LCVA & The Hope Center In The News

Hope Center at LCVA
Date: 1/14/2009 Album ID: 671047
Photos by Linda Campbell
View Slideshow You must click on the link below to view the slides.

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Once a month members from Hope Community Center go to Lenawee Council for the Visual Arts (LCVA) to create a project in various mediums. On Tuesday several members with the help of LCVA volunteers Janet Graham, Pat Cooper, and Pi Benio made clay bowls using a process called coil forming. The bowls are made by pressing coils of clay onto a form. The bowls are then painted with slip which is watered down clay with colors. Then designs are etched into the slip using pencils. The bowls will than be fire bisqued, a clear glaze will be applied, and then the bowls will be fired again using high fire gas reduction. LCVA will have an exhibition of Hope Community Center members? art June 18 through July 18.

This article was taken directly from the Daily Telegram web site that you can connect to by clicking: http://lenconnect.mycapture.com/mycapture/folder.asp?event=671047&CategoryID=16145&ListSubAlbums=0 . It really is worth taking the time to take a look at. Our local gallery has volunteers who offer their time and talents to this group of adults on a regular basis. You have seen Tara, my mannequin several times in this blog. She had the opportunity to be worked on by some of the Hope Center adults and we had a great time doing it together.

Volunteering my time has always been something I enjoy. And when you work with people like this who appreciate your time and talents, it makes it all worth while. If you have artistic talents you would like to share, or you have time and don't feel you have the talent, the LCVA is always looking for willing participants. Feel free to check out their blog: http://lcvamembers.blogspot.com/ and contact them for information.

The Mustard Seed

I got an inquiry yesterday about stained glass windows from a church in Louisana that was devasted by Hurricane Katrina. The building was under 4 feet of water. The church they purchased the building from sold it and took out half of the windows.

Today, when I was doing my daily reading, I came across the story of the mustard seed. I know the biblical story but wanted to look it up on the internet to see what else was there. I found among many, this paragraph also: Buddha also told the story of the grieving mother and the mustard seed. When a mother loses her only son, she takes his body to the Buddha to find a cure. The Buddha asks her to bring a handful of mustard seeds from a family that has never lost a child, husband, parent or friend. When the mother is unable to find such a house in her village, she realizes that death is common to all, and she cannot be selfish in her grief.[3] (This came from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustard_seed when I searched if you would like to know more.)

It helped me to realize the program I have to help churches during Art Glass Month is just a small thing that hopefully will grow with the help and involvement of other people. Each year, during Art Glass Month I will give, for as long as I am able, help to churches with their stained glass needs. This particular church in Louisana is in need of glass to finish their church. Half of the windows were taken out when the previous owners sold. The community has a lot to overcome. If you get on their web site, you will see that although they are a small church community, they are very involved helping other people... even though their own needs are great.

My reason for relaying all of this is, I am offering an opportunity for people to help out with projects like this during Art Glass Month. This is volunteer work. You will be able to work on the stained glass for the church (or churches) that are chosen, learn a wonderful art, feel good about yourself, and help a church and their members who are in need. Ideally, I would like to see volunteers get sponsored by their church (or other sponsorship is ok also). In this way, maybe, like the plants of the mustard seed, this program too will grow into something bigger than I can do alone.

More info on this later. Let me know your thoughts!

Pat

Fun in Chicago!

I'm not home yet but I had to update any followers about what I saw. This is Float Fire glass by Armstrong. I've heard of it but not used it. When I go back to Chicago in March, I plan to pick some up and give it a try. I understand it is fusible to regular window glass and is also great for sandblasting - like flashed glass. A lot of ideas are running through my head.

What I did bring back are a lot of wonderful clear textures - some I have not purchased before. Some beautiful Youghiogheny Stipple glass. Some St. Just multi-colored pieces that I may have to keep for myself ... not sure yet. I grabbed a piece of Bullseye that I have never seen before in red with an awesome streak of deep purple running through it.

All together, I picked up about 275 square feet of new glass you may want to check out.

Bye for now. I'm going to enjoy this time away with my husband and will be back in town some time on Wednesday. Hope to hear from you soon!

Pat

Kid In A Candy Store

If you like to see a kid in the candy store... that's me in Chicago picking out glass. I'll let you know tomorrow what I found. But, guaranteed - there is always something awesome. I'll surely get what I need, but more than that, I will get something I have never seen before and will hold on to it for just the right project. I usually go alone. I took my Hobbit (book on CD), all my favorite music, and this time I took my husband as well. Can't believe he wanted to go. I may not be able to listen to all my favorite music and I may not get throught the Hobbit either, but it will be fun to have him along.

Next trip should be March 1st when they have their garage sale. I plan to go for that and will pass those savings on to you!

Keep an eye on what's new and let me know in advance if there is something you want. I may be able to find it on sale!

Talk to you tomorrow...

Pat

Inspirational Students on a Sunny Michigan Saturday

What a fun day! Today was my Free Mosaic Class day and I had 3 students attend with various levels of experience. It never fails that students inspire me and they did today - whether they knew it or not.

I meant to snap a picture while they were here working and... we got talking about mosaics of all kinds, pottery, bead making, fusing, art shows... and on and on and the picture was forgotten.

We were working on Tara here. You can see her laying on the table behind my mosaic sample board for another project I applied for. You have seen Tara before and she is getting closer to being done, with the help of Kerry, Joann, and Phil today.

Phil is working on an idea that will require gluing musical wire (like guitar strings) to glass. Today we tried using KOA 300 and an ultraviolet light. It worked for a while and then broke loose. I am going to try again to see if we can get it to work well. If there are any suggestions from people who have had similar situations and you found a combination that works, let us know!

As soon as I am done here, I will be leaving for Toledo to check out the building that Art-O-Matic 419 will take place at in April. I will be one of the exhibiting artists and don't even really know what it involves. I know there will be artists of all kinds, including poets, musicians, etc. and thought it sounded like a fun mix. I'll let you know more as I get information.

Chicago is my destination on Tuesday. I will be visiting my supplier to pick up some large pieces of glass and always something real unusual that I will use for something some day. If you need anything, let me know before Monday evening and I will pick it up for you when I go.

That's it for today. Enjoy your Saturday. It's SUNNY here in Michigan today!

Pat

Discounted Purchases - Interested?????

How easy is it to get our glass and lead at a real discount in exactly the color or kind we need? My experience as an amateur glass artist was that it was pretty hard. Sure, somebody, somewhere would have the basics but getting really cool stuff wasn't always easy.

I will be going to Chicago next week (Tuesday looks like the best day weather wise at this point). I'll be picking up solder, glass, and a number of other items. Normally, I give my customers 20% off when they purchase full sheets of glass. But, if you order a full sheet before I go, I can pick out the exact sheet you need, and I will give you 30% off your full sheet of glass. As you know, sheet sizes vary and so I have included the link here to my supplier, Ed Hoys. If they don't have it, my experience is, I can usually get it from them by special order. Might have to wait a while, but I can get it. Their link: http://www.edhoy.com/ . If what you see in this book is something I don't have, I can surely order it. I can't possibly keep in stock everything they carry ... but wouldn't that be nice. The nice thing for you is, you do have access to everything in the book and what a candyland for glass artists. Browse through and contact me with any requests. I will keep their link on my blog for easy access.

And again, my solder club (you can read about on my web site) will allow you to purchase solder at a true 40% discount. Can't tell you the exact price but the more I buy, the less it costs, and the less it costs you. In fact, there is a coupon for joining the solder club on my web site that offers more than just discounted solder. Check it out.

I love going on these buying trips. Let me know if I can help you out in the process!

Pat

Forest Through The Trees

What a fun project this has been. I got the opportunity to go up to northern Michigan this past October. My husband and I were married for 26 years - yep! While driving, my camera was working overtime and we were constantly pulling over to the side of the road to get the magnificent beauty that you can only find there.

This glass is a result of the inspiration from that trip. I am working on putting it into a stained glass panel framed in bevels and probably copper tubing. I'll update this once the piece is done.

People often ask where my inspiration comes from... well, it comes from every day life. This time from the beauty of fall. This photo is actually taken of this piece while it is still in the kiln prior to firing. I used System 96 Cathedral glass and crushed it into various sizes and shapes. It is even more beautiful now that it is fired but it is so fun to see the before and after. So, keep watching. When I get it all done, I'll post the finished picture here as well.

Where does your inspiration come from?

Class Idea: As usual, I like to let my students know of class opportunities. This Saturday, if you would like to learn how to fuse or work on a fusing project that you have already started, I will be open for classes from 10am-2pm after my free mosaic class at 9.

Enjoy your surroundings and remember how they make you feel. You may want to put it into glass one day!

Misc. - Yesterday, Lead Free Solder, Mosaic Class...

What a day yesterday! I was glued to the tv. If only a fraction of the expectations of this new presidency can be accomplished, how exciting that will be.

My FREE mosaic class for this Saturday from 9am-10am will be followed by class times ranging from 2-4 hours for those interested in glass classes of any kind. For those coming for my FREE class, we will either be working on Tara, my mannequin that has already been partially completed with a Breast Cancer theme, or a new mannequin idea called, "First Ladies". I'm kind of excited about this so if you do come, please bring ideas with you. If you don't have any ideas, that's ok, I have plenty for both of us. And, mosaic glass is FREE also. I have a lot to get rid of. It is sorted by colors already. Take the whole box and it's FREE. Pick a piece here and there and it's only 50cents a pound. I really would like to get rid of it. This is also great for 4H groups, church groups, schools, etc. So... pass the word.

Solder - I have made a concerted effort to use only lead free solder. Green is the buzz word of today and I have been toying with this idea for a long time. For those of you who do stained glass... you know it is more difficult to work with, does not take well to patina, and does not polish up as easily as it's leaded competitor. That said, it can be done. Workng with lead free solder is better for you and our environment.

I have contacted the manufacturer of the solder I use most often, Canfield, and asked them for their input. On their web site I read that you may have to try different fluxes, play with temperature, etc. When I hear back from them I will let you know what I hear. If you have suggestions along the lead free solder line, let us know. For some technical information from their site, go to: http://www.canfieldmetals.com/stained_glass.htm .

Enjoy the day! Pat

Crowds of 1 to 2 million expected at inauguration

Originally I wanted to post some information about my classes on Saturday, but I couldn't help but get excited about today. No matter where you stand on the issue of who won this presidency, you can't help be realize what a historical event it is.

I was told the Tecumseh Center for the Arts, in my home town, was hosting an event for people to watch the inaugurtion. So, when I got online, I found several events in our area. Here is the information for the TCA that came from the Daily Telegram web site. Here is the link for other sites: http://www.lenconnect.com/news/x497788232/Inauguration-viewing-sites-planned : The public is welcome to watch the inauguration on the big screen at the Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 400 N. Maumee St. The open house-style event, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., is free. Cowboys Grill will offer an inaugural lunch menu. Reservations are needed, and can be obtained by calling the TCA at 423-6617. I am going to do my best to make it there.

I would love to hear how you are planning to spend the day!

Pat

OF NOTE: By the way, be sure to check my web site. My free mosaic class and other classes are posted there. It is Saturday, so don't wait. My plan was to work on my mosaic mannequin, Tara. Maybe going to the inauguration event will push me into a different direction on Saturday.

Birdhouse by Toni Herrick

Product Information: Birdhouse by Toni Herrick. This birdhouse is part of the Flights of Fancy Art Auction to benefit the Tecumseh Center for the Arts. This auction features the work of local visual artists and will culminate in a swanky party at the Tecumseh Country Club on September 13, 2008.

I was looking for information on Toni Herrick and found this photo of her donation for the TCA Auction. It is a wonderful, fun, and colorful piece that I thought you would enjoy seeing!

CLASS IDEAS: Don't forget to check my web site for upcoming classes... pre-registration required for all of them. Open shop time, free classes, and glass classes of all kinds are coming up quickly.

Maya Angelou, Letter To My Daughter

Letter to My Daughter: Dedicated to the daughter she never had but sees all around her, Letter to My Daughter reveals Maya Angelou’s path to living well and living a life with meaning. Told in her own inimitable style, this book transcends genres and categories: guidebook, memoir, poetry, and pure delight. Like the rest of her remarkable work, Letter to My Daughter entertains and teaches; it is a book to cherish, savor, re-read, and share.

http://www.mayaangelou.com/AngelouBooks.html

This is a wonderful web link to Maya Angelou's new book, Letter To My Daughter. For those of you who know me, I love to hear her talk and read her books. On the web link above is a link to her UTube introduction the the book posted here. I have read it, and when I do, I can hear her voice reading to me. It is a wonderful experience. For those of you who would like to hear a beautiful woman give her outlook on life, her experiences, and the gift of her unforgettable voice, click on the link... read the book... let me know what you think.

A couple of years back I got tickets to see Maya with a friend in Detroit. They were upper balcony seats worth about $20. The usher said, "Your seats are broken, can I offer you another?". We followed her down, down, down, down, all the way to the 2nd row on the main floor right in the center. It was an experience I will never forget. I am anxious to hear your responses. I do have an extra book. If you are in the vacinity of my Tecumseh, MI studio, I would gladly lend it to you!

Pat

SOLDER CLUB - 40% OFF SOLDER

~SOLDER CLUB Membership: 40% Off Solder (plus shipping if necessary). Today, that would mean 60/40 solder normally $14/lb. would be $8.40 & lead free solder normally $36/lb. would be $21.60. (2# minimum with each order).
~15% DISCOUNT CARD (excluding kilns and large equipment)
~$10 OFF Chicago Electric Heat Gun (Normally $31.95) upon membership signup.
Good for use with No Days Fusing Adhesive, and No Days Mosaic Adhesive.
~FREE No Days Fusing Adhesive Sample with purchase of heat gun.
~FREE No Days Glaze Sample with purchase of heat gun.
~FREE SHIPPING on first order.
~GIFT ENTRY valued at $150+. This quarters gift includes : 1# 60/40 solder ($14), 1# lead free solder ($36), Bevel cluster ($38.75), Melted glass bottle ($20.00), Round fused glass piece ($30), Roll of 3/8” copper foil ($17.35). Drawings from solder club member list on the 1st of May, Aug., Nov., Feb.
~ADVISE via email… priceless. Ask questions about projects your working on, considering, have seen, etc.
~SEE STORE FOR DETAILS.

SIGN UP AT THE STUDIO SALE TODAY FROM 9AM-3PM.

Check out this short UTube site on soldering stained glass: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7NBCNY1Tck .

Forever Cherished Productions

Forever Cherished Video Productions is a company owned by my niece Shelby and her fiance Aaron.

This information about their business was taken directly from their web site and a link to their site can be found here as well. Check it out and refer them to your family and friends!

Experience: Aaron Mayberry graduated from Full Sail University earning a degree in Film and Video production. Since then, in addition to countless weddings he has worked on many different projects, ranging from short films to commercials and feature films, doing everything from camera operating to directing and co-producing. He was also a member of the Fox 66 news department in Flint, Michigan.

Located: Based out of Metro Detroit, Forever Cherished serves all of Michigan and surrounding Great Lakes States.

Equipment: We offer both standard definition(SD) and high definition(HD) camera packages. We also use wireless lavs, which are tiny microphones that will be invisible, and allow for great audio during the ceremony so that none of those special words you've exchanged will be forgotten.

We use the latest versions of all the top software, including Avid Media Composer, After Effects CS3, Adobe Encore CS3, and more! We also have a vast array of wedding music to score your wedding day!

The Difference: We want to prove to you that both our professionalism and artistic-creativity will make the difference. We know that this is a once in a lifetime moment for you, and we want to help you cherish it, forever!

http://www.forevercherishedproductions.com/index.html

For Sale - Used Inland DB 100

Saturday from 9am-3pm I will be having a glass sale and give away in my Tecumseh studio. One of the items for sale is a used Inland DB100 band saw similar to the one shown here. The photo is a newer model than the one I have. It is still in good working condition with a good blade.

Along with the saw, I have a new bevel kit still in the box. This was an item left over from my studio when I had a fire in my building. The kit is still good but the packaging was damaged.

Come by Saturday. Take home some free glass. Take advantage of my glass sale - 20% to 50% off most of the glass in stock.

While you are here, sign up for a class you have been wanting to take. Call or email me with any questions! Pat

info@picturesinglass.net 517 431-2271

Fabric Paper Doll Making Demo @ LCVA - FREE

Greg Perez wrote: "I asked Pam Velner if she could describe her demonstration this Thursday & this is what she said,.... "

"I'll be demonstrating making a fabric paper doll wall hanging with reverse applique and surface embellishments. There will be a hands-on activity using a similar fusible approach with paper and cardboard to make jointed cardboard paper dolls. I will also be talking briefly about the techniques and materials I use to create my textile and mixed media 3-D figurative sculptures."

The demonstration is free to the public and will be held at the LCVA Gallery in downtown Adrian from 6pm to 8pm. The LCVA Gallery is located at 112 W. Maumee Street, Adrian, MI.

In the weeks to come the LCVA will also give the following free demonstrations:
Wednesday, Jan 21, 7-9 pm: Paper making with Pi Benio
Thursday, Jan 29, 6-8 pm: Linocut printmaking with me, Gregg Perez

When I looked up "Fabric Paper Doll" on the internet, this was the only photo I could find. I found it at the link below and it is available on etsay: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_8&listing_id=16673810 . I am anxious to see what an artist does with a fabric paper doll.


SALE: Don't forget my glass sale this Saturday from 9am-3pm. Free Glass & Discounted Glass 20%-50%.

Michigan Stained Glass Census - Window of the Month

January, 2009 Window of the Month

River Terrace Church was organized in 1934 under the name of First Christian Reformed Church of Lansing. In 1969 the congregation moved from its first building in central Lansing to its present home in East Lansing, located across from the MSU campus. Designed in a contemporary style by architect Dan Vos of Ada, MI, the building is situated on the banks of the Red Cedar River. The name of the church was changed in 1978 to River Terrace Church. In 1997 a major addition, designed by Mike Mayotte of Mayotte Group Architects in Lansing, MI, provided needed space for classrooms, nursery, gym, gathering place and offices. The church will observe the seventy-fifth anniversary of its founding in 2009.The location of the church beside the Red Cedar River influenced the theme of its sanctuary windows, “The Flow of God’s Spirit.” Designed by Robert Johnson and fabricated in 2000 by Conrad Schmitt Studios of New Berlin, WI, five adjacent windows represent the Spirit of God as a flowing and life-renewing river. The central window holds images of the sun and moon, together with a dove and a rainbow, symbols of the Holy Spirit; other images in the windows suggest stars and falling rain. The theme of the windows is based also on scriptural passages that refer to the healing powers of a spiritual river. (Jeremiah 17:7-8; Ezekiel 47:9).Conrad Schmitt Studios, founded by Conrad Schmitt at Milwaukee in 1889, has been directed by three generations of the Gruenke family since 1951. Designer Robert Johnson has been with the studio for over fifty years.

This information was taken from the web site: http://museum.msu.edu/museum/msgc/jan09.html . Visit the site monthly to view a new Window of the Month, see if your church or glass is listed, or ask questions. Click on this web link for a full article and photo of the installation.

If you would like more information about the Michigan Stained Glass Census, feel free to call Pat Deere at Pictures In Glass and she will answer your question or forward the information on.

The Log Furniture Division

While visiting my studio be sure to lake a look at our new log furniture line. My studio features many of the products we carry and our brochures show the full product line. To give this area of my business a jump start, I am offering 20% discounts and no shipping during January. This furniture, although beautiful in the catalogue, has to been seen to appreciate the quality of each piece. I am currently designing glass inserts for the log coffee table and one of a kind lamp shades for the table and floor lamps. Come by and take a sneak peak!

The rocker shown here, has to be one of the most comfortable rockers I have ever sat in. And, I am a rocking chair collector. Whether you are a large person or a child, your body fits like a glove and it has a very smooth motion. I do have one of the rockers available for viewing if you would like to try it out before you order your own. Like my custom glass work, the fabric for your furniture is chosen to fit your needs from a large selection of designs and textures.

Delivery goes directly to you from the manufacturer and I have found them to not only be quality builders, but very competent business professionals as well. You will find the experience of purchasing log furniture very enjoyable!

Our web site is still in the process of being built for this furniture, but a full product brochure can be mailed to you by contacting Pictures In Glass through our web site or by calling 517 431-2271.

Glass Sale & Give Away

GLASS & SUPPLY SALE:

Saturday 1/17/09 9am-3pm

I have accumulated, over the years, a fairly large supply of tools and equipment.  Some of it is new and some used.  It is taking up much needed space in my studio and I would like it to be put to good use.  Therefore, I am selling - at a very good price - a lot of old glass (which never goes old), and tools.  What is left after the sale may be purchased during regular hours.  Email Pat at info@PicturesInGlass.net for after the sale details.  Some of what I have includes: Inland DB100 Band Saw (used), Lamp Bases (used and new), Beveling Kit for Inland Grinder (New), Bevel Clusters (New), Glass 20-50% Off (Some exceptions).

Lead Free Solder Give Away ($30+ value - Details In Store)

GLASS GIVE AWAY - Same day & time

Yes, that is right.  I am giving away my scrap glass.  Most of this is glass that is left over from custom projects I have completed over the years.  The scrap, for the most part, will be boxes of pieces that are less than 1/2 square foot.  We have them sorted by color and because I am giving it away for free... I only ask that if you take the scrap, please take the whole box.  Taking a piece or two out of different boxes is ok, but we will charge 50cents a pound for the inconvenience.  This glass is good for mosaic work and small projects - or larger panels that are made up of a lot of colorful pieces.  I have a lot of it ... bring a box to transfer it into if you have one.

I often have free glass available to schools, 4-H Groups, etc.  If you have a need for your organization, contact Pat for more information.

CLASSES:  Visit my web page to find more information about my next free classes scheduled in January.  http://www.PicturesInGlass.net/classes 

Web Site Update - Class Info

My web site was updated and new class dates are posted. I will be offering during January and February, once a month Saturday classes (for all areas of glass), free stained glass and mosaic classes, open shop time on Thursdays, beginning stained glass classes on Thursdays...

Shown in this photo is a past student working on glass bead making techniques using a hot head torch and MAPP gas. This is a very portable type of set up and takes up very little space. Watch for free bead making sessions in the future.

Hog Creek Craft & Antique Mall Update

These fun little pieces make great gifts. I like to use pieces of glass I find around my studio... often fused glass scraps, fused glass glasses or bottles, painted inspirational words, and anything else to make it an unusual and interesting piece of art.

This one is about 8.5"x11" with the inscription, "Inspire" painted in kiln fired glass paints. It has a combination of blue iridized glass, clear glass, iridized glass globs, and is framed in copper wire.

You won't find another like it. Many of the pieces I display at Hog Creek Craft and Antique mall are "one of a kind", made in a variety of glass colors and textures, and most are embellished with inspirational words or quotes.

This piece is only $35.00. My post card size pieces come complete with a gift bag, note card you can personalize, and tissue paper. Those pieces along with the glass is only $25.00. There is a series of them available at Hog Creek now, ready for Valentines Day, or any other special occasion.

There is also an assortment available at my Tecumseh studio, and be sure to check out my web site for gifts available for sale via the web.

Pat Deere