For McMow Art Glass, that spark was not found in a boardroom, a business plan, or a corporate strategy. It was found in a passion for creativity, a love story, and a belief that glass could be so much more than a window.
Nearly fifty years ago, a young artist named Shanon Materio set out to build something extraordinary. Armed with talent, determination, and an eye for beauty, she founded what would become McMow Art Glass, a company dedicated to transforming ordinary spaces into works of art. What she may not have realized at the time was that she was also building a legacy that would span generations, touch countless lives, and leave its mark on some of the most iconic homes and buildings in America.
As the story goes, Shanon eventually hired a promising new team member—her husband, Phil Materio. He was hardworking, talented, and eager to learn the craft. The fact that he was her husband was merely a bonus.
What began as a professional partnership soon became a life partnership. Together, Shanon and Phil poured their hearts into every project, often working long hours side by side, cutting glass, sketching designs, solving challenges, and dreaming bigger than the day before. Their shared commitment to excellence became the foundation upon which McMow Art Glass was built.
But McMow’s story is about much more than glass.
Along the way, Shanon and Phil raised three wonderful children, balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with family life. The workshop became a second home, and the values that guided their business—hard work, integrity, creativity, and craftsmanship—became the values that shaped their family as well.
As the company grew, so did its impact. Over nearly five decades, McMow Art Glass has employed, mentored, and trained countless artisans, helping cultivate the next generation of master glass craftspeople. Many talented artists have walked through the doors of the studio, learning techniques and traditions that are becoming increasingly rare in today’s world. For Shanon and Phil, preserving the craft has always been just as important as practicing it.
Word spread.
Architects called.
Designers called.
Builders called.
And eventually, celebrities called.
The Materios found themselves creating custom art glass for an impressive roster of high-profile clients, including Gianni Versace’s famed Casa Casuarina, luxury resorts, historic landmarks, private estates, churches, and some of the most discerning collectors in the world. Their work has graced elegant Palm Beach mansions, restored treasured historic buildings, and become focal points in spaces where beauty and craftsmanship matter most.
Casa Casurina – The home of late Gianni Versace
Yet even as their reputation grew, Shanon and Phil never lost sight of the communities that supported them. They have participated in countless charitable initiatives, community beautification projects, educational programs, preservation efforts, and philanthropic causes throughout South Florida and beyond. Giving back has always been woven into the fabric of McMow Art Glass, reflecting their belief that businesses should strengthen the communities they serve.
And just when you might think they have done it all, they continue to surprise even themselves.
Recently, McMow Art Glass completed one of the most ambitious projects in the company’s history—contributing custom glass artistry to an entire theme park destination. It was the kind of project that pushed creativity, craftsmanship, logistics, and imagination to new heights.
You could even say it was… Epic.
Shanon and Phil Materio with their grandchildren
For a company that began with a single artist’s dream, helping bring a world-class entertainment destination to life represents just how far that dream has traveled.
Yet despite the prestigious projects, notable clients, and industry recognition, the heart of McMow Art Glass has never changed.
For Shanon and Phil, every piece of glass tells a story.
A stained-glass window can capture a family’s history. A mosaic can transform a simple wall into a conversation piece. An etched panel can bring privacy while still allowing light to dance through a room. To them, glass is not merely a building material—it is a medium for storytelling, emotion, and artistry.
Over the years, the industry has evolved. Trends have come and gone. Technology has changed the way many things are made.
But one thing has remained constant: McMow’s commitment to craftsmanship.
Every project still begins with imagination. Every detail still matters. Every piece is approached with the same care and enthusiasm that inspired Shanon nearly five decades ago.
Shanon Materio receives the Craftsman of the Year Award from AIA Palm Beach
Today, as McMow Art Glass approaches its 50th anniversary, the company stands as a testament to perseverance, creativity, and passion. It is a story of a woman who followed her artistic vision, a husband who joined her journey, and a family business that became an institution.
Their legacy can be found in thousands of pieces of glass across the country—but perhaps their greatest achievement is something less visible.
It is the artists they have trained.
The communities they have served.
The family they have built.
The traditions they have preserved.
And the belief that true craftsmanship never goes out of style.
For nearly half a century, Shanon and Phil Materio have proven that when passion meets purpose, remarkable things can happen.
And if you ask them, they’re still just getting started.
After all, every beautiful piece of glass begins with a little light.