Newton Falls – “Take your passion and make it happen.” We Older-Than-Millennials remember that as a line from a song popular in the 80s, What a Feeling from Flash Dance. This line comes to mind when one meets Ron Stoner, who is opening a stained-glass studio, The Glass Act. Ron truly embodies that line.
Ron is a long-time member of the Newton Falls community. He has been actively volunteering his time in several ways. All-around helper with Heritage Accord’s efforts at the Newton Falls Community Center, mows lawns for some neighbors, and volunteers at St. Ambrose Church. And now he is building a business, right here on Broad Street, Newton Falls.
The Stained-Glass portion of Ron’s story has many parts. He began taking a class in Newton Falls in 1980. Over the years, he gained more and more skill, and collected more and more supplies. This became his winter hobby. In his home workshop, he created many unique and beautiful gifts. He knew a local artist, Joe Leonard, from Saint Ambrose Church. Joe already had a successful studio in the Garrettsville area. Ron began holding classes there, starting with one night a week. Classes consisted of 4 to 5 people, allowing for a lot of one-on-one instruction. Many students would come back for another round, and another. Soon, he was leading classes two nights a week, then three.
Weekly classes were held for two hours, for four weeks. For the first project, students chose from a few patterns of sun catchers. Projects became more complex as students returned for more classes.
As Ron’s classes became larger and more frequent, he realized he was outgrowing his spot at Joe’s studio. The hunt was on, for a larger place of his own. Being a tried-and-true Newtonian, he was looking for a place closer to home. Newton Falls delivered!
Ron has rented the store front at 30 West Broad Street downtown. He is close to several unique stores; Healthy Treasures, Fairview Acres Mercantile, The Church Mouse, Benson’s BS and Collectibles, and more, as well as some great restaurants. His business boasts 1500 square feet and, now that renovations are completed, seats up to 18 people. Despite the size, Ron prefers to limit classes to 5 or 6. Classes follow a basic plan, with plenty of room for individualization. During the first class, usually after some discussion, the student chooses his/her project from about 12 patterns and picks the colors. Then, learn the basics. Ron has found that many students have some apprehension at first, but they all leave happy. During the second class, the student learns to cut and grind the glass and the technique of copperfoil. The third session is usually continuing the foil and soldering. The fourth week is adding the finishing touches. Ron is happy to make special arrangements to be sure to finish up. To date, no one has left unhappy.
In the years that he has been teaching, he has become friends with many of his students. In turn, they come back to do more projects. His students are excited about his new location. For some, it is closer to home. With Newton Fall’s lovely downtown, it is easy to make a day or evening of it! They have been quite supportive of the move and can’t wait to begin classes there.
Many community members and students visited his studio during the Open House. While enjoying the spread of refreshments, Ethel had the chance to poke her nose around, and mingle with other guests. While enjoying the crisp, organized yet homey atmosphere, she was able to talk with some repeat customers as they were signing up their group of 6 friends, (that’s a whole class right there!) for May classes. One could tell that Sherry and Barb are long-time friends, and enjoyable to hang with. During our conversations, they had nothing but good things to say about Ron and the classes they take. Sherry loves the way Ron can bring out the artist in you, even if you didn’t realize it exists! Barb has stated that she will follow Ron, wherever he teaches. Such loyalty seems well-deserved!
Glass Act, Stained Glass and Art Studio is now open. Ron and life partner Andrea Grunder enjoyed a soft opening on Saturday, April 15. Along with space comfortable for 6+ students, he is sure to include a table designed to be accessible to those with disabilities. He also maintains a workspace for his artistic grandson! He is looking for sign-ups for day and evening classes. Andrea is planning classes in painting, crafts and Paint and Sip style classes (with no sip,) through her business, Faith of Our Fathers Christian Crafting. Andrea’s crafting classes top out at 12.
Already his classes are filling up. He will be teaching Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Saturday only has a few spots left. He is booking the next 4-week sessions, starting May 15. Andrea is leading a wreath-making class on April 25, with only a few spots left.
There is also room for other artists to share their knowledge. They are seeking artisans to rent the studio for classes in painting, crocheting, woodcarving, jewelry, floral arrangement…anything you would wish to share. The studio can also be rented for meetings, groups, etc.
As you talk with Ron and Andrea, you can see the excitement and passion they hold for this shop. Many hours have gone into getting it just right. Ron was introduced to this life-long hobby many years ago, and it has brought him many years of fun and creativity, not to mention unique gifts for friends and family. He hopes to Pay It Forward and bring some of that joy to others. Interested in a class? Email Ron at RonStoner@aol.com, or call (330)883-0906. He will get right back to you! Check him out on Facebook and give him a like at Glass Act Stained Glass and Art Studio. There you can see many of the projects he led, as well as progress on the store.
