Sakano pursued her passion for sculpture at Syracuse University, where she earned her BFA, followed by an MFA from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Her exploration of glass as a medium began during her studies and quickly became the focal point of her artistic explorations.
In 2015, Sakano presented Goose Egg at UrbanGlass in Brooklyn, a solo exhibition that marked a significant evolution in her creative practice. Her most recent solo show, Droplets (2023), debuted at Heller Gallery in New York.
Beyond her studio practice, Sakano is a highly respected fabricator and educator. She has taught at institutions including the Cleveland Institute of Art, MIT, NYU, the Penland School of Craft, and Pilchuck Glass School. Her fabrication clients include Lindsey Adelman Studio, Jorge Pardo, Isadore Design, Roll & Hill, David Weeks Studio, and others. She brings a unique blend of technical precision and creative insight to each collaboration, translating complex ideas into refined, hand-crafted results.
Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, and other leading design publications. Today, she continues to expand both her personal and collaborative practice—exploring new forms, textures, and techniques that push the expressive boundaries of glass.