Cam Langley Obituary

Cam Langley
Virginia Beach - George Campbell(Cam)Langley, formerly of Virginia Beach, glassblower and co-founder of the Glass Studio, who was known primarily for his stemware and fantasy flowers died on March 15 at his home in Birmingham, AL. He was 64.

Born in Norfolk, Cam received a degree in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech in 1970. His early engineering career was with the VA State Health Dept. in Richmond; eventually he moved back to Virginia Beach to work in his father's firm, Langley, McDonald & Overman Consulting Engineers.

His interest in glass was piqued after observing glassblowing demonstrations at the Jamestown Glasshouse, exhibits at the Chrysler Museum of Art, and the Corning Museum of Glass. After reading a book written by Harvey Littleton, who was known as the "father of the modern glass movement", he contacted Harvey unaware of Littleton's eminence. Littleton invited him to see his glass collection and suggested Cam attend The Penland School of Crafts in NC. The 3 week stint at Penland just whetted his appetite for glass.

Langley enrolled at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He received a National Endowment for the Arts apprentice fellowship and spent 4 years as a non-degree student. He acquired precise glassblowing techniques there and refined his imagery using experimental forms from nature as inspiration. He participated in numerous art fairs including several American Craft Council (ACC) art fairs, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk Art Show and Coconut Grove, Miami, FL.

A participant in the studio art glass movement for almost 30 years, Langley was a revered figure in Alabama art circles and his work is recognized nationally and internationally. His glass was represented by more than 50 galleries and featured in many private and public collections; including The Frederick Weisman Collection, Southern Progress Corporation, and commissioned gifts for the former President of the Czech Republic and German Ambassador to the US. He was commissioned for a special bouquet of red flowers for the Coca Cola executive offices, and Walter Chrysler personally selected his work for the renowned glass collection of the Chrysler Museum, Norfolk, Va. His work has been collected by the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Huntsville and Birmingham Museum of Art and the Montgomery Museum currently hosted a retrospective exhibition of 22 glass objects that will become part of their permanent collection.

In 2007, Cam and his wife Janice Kluge, UAB Professor Emeritus and current studio artist, established The Kluge/Langley Endowed Scholarship for the UAB Department of Art and Art History to honor their artistic legacy. In 1983, Cam moved to Birmingham to marry Janice. On their first wedding anniversary, Cam made glass flowers as a gift for his wife and said they were permanent flowers and a gift of love that would never die. Glass bouquets from that prototype became his signature production interest.

He is survived by his wife, Janice Kluge, beloved dog Tanzy, and two brothers: Mark Langley and his wife, Ditty, sons Eric, Marcus, Adam, Matthew of Wilmington, NC, Tom Langley and his wife, Bev Hyde, daughter Andrea, sons Brian and Amory, Virginia Beach, Va., and Janice's nephews Chris and Nick Gilliam. He is predeceased by his parents, George(Buck)and Elizabeth (Lib) Langley of Virginia Beach.

Cam's website on the Caring Bridge chronicled his illness with neuroendrocine cancer that is a rare and aggressive cancer diagnosed 1 in 100,000 people. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations sent to either The American Cancer Society, The UAB Kluge/Langley Endowed art scholarship, or The Triangle Park in Forest Park.

Around 1985, Cam and Janice restarted a Langley family tradition by taking their niece and nephews to the Outer Banks for a week in Rodanthe, NC every summer - no parents allowed. Cam loved the beach and was known for his home-made biscuits and chocolate chip pancakes. The cousins bonded to Uncle Clam and Aunt Longlegs and to each other, and this annual tradition continues…

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Mar. 17, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Cam Langley

9 Entries

Rush Smith

March 11, 2025

Cam and I were surfing buddies in high school (Cox High, Va Beach). One of the best trips I remember was after we were in college (he at Va Tech, me at Ga Tech), home for a Christmas break, when he scored an open, old jeep. It was right after a big Nor´easter and we got on the beach around Sandbridge (VA) and drove south into NC, almost to Duck. 4-wheeling the whole way and back, in and out of the beach break, dodging hundreds of conch washed up by the storm.

Cam was a smart, talented, curious man. We still have a vase and colorful glass flower he gifted when visiting our home in Atlanta. Until then, I had no idea he was putting his talent into glass. It was then I found out that my surfing buddy had become a celebrity. But it was the same guy I used to meet at 80th St. at 7am to catch a glassy 3´ shorebreak.

Patricia Del Negro

March 20, 2013

I met Cam in the early 80's, buying his wonderful "Sealife" works as he worked the small, local art fairs in Wisconsin! He was a kind and gentle soul. Thank you, Cam for bringing beauty to our world.

Tena Payne

March 19, 2013

The world has lost what the universe has gained--a beautiful artist with a beautiful spirit. He will be missed by all whom he touched with his kindness and grace.

Danny Trobaugh

March 19, 2013

I am a Delta Pi Zeta fraternity brother of Cam's, 1967-1971. I recall his dynamic attitude toward life. He was even then a recognized artist and all around athlete. He led the "zoo" to many intramural victories at VT. I have known few people who were genuinely nice - Cam is one of them. His legacy is of no surprise. Rest well, my brother.

Susan Luther

March 18, 2013

This past Friday, an artist friend and I went to the Huntsville Museum of Art, as we often do. We found ourselves lingering by the glass gallery's cases where Cam Langley's work is exhibited, admiring from all angles light and shadow, all the nuanced beauties of his work. We decided then to find out more, and in looking up Mr. Langley I discovered this wonderful account of his life. I know that my friend will join me in deep regret for having lost such a fine artist and human being. And yet, what a marvelous legacy he has given us. We won't be alone in enjoying it again and again. with sympathy and thanks, Susan Luther

March 18, 2013

Cam Langley was a rare soul. The beauty in his work was only surpassed by his profound humanity and genuineness. His impact on me was lasting. Through his company and presence you saw a man loved by many and when he spoke people listened to one of his many good stories or insights. His love for life was contagious and the bond he shared with his wife, Janice, was evident to all who knew them. If I had a flag i would fly it at half-mast.

Rush Smith

March 17, 2013

I came to Cox High School in my junior year and Cam became my best friend. My father who still lives in Virginia Beach told me today that he read of Cam's passing. Cam and his lovely wife visited us in Atlanta and sent one of his famous flowers and a vase. He was a gentle, introspective and kind man. My contact with Cam had been minimal over the years, but like many things in life, when they are gone there is an emptiness. But he left a lasting gift of his talents to all of us. Maybe we can be so lucky. Rush Smith

Susan Matthews

March 17, 2013

Cam was a good friend. Years ago he introduced me to Escher and other artists. He was committed to follow his passion and met his lovely wife who had similar passions. Janice, I am sorry for your loss.

Gene Cochran

March 17, 2013

While I didn't know Cam well he was always kind and considerate to all..very sad to hear of his passing

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