"Everyday Heroes"

 "Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."                                      

                                                                                           Leo Buscaglia

We all know an "Everyday Hero", someone who consistently shows in big or small ways how much they care. It might be a school teacher, babysitter, grandma, or neighbor. It might be someone you know or someone who just passes through your day never to be seen again. Everyday heroes know that small things matter. They know a kind word or a smile can go a long way.  

I met an "Everyday Hero" this week. His name is Scooter. He stopped into the Fusionglass Co. gallery to ask for directions to a local costume store Gypsy Treasures. I knew exactly where it was and directed him with visual clues included.  

"Look for a baseball field on the right" I said... "a big red building on the left..."  

He thanked me profusely for the visual clues and I said "I'm an artist, that's how I see things". 

He said "You're an artist! me too!"  he then proceeded to dig around in his backpack and pulled out a bunch of balloons and a little pump. He asked me my favorite color (green), and while he fashioned me this lovely green flower he told me a little about himself.

He was on his way to the costume store to buy more balloons. He took up balloon art years ago after suffering a brain injury during a motorbike accident. He said the visual clues I gave  him using color and shape would really help. He rides around on a scooter (and hence the nickname) and when he sees someone sad or mad or in need of a smile, he makes them a balloon gift!  Scooter knows it's the little things that count. I was so glad to meet him and as I thanked him I told him he had made my day!

If you live in my neighborhood and happen to meet Scooter or see him riding along, give him a wave and a smile, I know it will make his day!

I'm writing this blog a week before "Valentines" day and know it can be an especially hard time for many people. As any holiday can. The focus on couples and being part of something can leave many people feeling discarded and uncared for. Which is sad for a holiday about making people feel special and loved.

"They" say that doing something for 21 days in a row makes it a habit. So we have just enough time left in the month of February to form a new habit. 

I am going to concentrate of letting people know I care. For the next 21 days (I don't plan to stop after 21 days) I will focus on doing at least one nice "unexpected" thing for someone.

There are all kinds of free or inexpensive ways to show someone you care.

 One of my favorites is to share a beautiful

  inspirational quote.   

Dropped into a colleagues inbox on a busy day it can be uplifting and re-energizing 

or 

Inspiration on a note tucked under the wiper-blades instead of the usual junk you find there! 

How about bringing in the garbage cans for a neighbor. This is one I especially appreciate!

 

Do you know an "Everyday Hero"?

Just use this link to email your nomination to us at Fusionglass Co. Please include one paragraph on why you think your nominee is an "Everyday Hero". Only nominations received before midnight on Feb 26th 2015 will be considered.

On Saturday February 28th we'll announce our winner on Facebook.
The winner & the person who nominated them will each receive a beautiful fused glass heart pendant created by one of our Fusionglass Co. artists. Right from our Heart to yours!

 The photos below include my very own "Everyday Heroes"  I am lucky to be surrounded by wonderful giving loving people. Thank you all for your support and love, It sure makes life grander to know you!

 

"Take pART" Donated Art Supplies and Tools Sale!

"Take pART"  

   "Creativity is Contagious, pass it on" Albert Einstein

Fusionglass Co's Mobile Glass Class.

Donate ART & CRAFTS supplies and tools you are not using or have outgrown & you'll be helping us get our "Take pART" program into local schools.

The program was developed in direct response to the many conversations we've had with teachers when they visit the Fusionglass Co. gallery. They often mention how much the kids love our classes, and lament the fact that there is little or no money for field trips to allow more kids to experience the joy of creating with this wonderful medium.

We decided to look for a way that would allow us to bring the experience of glassworking right into the classrooms. After some research and playing around with different ways of transporting the projects, we have found something that works beautifully.

Patz Crisler

 We offer reduced price classes to local schools, Girl and Boy Scouts and Church groups,
and bring everything they need to create gorgeous glass art right into the classroom.

New instructor Patz Crisler is excited to be involved with the program. Her delightful personality and creativity are a huge addition to the kids experience! Patz is looking for bookings so if you're interested in having us visit YOUR kids school, please email info@fusionglassco.com for more information.



Our event on December 13th 2014 is from noon to 3pm.

This is a great reason to clean out your closet, garage or studio and get those unwanted supplies into the hands of someone who will use them! 

Attend the event and you might even bring home treasures instead! 

We'll be keeping most items to just $1.00!
With a $2.00 charge at the door. Unless you've donated something.

Last year many teachers we know took great delight in adding supplies to their classrooms! Using their own money! This is another reason we love to keep things priced at only $1.

If you'd like to donate something:

Please Drop off donations before Dec 12^th 

at the Fusionglass Co. Gallery & Studio

in La Mesa, any Monday to Saturday

between the hours of 11am and 4pm

Or call the gallery at 619-461-4440 to make special arrangements.
We can even arrange to have something picked up.

Drawing, Painting, Clay, Pottery, Knitting, weaving, collage items, sewing, photography, mosaics, jewelry making, beading, fabric arts, stain glass, and any other hobby you can think of

SATURDAY December 13th

we will open our doors from noon to 3pm for the special sale.

So come early & bring friends! 

We love seeing the result of working directly with kids, their huge smiles when they see a completed project is enough to make your heart sing! They are developing a love and appreciation of art and the art of creating and experience the artistic process. We are constantly amazed by their resourcefulness and ability to understand concepts.

Artist Jackie Murphy joins the Fusionglass Co team of instructors.

 We're really delighted to welcome fusionglass co friend and talented local artist Jackie Murphy as a new instructor to the FGC team. Jackie has been taking classes with us for about 4 years now. She is a talented clay artist and has developed a deep love for glass working.

 

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. When she was young girl, Jackie and her family moved to

Moab, Utah where they spent their weekends exploring the beautiful mountains and deserts.

Eventually, her family settled in the Missoula, Montana area, 30 miles out of town and surrounded

by beauty and wildlife. In her mid-20's she decided she had grown tired of the long, cold, snowy

winters and moved to Hawaii. 

 

She met her husband, Doug, in Hawaii and they moved to El

Cajon, CA in 1992. After spending 20 years developing software and doing computer consulting,

she decided to retire and devote her time to her art.

Jackie learned stained glass in 1989, and learned ceramics in 2011, and took her first fused

glass class in March of 2012 (at Fusionglass Co.). Once bitten by the fusing bug, and wanting

more control over her ceramics, she and her husband built a studio on their property, and she

started buying kilns.

 

Jackie’s art reflects who she is, and where she has been in life. Some things show her Montana

roots, love of mountains, and passion for professional bull riding. Other things reflect her years in

Hawaii with its lush vegetation and colorful sea life.

 
 In addition to working in her art studio, Jackie was recently invited to instruct at Fusionglass Co's Ladies Night Out fused glass classes. Where she has had perfect attendance since coming to her first class. Jackie has been assisting with the classes for the past year and we're delighted to have her on board officially as an instructor!  

 

View more of Jackie's art at Glazed and Kilnfused