A Gallery Glass Toast--to Mary's Talent

 

Occasionally, our blog brings us together through another person. Mary's husband emailed me looking for colors that have been discontinued and we were able to hear of Mary's wonderful business and infinite talent. Here is her story and some of her stunning work. Her work will be an inspiration to you--to follow your heart!

Mary received her Master of Education Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, and had planned to make a career of teaching. However, after several years of teaching, the artist in her wanted to be unleashed. She originally started with craftwork; hand-painting t-shirts, and making seasonal craft baskets. During a farmers' market, on the Northern Neck of Virginia, she saw someone hand-painting "sunset" windows, and thought, "I can do that." She started not only hand-painting sunset windows, but also wineglasses, cocktail glasses, and even martini glasses, all with her "signature" blue crab design. She now has increased her artistic repertoire to include striped bass, mahi-mahi, flounder, ospreys and snowy egrets.

A short time ago, she an her husband were coming back from a 2 day even, Arts in the Park (in Richmond), and they encountered 5 peacocks coming across a four lane highway. They literally had to stop their vehicle, to allow the peacocks to stroll across the highway. Because of that impromptu inspiration, Mary started painting peacock ice tea pitchers. And was also inspired to create  Peacock window.

 

 Mary shares this comment, "Many customers have asked me what I use (for the artwork) and I always tell them about Gallery Glass paint. They have even asked why I don't use the glass paint that you bake on. Other paints have an acrylic look--they don't have a 'stained glass' look. I would much rather sell a glass that has to be hand washed because of the beautiful stained glass effect, than switch to one that is dishwasher safe and has the flat acrylic look."