I cannot remember when I didn't have pleasure (sometimes angst) with making things. I spent so many hours alone creating something. Professionally, I cast precious and semiprecious metals and built porcelain teeth in a dental laboratory. I think a more free sort of creativity was what prompted me to sign up for a basic stained glass class. Metal and glass; what could be more interesting? That was twenty-five years ago."
"I really liked the process and most times the result. I did it as often as possible eventually being encouraged to set up a table at local crafts shows in Chester County Pennsylvania. Gradually I was asked to make panels and transoms for clients. My last commission in Pennsylvania before moving to Vermont was a commemorative medallion for a church in Philadelphia. For the first years in Vermont I put glass work on hold. Eventually I made Moravian stars (or as I like to call them now that we live near the 45th parallel; North Stars ). Scheffler Stained Glass has grown slowly and quietly within the parameters which I have set for it. Because I work all areas of the business, I work at a pace which suits all other aspects of my life—a key principal for me and one which I am grateful for."
"At the heart of teaching, I think, is wanting to share what one enjoys for at least two reasons. First, giving knowledge of something always contains the possibility of adding to your circle people who are as excited about this thing as you are. Second, teaching encourages growth in others, but especially in oneself. I shared what I knew with a homeschool co-operative for four years and I know it was a cherished experience for me, and I think it was enriching for many of the kids as well."
"I am fortunate to live in an eclectic resort town. A well known artist opened a gallery and studio in a barn on his property and was looking for local artists to show their work with his. I had done a window for a friend and completed an historic representation of a window for the town of Fairfield's new Chester A. Arthur room in Fairfield's town building, but didn't necessarily consider myself an artist. But the Red Barn Studio and Gallery represented a road that diverged in this Northern Wood and I was encouraged to walk this 'artist' road ever since. I am currently a member of the Artists in Residence Gallery located in Enosburg Falls Vermont. 2010 marks my fourth year. This past year and into the spring of 2010 we completed a community arts project involving more than forty town folk, culminating in a lovely book which featured each person's story, a photograph of them, and an art piece that was inspired by them. I was a very glad participant. In Montgomery we hold an 'Arts for the Park' art auction and dinner to raise money for the recreation center in town. It's been much fun to donate to the cause for many years."
"I hope that I can continue to create stained glass works of art for the pleasure it brings my clients and therefore, myself. I have and hope to grow continually and in the tradition of telling stories through this art form; that something which speaks of the Ultimate Creator will be illuminated, and so cause wonder, awe, and beauty."
Karen Scheffler
Artist, Owner