When visitors walk through the front entrance of the California Building and into the lobby, they’re often struck by the light—soft, colorful, and deeply atmospheric. What many don’t realize is that much of this effect can be credited to one artist: Phil Daniel.
Phil Daniel, a longtime tenant and glass artist, was commissioned to create a series of custom windows that now define the building’s front entrance. His work is more than functional; it’s luminous storytelling in glass. Each piece reflects not just light but the history, aspirations, and community spirit of the building itself.
Daniel, who trained in both traditional stained glass and contemporary techniques, transformed what was once a dark and foreboding space into a welcoming space filled with shifting light and color. His designs center around brightly colored geometric forms, infused with light, creating a dynamic experience that changes throughout the day. These vibrant windows do more than decorate—they animate the lobby with rhythm and energy, echoing the building’s transformation and the creative lives within it.
As part of the Timeline Exhibit, Phil’s story is explored through photos, sketches, and personal commentary that showcase the evolution of his work and his contributions to the building’s character.
In Daniel’s own words: “Glass teaches you to listen. To light, to time, to the place it lives in. These windows were made for this building’s soul.”
Written by: The Timeline Team: Remo Campopiano, Melanie Bethke, & Katherine Boyce
Learn more:
🌐 northeastminneapolisartsdistrict.org/programs/arts-district-welcome-center