I create art to turn raw thought into something alive-capturing chaos, shaping meaning and leaving a piece of my mind where words fall short
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
Stained glass is my favorite type of art to create because it feels like working with light as both a material and a collaborator. Unlike paint or graphite, where the artist controls nearly every visible element, stained glass invites something unpredictable into the process. The final piece is never truly finished until light passes through it, and that light changes constantly—morning, noon, dusk—each moment giving the work a different voice.
Where do you find inspiration?Inspiration finds me in places where light quietly changes the world. It’s in the way early morning sun stretches across a wall, or how late afternoon light filters through trees and fractures into shifting patterns. I’m drawn to those subtle transformations-moments most people pass by-because they feel like glimpses of something alive beneath the surface.
What would you do with $25,000?I’d invest it into my craft—upgrading tools, sourcing high-quality glass, and building a dedicated workspace to create larger, more intricate stained glass pieces. I’d also use it to share the work-exhibits, commissions, and teaching so the art doesn’t just exist, but reaches people and transforms spaces through light.
Vote for Dustin Crocker to become The People's Artist while supporting a great cause! Cast your free daily vote or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation, supporting The Art of Elysium in their mission to use art as a catalyst to help people triumph over difficult life challenges.
Register now for your opportunity to appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display your artwork at The Art of Elysium's Salon.
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like The People's Artist, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.
