What a great year it has been for the Glass Act Stained Glass and Art Studio. Just last year, owner and artist Ron Stoner was looking for his own location, someplace he could modify to fit his unique vision. Lots of room, charming building, lots of parking, a place to socialize as well as to learn a craft.
His one-year anniversary has just passed, and he is quite happy with the growth. He is continuing to add more classes, does repairs and commissions and encourages other area artists through consignments. He is most proud to have created a safe environment for all. There are disabled-accessible workspaces at each table, the restroom is fully accessible, and the entry has no steps. The door is wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair.
He currently supports 7 artists through displaying their work, renting out the studio for classes, and supportive advertising. Along with his own creations, one can view and purchase work by: Jennifer Love, from Newton Falls. Her medium is copper-wire jewelry, also prints and paintings.; Michelle Jones from Southington, her work includes centerpieces, headstone saddles, cemetery vases and wreathes.; Pat Koeler, from Newton Falls, displaying crochet pieces.; Ted Balzer, from Newton Falls, also displaying wreathes.; Chris Drake, leading classes in creating Pysanki Eggs; Andrea Grinder, from Newton Falls, leading Christian Craft nights.; Mitty’s Pallet, company name for Mitchel Harmon, from Stow. Mitchel leads classes inspired by Bob Ross.
As I was speaking with Ron, he was busy adding copper to the pieces of his next masterpiece, which is a commissioned window. Seeing my curiosity, he shared the process with me. Copy the pattern, or create it in his case, cut the pieces, grind the edges smooth, apply the copper foil around each piece, then solder. As repetitive as it seemed to me, it was also mesmerizing. I know I couldn’t keep up a conversation and do this!
In March, he was up to 21 students, and it looks like he will have even more in April.
April 8th was a special day not only for Glass Act, but all of Newton Falls. To celebrate the Eclipse, Newton Falls had a party! The streets were blocked off, vendors were out, music was piped around downtown, and they all witnessed the splendor of Totality together. Business was booming for Glass Act and most of the other stores in the area. Ron has a special Eclipse Sun Catcher created just for the occasion. Many vendors were offering commemorative key rings. People came from many states!
Though this is his first year in Newton Falls, Ron has been teaching for longer. One of his long-term students, Linda Adams, shared her Stained Glass ‘journey.’ She took her first class with Ron, when he was teaching at another studio. Knowing that she was disabled and introverted, her sister encouraged her to take a class. Just something to get out of the house, maybe start a hobby. This changed everything for her.
She is very aware of the tendency of people to stare at her disability. Immediately, she knew that Ron ‘sees past her disability.’ He made it easy for her to learn and grow as an artist. She recalled her first class, she was so afraid of breaking the glass! She signed up for a second ‘Beginner’s Class,’ then she was hooked. She has been doing it for three years this April. When Ron moved to his current location, she was afraid that she would be losing her teacher. But she decided he was worth the drive.
Her first project was a butterfly. It perches in a stand and is back lit. Currently she is working on a woodpecker. Other projects include a Santa Face, Chief Wahoo, Victorian Window which she is making into a shadow box. She even did a Youngstown State Penguin as a graduation present. Her favorite project was a lamp. It was also her hardest project. It fell apart 3 times. Finally, they put brass wires behind the 6 panels and it held.
If you are thinking of signing up, she has these words of encouragement for you.
Give it a try! Take a few classes before you invest. (Remember, the supplies are included in Ron’s classes.) You learn something new with each project.
Stop by Glass Act, at 30 West Broad. The hours are flexible due to the class schedule, so be sure to call Ron before you stop by. (330)360-3294. Like Linda Adams, it could be the start of something great!
