Sue Regis Glass Art Makes State Of Illinois Holiday Gift Guide

JOLIET, IL —For the first time ever, the city of Joliet has a small business recognized by the Illinois Office of Tourism's annual Illinois Made Holiday Gift. The prestigious recipient is Sue Regis, who runs Sue Regis Glass Art in downtown Joliet.

Only 20 small businesses in the entire state were selected for the honor — and Sue Regis Glass Art was one of the winners.

"I think it puts Joliet more on the map. To be chosen for this gift guide, I'm honored and so excited that I'm the first business for Joliet, especially in downtown Joliet," Regis told Joliet Patch during last week's interview. "It's nice to have something positive in the news, especially for downtown Joliet."

Launched in 2016, the Illinois Made program promotes authentic off-the-beaten-path travel experiences throughout Illinois. State tourism officials said the program, which now features over 200 makers, continues to drive visitors to every region of the state year-round.

Joliet's only glassblowing retail store, Sue Regis Glass Art specializes in Christmas ornaments for the holidays.

Regis said she has been busy making her Christmas ornaments since August.

"For Christmas ornaments, I don't do custom orders," Regis said. "For my memorial work, I do custom orders."

Much of her business involves memorials.

She makes memorials enclosed in glass for cremains of pets and humans. Regis said most of her pet memorials involve dogs and cats, but she has done birds and rabbits.

Her retail store is located at 32 West Clinton St. She is next door to the Strange and Unusual Gallery, which is owned and operated by Christine Nordstrom and Jerry Eastham.

The storefronts are across the street from the Joliet Public Library.

Regis has been at her current storefront since 2018.

"I love this location," she remarked. "I opened my business in 2015. I have people all around the Chicagoland Area for all of my work."

Regis grew up in Joliet, attending school at St. Joe's Catholic School, Joliet Central High School and finally Joliet Junior College.

"That's how I got interested in glass," she said. "I got into glass in 1996."

As for her state of Illinois Tourism award, "I think it's huge for Joliet."

Sue Regis Glass Art has a large social media presence. The Facebook page for Sue Regis Glass Art is nearing 5,000 followers.