Conley Publishing - Special Sections
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1100104
April 2019 • Daily News & News Graphic • EXPLORING THE ARTS • 3 Photos submitted LeeAnne Lehnert is pictured at her booth at a past art fair at the Cedarburg Community Gym. Photos submitted TOP: This Christmas tree stands about 5 inches high and is made with layered clear glass leftover from Lehnert's collect. It is actually hollow inside, allowing room for a small tealight. BOTTOM: A lake-glass angel ornament decorates this Christmas tree. Photos submitted Pictured are some of the pieces of lake glass Lehnert found. "You never know what she will find from one year to the next," she said. Lake-inspired art Glass from the shores of Lake Michigan provides ever-changing materials By Julia Chumlea Special to Conley Media GRAFTON — Sea glass, the naturally occurring glass found on beaches, is used to create whimsical, light-catching jewelry. But when local artist LeeAnne Lehnert designs her sea glass pieces, she's using glass found on the beaches of Lake Michigan. "So I call it lake glass," she said. Retired from her teaching career, Lehnert resides in Grafton, where she's lived for over 50 years. She creates her artwork with materials she finds from the lake next door. Searching for the glass is a family affair, she said. Something she does with the help of her grandkids. Originality is something she prides herself on. She doesn't use patterns, and she doesn't alter her natu- rally-occurring lake glass in any way. Most sea glass pieces purchased today are manufactured, engineered to look a certain way, she said. The authentic, natural glass marks Lehnert's art out from the rest, as does the thought she puts into mak- ing sure her designs flow with the individual features of the glass. "Sometimes I have a piece sitting around for a couple years, waiting to become something," she said. Lehnert sells her art a cou- ple times a year at sales, but the majority of her transac- tions happen when people come to her individually. She enjoys when cus- tomers come back to her to relay all the compliments they get on a piece, and hear- ing the words "I'm so glad I bought it" always make her proud. "It's a happy moment to know people do enjoy what they buy," Lehnert said. Lehnert got her start working with fiber. She knit purses for a while and was then inspired to knit shawls when she was deterred from buying a particularly pricey one at a sale. The knitting continued, but she gradually became more interested in beach glass jewelry making. Today, glass is her medium of choice. "It's ongoing, ever-chang- ing," Lehnert said, describ- ing her journey with art. 263928001 Art & Farm Market Dates June 1 & 2 ~ Sept. 21 & 22 ~ Oct. 12 & 13 9am-4pm Free Admission • Free Parking HOLY HILL ART FARM Announcing our NEW Summer Events: Dinners on the Farm Tribute Concerts Barn Line Dance Buy Tickets NOW: www.holyhillartfarm.com This 160 year old 80 acre family farm is located in the heart of the Kettle Moraine near Holy Hill. This rustic property has been transformed into a Unique Event Destination. 4958 Holy Hill Rd (Hwy 167) Hubertus, WI