GlassAckward

Gretchen’s GlassAckward division of the studio includes artwork made from kilnforming recycled glass, handmade pottery, sculpture, copper foil stained glass artwork, handcrafted jewelry and rosaries, and repair and restoration of religious statuary.

Our retail location is now open, at 811 Main Ave, Hebron, North Dakota. “Official” hours are Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from noon – 4 pm central time. However, any time that Gretchen or Kirk are at the shop, the store is open. And keep in mind that inventory at the store frequently changes.

The artworks featured here are displayed as favorite pieces and are likely no longer available. However it is possible that a similar item may be able to be replicated upon request. Every piece is unique unto itself–however, techniques can always be revisited! Visit our GlassAckward Facebook page for more frequently updated new works, specials and online sales, and upcoming events.

Kiln-formed Glass

Gretchen has been firing glass since 2014. All her glass pieces, including stained glass works, are made exclusively with recycled glass. This includes old windows and framing glass, bottle glass, and vintage finds that have passed their lifespan in their original form.

Sts. Peter & Paul Church ©2019 Copper foil stained glass custom project. Church is hand painted fired enamels on recycled framing glass. Rays are the original glass from the windows of this particular church (which was demolished in 2018). SOLD

Pottery

Gretchen’s work in ceramics began by sculpting and creating her own molds to use in her glass work, which then branched out into an apprenticeship with Robin Reynolds at Dacotah Clayworks in Hebron, North Dakota. Robin’s work is known for her use of native clay bodies, particularly clay that she makes using clay mined right here in Hebron. With her semi-retirement and relocation, she has “passed the torch” of making that Hebron clay to Gretchen.

Gretchen’s pottery work is both hand built and wheel thrown. Currently she does still work primarily with commercial clay bodies, but does have a small stockpile of Hebron clay on hand that she’s working with while she’s slowly starting the process of making more clay from the raw materials. She also has a stockpile of “wild clay” that she and her family dug from their backyard that she also uses in her work.

Wheel thrown mugs utilizing locally sourced clay bodies. The lighter toned clay is acquired in raw form from the Hebron Brick factory, mined just north of Hebron ND. This clay was processed into a throwing body by Robin Reynolds. The darker clay body is the wild clay harvested from the Peterson’s backyard and tested extensively. The two clays are combined and thrown on the wheel to achieve the marbled effect.

Custom coin banks! All of these creatures were created as custom orders.

Loaves and Fishes breadbasket © 2022 hand built goldstone clay, mishima carved koi fish $250.
Third Place Dimensional Art 2023 Badlands Art Association Art Show, Professional Division.

Just a sampling of mugs. Prices range between $35 to $60 depending on size, glaze, detail, and decoration. Inventory rotates frequently. Custom orders are welcome, and all mugs are always tested for vitrification before being put out for sale. Check the GlassAckward Facebook page for new listings or stop in at the store.