Based in Toughkenamon, Pennsylvania (near Philadelphia,) WGK Glass Art began in Germany in 1982 when owner Thomas von Koch was just 25 years old. He was passionate about the art of making glass with a torch ("lampworking"). Summers in his youth were spent in Austria, where he learned to love nature.

Many years later, Thomas joined forces with other like-minded artists, John Zinner, Sandra Jahn, and Anja Stötzer. After the three relocated to the United States, Kimya Williams joined them to help promote their artwork and organize the business.