Glassblowing experiences available through July (book in advance on our website)
​Free glassblowing demos on Saturdays​
​​Purple Shack Makers Gallery sells the work of 20 local and regional artists.
​​​Glassblowing Experiences available Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings through July.
Meet the Artists
​The Purple Shack Makers Gallery features 20 local, regional, and visiting artists
from Fredericksburg and beyond. Meet them below!
Melvillyn Adame
Melvillyn Adame's beautiful jewelry and beads are hand-crafted in Spring Branch, TX. She melts glass rods to make wearable art by a specialized type of glassblowing called lamp work. She also uses enamel to coat or decorate a metallic object.
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Adame started her journey of artistry with stained glass; however, after taking a bead-making class, she fell in love with a new kind of art. She works in two media - hand-blown glass and enamel.
Sitting at her lamp-work bench, she melts glass rods onto a holder and builds up the layers of colored glass or blows glass into small bubbles to create beads and jewelry. When making an enamel piece, brass shapes are dusted with enamels and heated to adhere to the brass. After the enamel is applied, the beads are decorated with other glass dots, strings, and twister glass. All this creates fun colors and shapes for your wearing pleasure.
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Each piece can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of weeks from start to finish.
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With 20 years under her belt, Melvillyn continues doing what she loves. Come grab your favorite wearable art piece today.
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Mike Anderson
I first started making pottery in the 1970s and later taught Pottery at Penn State University Craft Center and Providence Center in Arnold, Maryland.
I believe in the unique beauty of handmade objects. When I work with clay I am taking time to appreciate the pleasure of connecting to something deeper. The pottery I make is influenced by my love of nature. Natural forms and symbols are always finding their way into my work. Much of my work is derived from living close to the sea and appreciating its beauty. My goal is to create decorative and utilitarian pieces that can be enjoyed. Simple forms that speak primarily about functionality and the intimacy gained through daily use.
For me, the life of a pot becomes complete only when it is used and appreciated. I get much satisfaction when people buy my work and later return to tell me how much they enjoy having it in their home.
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Find Mike on Instagram @makingmud.
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Kevin Baker - Visiting Glassblower
GLASSBLOWING: DANCING WITH A PARTNER WHO'S TOO HOT TO TOUCH!
I’m Kevin Baker and my passion is glassblowing, an art that involves techniques and tools unchanged since their invention in Renaissance Italy.
Since 2005 I have been experiencing the exhilaration of glassblowing at San Diego’s Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park. I believe that all arts are essentially performance arts. It is the act of creation, experimentation, and interaction with a medium that is the art. Some arts are inherently transitory, like dance. Others, like glassblowing, are focused on producing a physical object. The art of coaxing molten glass into desired shape is a dance with a partner who is too hot to touch. The process is difficult and uncertain, but the reward is the birth of a luminescent offspring of fire which serves as a beautiful record of its creation.
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You can find Kevin in San Diego, CA, and at www.kbartglass.com and on Instagram at @kbartglass.​
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Susan Baker
I have at Bachelors in Theatre from Texas Woman's University and an MFA in Scenic Design for Theatre, Television and Film from San Diego State University. I spent many years as a set designer, scenic artist and as a mural artist in residential and commercial spaces.
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I have been sewing my whole life and started experimenting with quilting just as a hobby. I quickly became fascinated with the idea that I could take these traditional techniques and, similar to painting, create works of beautiful art. After several years of working with this medium, I went through the jury process and was accepted into Spanish Village Art Center (SVAC) in San Diego, CA. Kevin Baker and I are not related, but we did show our work in the same art gallery in SVAC, and I was honored to be a part of the arts village for almost 5 years before moving back to Texas. I live in Hondo and recently opened The Art Space 830.
I am currently participating in art shows, increasing my online presence and showing my work in the Carriage House Gallery in Boerne, TX and the Purple Shack Makers Gallery in Fredericksburg, TX. I’m excited to have my work showing in the beautiful Texas hill country, which has become a new love of mine. I'm also in the process of creating online courses for people interested in learning my techniques and finding their voice through this form of fiber arts.
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Find Susan on Facebook & Instagram @SusanBakerArts and her website www.susanbakerarts.com.
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Karen Bodiford
I’m a native Texan, born in Columbus, and an Austinite since 1986. I’ve dabbled in some sort of creative outlet most of my life starting with art lessons at a young age and later in photography, watercolors and at one time, embellishing children’s purses for a gift shop.
An interest in mosaic art was sparked during a neighborhood beautification project that began in October 2018 and was installed on a concrete bridge a year later. I walk the half mile to it frequently to reminisce over the beautiful work a bunch of strangers brought to the community. During that year I took a mosaic jewelry class taught by our project mentor and was immediately hooked! In April of 2020, Quirky Violet Mosaics was born when I decided to transfer the chaos of the world into a more pleasing format, blending a medley of stained glass, broken china, glass and ceramic tiles, semi-precious stones and a bit of whimsy to create one of a kind, quirky, wearable art.
If you’re looking for jewelry a little off the beaten path, you’ve come to the right place. Find Karen on Instagram @quirkyvioletmosaics and Facebook at QVMjewels.
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Cindy Cherrington
Cindy's fused glass art celebrates color, form, and texture that absorb and reflect light. She works with cut, crushed, and powdered compatible glass in multiple layers to create depth and dimension.
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Glass might seem to be a cold, rigid medium to work in, she says that with skill and practice it can be manipulated with flowing layers and firing in a kiln between those layers. She uses techniques like a painter, but her art is created without the use of any paint, just glass.
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Her inspiration comes from nature, in particular her move to the Hill Country from Houston.
"The cement roads and closely stacked buildings of a big city diminish what nature provides all around us," said Cindy. "Moving to Fredericksburg, where there are fields and fields of wildflowers and trees, has opened my eyes to so much beauty that God has provided. You can see this inspiration in the detail of my pieces."
More information about Cindy is on her website at www.ccartglass.com, Facebook @cindy.cherrington.1, and Instagram @ccartglass.​
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Kelly Garry
One of the biggest influences of art in my life was my mom and living in New Mexico for over 20 years.
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The Southwest has so much to offer the art world. I fell in love with fusible glass, silversmithing, and copper enamel jewelry in New Mexico. I have had some incredible teachers along the way.
I truly believe that art and music can save lives. Being in a creative mindset sure helps me.
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I am very excited to be a part of the Purple Shack Makers Gallery. Living in Kerrville, part of the Hill Country, now is an exciting change.
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Find Kelly on Facebook @kelly.garry and Instagram @kellygarry3763.
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Kitty Hester
I’ve been making jewelry for more than 20 years. I started with beads and wire wrapping, then moved on to soldering and more advanced techniques.
This jewelry is more basic – cold connections, polymer clay, beads, etc. All my earwires are either niobium (non-allergenic) or sterling silver. The metals are sterling silver, fine silver, bronze, copper, precious metal clay, and/or steel wire.
I also make felt sculptures and hand-spun yarn.
You can find Kitty on Instagram at @katdabbles.
Callie Jo Jacks
“Photography is an art of observation. It has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.”
~ e. erwitt
Observing life through the lens of a camera has been a passion of mine for 20 years. The ability, and the opportunity, to chase beauty in the outdoor world, brings me unequivocal joy and yet, also instills a challenge.
The challenge? To be “tuned in” and observant… to notice, and really see, the small details and be willing to take risks, in order to freeze a moment in time with my camera. My studio is anywhere outdoors, all over the world, but most days, I can be found in the Hill Country of Texas.
The notecards offer an opportunity to bring that beauty to someone else’s world. A handwritten hug for someone you love - this was always my vision, and the last two years have proven that we all need that personal connection to thrive, and even to survive.
Created by God. Captured by me. That is the simple vision of my work- merely a work of gratitude to the God who made it all for us to enjoy.
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Find Callie Jo on Facebook @createdbycalliejo and Instagram @calliejo312.
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Jamie Katz - Visiting Glassblower
A highly accomplished glass artist hailing from the vibrant city of San Diego, California, Jamie’s illustrious glassblowing career spans more than two decades. He has established a profound presence in the world of glassblowing through his exceptional craftsmanship and artistic vision.
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Born with an inherent passion for the medium, Jamie began his artistic journey 20 years ago and has since become a prominent figure in the global glass art community. His dedication to the craft has led to a series of remarkable achievements and widespread recognition.
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Jamie's artistic prowess has been showcased in prestigious exhibitions both nationally and internationally, cementing his status as a visionary in the field. His captivating glass sculptures have graced the galleries of renowned art institutions, capturing the attention and admiration of art enthusiasts from around the world. With an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of glass as a medium, Jamie's creations reflect an exquisite fusion of technical expertise and artistic expression. His profound understanding of glassblowing techniques allows him to manipulate molten glass into mesmerizing forms that transcend traditional boundaries.
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Jamie obtained a Master of Fine Arts degree in glassblowing. Learn more about Jamie and follow him on Instagram: @jamiekatz.
Gene Looman
Gene loves color and his work consists of functional and decorative pieces of fiber art using fabric, thread, and various other fibers. He creates art with bright colors and it reflects a happy and joyous vibe.
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We have his cork purses and clutches, refillable journal covers, triangle bags, and bookmarks in the Purple Shack Makers Gallery.
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Gene's studio name is Looney Hues which translates to crazy colors. He keeps his art as accessible as possible by creating a broad spectrum of pieces. These range from inexpensive bookmarks to high-dollar wall fiber art.
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You can find Gene in Austin, TX, and at www.looneyhues.com, Instagram @looneyhues and Facebook @looney-hues.​
Letitia Rogers
Art represents a language and every artist tells a story. My story is to push the limits of my chosen medium: weaving. I started weaving as a personal expression of color, texture and space. With my work I want to blur the line between craft and art. Inspiration is constant in its changes. Nature, travel, history and technology; all influence what turns into fabric.
My journey with cloth began at a young age at the knee of my mother who was accomplished seamstress. Hours spent touching, seeing, and feeling fabric at the piece goods store were steps into learning the characteristics of fabric. After 50 years of making cloth, there is still so much to learn from those early days. It takes many hours to set up the loom and this allows me to adjust my designs and colors and textures.
Laura Rubenstein
The Feminine Power Cards came out of my personal experience and every time I share them, it’s uncanny that the reaction is 99% of the time a verbal, “I love these cards.” Dr. John Gray, PhD, author of Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus, was one of the first to say that out loud when I showed him the prototype deck.
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Now I live dedicated to growing conscious relationships and cultivating feminine essence for this is how I found ecstatic joy, passion, love for both myself and attracted my divine life partner and beloved husband, Kevin Baker.
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When women connect consciously to their feminine energy and love themselves deeply, humans will give up shame, blame, guilt. We will have more compassion and kindness. In fact, we will be unrecognizable in a truly extraordinary way.
If you want more harmony and peace in your soul, join me. Let’s stay connected, follow my blog, practice with the Feminine Power Cards and love more.​
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If you have questions about your current state of mind and heart, I welcome you to bring them forth so we may explore them together. I offer only my opinion and I am forever growing. Thank you in advance for your love, contribution and wonderful heart. Here’s to your joy!
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You can find Laura on Facebook and her websites.
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Keith Ruffner & Beth Wuller (Neugroove, Inc.)
Keith Ruffner wrote the children's book, Making Friends With Feelings, about his partner, Beth Wuller's, pet rabbits. The couple co-created the book and mental healthiness program.
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For the first half of his life, Keith lived a traditional lifestyle as a corporate executive. There were happy moments with his kids, but he didn’t know how to express those moments of happiness.
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In January 2020, with his children grown, he semi-retired to focus on creating a happy and fulfilled life.
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He volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate® (CASA) to help children who have experienced abuse or neglect, raised funds for BuildOn to help build a school in Nepal, and volunteered as an animal keeper aide for the Dallas Zoo.
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His new lifestyle afforded him the opportunity to take a trip to Spain and walk a portion of the Camino de Santiago, meeting the most wonderful people along the way.
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He is an avid reader of Thích Nhất Hạnh and other compassionate thought leaders.
The interpersonal connections he has experienced since semi-retirement encourage him to believe the human values displayed by the bunnies in this book can improve the world.
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Keith and Beth met in late 2018 thanks to a dating app and Diwali, a holiday known as "The Festival of Lights.” Quickly, the pair connected over shared life philosophies and by exchanging ideas about how to find happiness and sustain inner peace.
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Find Keith & Beth on Facebook at @Neugroove, Instagram @neugroove, and their website - www.Neugroove.com.
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Sarah Schroeder
My fiber journey began in 2011 in Washington State. My husband and I had a small hobby farm and started with alpacas. We quickly added Blue-faced Leicester sheep and then angora bunnies.
In 2019, we moved to Fredericksburg, Texas and I trailered my sheep along with my German angora bunnies here. The Blue-faced Leicester breed is known for next-to-your-skin wear- it is a long-wool sheep that is soft and has a luster to it. They are either white, brown or and oatmeal color.
My yarn is named after my sheep. Long-wool sheep need to be sheared every 6-8 months. After shearing, I send off to a mill for processing. When the yarn is returned, I hand-dye it in kettles or keep it natural.
I hope you enjoy crafting with my yarn as much as I love raising and caring for my sheep.
Sarah is no longer raising sheep for wool, but you you can learn more about her on Instagram at @lonewolffibers.
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Paul & Holly Simonette
Paul & Holly are co-owners of Enchanted Fredericksburg Ranch.
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After retiring from firefighting and local government, respectively, Paul & Holly travelled in an RV and volunteered with national parks, forest service and state parks for five years. During 2020, while the world was learning how to deal with Covid, they decided they needed a back-up plan. With Paul wanting to blow glass again and Holly wanting a bit more stability, they purchased the 22-acres and buildings that would become Enchanted Fredericksburg Ranch. They call it the "dream we didn't know we had." With a vision of creating the glassblowing studio an art gallery, and a fiber arts studio for Holly, we hope you'll enjoy visiting our corner of the Texas Hill Country.
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Paul & Holly are honored to represent all of the artists featured in the Purple Shack Makers Gallery. They also sell Paul's blown glass and Holly's woven clothing in the gallery.
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Click here for more information about who they are.
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Lee & Gayle Wilson (Bobcat Ranch Workshop)
After retiring from UT Dallas in 2016, Gayle and Lee built Bobcat Ranch on their property west of Fredericksburg where each ply their artistic talents
Lee is a woodworker and a photographer.
Gayle’s favorite medium is Found Object art—representational assemblage on reclaimed wood, using eclectic found materials.
Together the Wilsons create whimsical “garden art.” Lee builds birdhouses and prepares cedar poles to become Peace Poles and unique birdbaths which Gayle decorates with hand-painted art. They also make “Treasure Boxes” to hold your beloved items.
They are members of the Fredericksburg Art Guild; Gayle’s Found Object art and Lee’s photography may be seen and purchased in the Guild Gallery. They frequently accept commissions.
Bobcat Ranch Workshop is on Facebook @bcrworkshop, Instagram @gwilsonbobcatranch, and online at www.bobcatranchworkshop.com.