Behind the glass: The love story that helped build Bischoff Studios

The article recounts the enduring love story of Jo Ann and Bob Bischoff, which began in 1969 at Florida State University and spans nearly 50 years. Their relationship evolved through shared experiences, including their college days and early careers in photography and art. After graduating from FSU in 1972, Bob and the article's author opened Gallery 741 in 1976, an art space in Tallahassee featuring local artists and student work. While artistically successful, the gallery struggled financially, yet it was the birthplace of Bischoff Studios. Here, Jo Ann's design talents combined with Bob's fabrication skills to create custom leaded glass windows and lamps, alongside repair work. A significant turning point came in the early 1980s when they were commissioned by the historic Bethel Baptist Church to repair and adapt windows from their old church for a new building. This project was a testament to their growing reputation and skill. However, around the same time, Jo Ann began experiencing severe symptoms, including double vision, headaches, and numbness, which were later diagnosed as multiple sclerosis (MS). This progressive and incurable disease posed a profound challenge, particularly for Jo Ann, whose design work relied heavily on her vision. Despite the devastating diagnosis, the couple chose to persevere, refusing to let the illness halt their shared artistic and business aspirations. Bischoff Studios continued to flourish, crafting intricate leaded, beveled, and etched glass pieces for a diverse national clientele, including prominent retailers like Lord and Taylor, Kia, and Bergdoff-Goodman. They also maintained a commitment to community by donating work to local organizations such as Big Bend Hospice and the FSU/PBS auction. Two monumental works stand out in their career: a 22x10-foot leaded glass centerpiece for FSU's Dodd Hall in 1997, depicting the university's architecture with 10,000 pieces of glass, and a 30x20-foot leaded glass window for Doak Campbell Stadium in 2004, honoring Bobby Bowen with 30,000 pieces of colored glass, making it one of the largest secular stained-glass windows in the country. This latter project was created in conjunction with the FSU Master Craftsman Program, which Bob Bischoff developed and directed for 14 years. Despite their artistic and professional successes, the Bischoffs faced significant financial setbacks. Poor business decisions, including an employee embezzlement of $40,000, and the collapse of the housing market that wiped out the equity in their renovated home intended for retirement, led to financial ruin. Concurrently, Jo Ann's MS condition steadily worsened. In response, Bob left FSU and put the company on hiatus, relocating to Chaires to prioritize Jo Ann's health and spend time with their five grandchildren. Recognizing the escalating challenges, Bob is now embarking on a new project: building an 800-square-foot, voice-controlled home specifically designed to meet Jo Ann's evolving needs as her MS progresses. This adaptive home, situated next to their existing house where their daughter and grandchildren will reside, aims to provide her with independence and comfort. With limited resources, Bob has started a "Go-Fund-Me" page, appealing to the community's goodwill for support to complete this critical project, driven by his unwavering commitment to Jo Ann's well-being and his belief in human kindness. #LoveStory #StainedGlass #ArtStudio #MultipleSclerosis #AdaptiveDesign #FloridaStateUniversity #CommunitySupport #Entrepreneurship #ArtisticLegacy #LoveStory #StainedGlass #ArtStudio #MultipleSclerosis #AdaptiveDesign #FloridaStateUniversity #CommunitySupport #Entrepreneurship #ArtisticLegacy