Magruder Glass
ABOUT MAGRUDER GLASS
Where are you from / where do you live now / what brought you to the southern highland region?
I am from Asheville. I have lived here my entire life never having a good reason to want to leave. I live in the Riceville Valley beneath the Blue Ridge Parkway. I have been in this area for the past 48 years, moving from the west side of Asheville when I was 20 years of age.
What is your favorite part about living in the southern highlands?
My favorite part of living here. I love having 4 seasons. I love the mountains. I enjoy hiking and walking along the wooded trails everyday that it is possible. I also enjoy the local culture being that I am about as local as you can get.
Tell us something unique about your process / what makes your work unique among artists in your same discipline?
My work has always been and continues to be the local landscapes that are surrounding me. I want to present a part of where I live and share it with others. I try to bring the sunrise and the sunsets into an art form that folks can look at each day no mater what the weather brings Stained glass has offered me this opportunity with the many colors and textures.
How long have you been a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild? What is your favorite part of being a Guild member?
I have been a member of the Guild starting as a production member working with A Touch of Glass, a long-standing member of the Guild. This started in 1994. I became an individual member, and also a production member, Magruder Glass, in 2008. I was honored with a life member in 2018. Being a guild member has meant more to me than I could ever explain.
My introduction to the Guild began when I was 9 years old. I caught a city bus from my home in West Asheville to the Asheville Auditorium to see the Craftsmen’s Fair. From that time on I visited the Fair each year. I volunteered to work for the Fairs when I was a teenager helping to set up and move in the show.
I began working for the Guild in 1980 holding a variety of positions until 1992. I have at some level participated in at least 75 Guild Fairs. Most of my life, I have be involved with the Guild.
What can visitors expect to find at your booth? Are you working on anything specific to reveal at the Craft Fair this Summer? (New work?)
I will have a selection of stained glass landscapes in a variety of price ranges. I will also have Amelia Maxham along my side working the show. Amelia is a wonderful young lady that has come into the Magruder Glass family. I have been mentoring her over the past 3 years. Amelia has a natural talent working with stained glass. She is dedicated, motivated and highly energetic. I have been blessed to have her to help me, and for her to learn the business is a major plus, as I ain’t getting any younger. My hands are wearing out after producing over 10,000 panels over the past 28-30 years.
MAGRUDER GLASS
