.
Today, we often don’t allow ourselves to pause, refocus and reconnect; my creations invite uncomplicated connection through material, form, color, and light. Glass panels change color throughout the day with the sun. The shadows and light that dance across the ceiling from lamps are mesmerizing. And my little “sidekicks” each have their own character, presence, and small spark of life.”
Gallery Hours:
Monday 9am – 5pm | Tuesday 9am – 1pm | Wednesday – Friday 9am- 3pm
Cejae Tatyen
As a graphic designer and stained glass artist, Cejae Tayten blends Art Nouveau’s organic, flowing lines with Art Deco’s geometric, structured forms to create moments of unexpected interaction. In their 30 years of commision-based work, Cejae’s pieces are found transforming homes throughout the United States. Cejae also creates through printmaking, sculpture, and watercolor, though they’ve focused on stained glass since moving to Peoria for the supportive arts community in early 2024. Their work allows people to pause, refocus and reconnect through the complex interplay of material, form, color, and light that is unique to glass.
Recently, their work was in the Transcending Boundaries Art Exhibit at ICC’s Performing Arts Center in November 2025. Cejae has exhibitions in 2026 with ArtsPartners in the Follow Your Arts Gallery the month of June and with Peoria Art Guild in the Project Space the month of November.
