Steider changes course with glass

She notes, "...man! Melting glass with that torch was cool. I knew it was for me and I wanted to do more!"

In the following years Steider spent all the time she could studying the art form, primarily at Bullseye Glass Studio in Portland. She then established Steider Studio where she designed and completed her own creations.

She notes, "Glass is an amazing and versatile medium. If you can think of it, you can make it out of glass."

Her pieces range from functional, to jewelry and personal adornment, to imagery. Almost always her designs begin with a sketch to work out the problems ahead of time. After applying a bit of math, design and science, she moves on to the new creation. Her pieces are inspired by nature, color, and the possibilities of the medium itself.

After establishing her own studio, Steider's vision led her to teaching the craft to others. She has set up a teaching studio for beginners and more advanced students.

"Whether it is teaching adults or kids, I love seeing the excitement in their eyes when they discover the possibilities of creative expression opening up to them."

She notes that what she stresses most in all her classes is to have fun as you learn the art. Her expanded studio offers new services to the glass community including kiln rental and the retailing of glass supplies.

In March she will be teaching at the National Glass Craft and Bead Expo in Las Vegas. Her area of expertise will include the French technique known as pate de rere, a method where glass powders are made into a paste and sculpted.

Her creations are available locally in the Gorge at Sticks and Stones in White Salmon, Columbia Art Gallery in Hood River, and The Dalles Art Center. In Portland her work may be seen at Natural Spaces and Fireborn Gallery.

Steider's big event for 2007 is launching the first annual Morning Sun & Steider Studios Glass Showcase during the Blossom Festival in Hood River.

This event will feature almost every kind of glass including torch, fused, blown, and cast work.

In the immediate future she is teaching a glass course for beginners and those with some experience. For more information call (509) 493-1974 or e-mail steider@gorge.net.