Julie began fusing glass in 2003. Originally trained as a professional musician, Julie is accustomed to spending hours perfecting a task. It takes discipline to become an artist of any genre and transferring her passion and drive from music to glass was a natural and logical course. She knew that one day, even if that one day began in her retirement, she would be working in this medium. The combination of her creative energies and musical instincts became her greatest asset. Her pieces sing and take center stage in any environment.
Snowbird Creations Glass Studio is situated in the beautiful mountains surrounding Deep Creek Lake in Garrett County Maryland. To visit her studio and gallery, call for availability and directions. The location is in one of the more pristine areas that is tucked away in the woods full of wildlife and inspiring vistas.
She is executive director of 'Glass, Glorious Glass' - the annual art glass tour of Garrett County held the first full weekend of August.
Hobbies and other interests:
Once a musicain, always a musician. I am Artistic Director of the Garrett Choral Society, a non-auditioned community choir full of very talented singers. I am blessed to work with these wonderful people and I rarely have to hire soloists - they come right from the choir! We give 2-3 concerts a year and have quite an extensive list of repertoire that includes many major works.
And last but not least, I purchased a new horse fall of 2010, my second. Jett was my first and an excellent first horse. He kept me safe as he was just a big puppy dog...but lazy. It was time to move on and I was ready for a horse that would move for me.....immediately - no nagging. I was lucky to purchase this new guy. Charlie is a Quarter Horse with a little thoroughbred in him. He is 15/3 and is 10 years old. When I first got him, he was head shy, had major mouth trauma, and was nervous, but he is a forward mover, which is what I was ready for. So with lots of TLC, major dental work, an extremely competent farrier, and the use of a bit with no tongue pressure, Charlie has healed in many ways.
He loves children and enjoys their tiny hands petting his ever so soft muzzle. I know he sleeps on his left side, because that is the side that is the dirtiest! He used to pull back when I touched his ears, and now, he loves it! He is extremely spoiled and has the top of the line saddles: one Western and one Dressage. (I like to mix it up!) I look forward to many years riding him, training him, learning from him, and just enjoying the entire horse experience. He's quite smart and knows it because 'Hesa Good Chip!'
DIRECTIONS: Snowbird Creations Glass Studio is located in the Sky Valley vicinity in Swanton, Maryland. Take the 495 south exit from Maryland I-68. Turn Right onto Sky Valley Road, turn right to enter Sky Valley, right at the 'Y' to stay on Sky Valley Drive. Enter Loch Glade Sanctuary; Sky Valley Drive now becomes Traci Lane. Take the 2nd right on Orchard Lane, 2nd left on Snowbird Lane. The studio is at the top of the hill, last house on the right - 398 Snowbird Lane. During studio tours, signs are posted where appropriate. From Oakland, Maryland, travel north on 135, which turns into 495. Turn left in Swanton to stay on 495 north. Left on Sky Valley Road and continue as above.
Please be advised that if you use your GPS, you will be routed all around the Sky Valley development which is unnecessary. Stay straight on Sky Valley Drive; no turns until Orchard Drive.
VISITORS: Many times, folks just 'pop in' and take a chance that I can open for them. Please call prior to coming to the gallery to be sure that I am home. It's a lovely drive to Snowbird Creations Glass Studio, but to find the gallery closed is a disappointment to both you and me. It only takes a moment to call: 301-387-4624 to make an appointment.
2011 GALLERY AND STUDIO SCHEDULE:
RETAIL GALLERY OPEN FOR THE 2012 SEASON
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Call 301-387-4624
'GRAND OPENING MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!'
OPEN HOUSE STUDIO TOUR
Saturday: 10-4 & Sunday 12-4
OPEN HOUSE STUDIO TOURS:
The following dates include my monthly studio tours with fusing discussions and demonstrations as well as special local events. Directional signs will be posted when and where appropriate.
'Memorial Day Weekend Open House' - Studio/Gallery tour - May; Gallery open
'First Light of Summer' - Studio/Gallery tour - Saturday on or following the first day of summer - June 21st; Gallery open
'Art in the Park'- Deep Creek Lake State Park Discovery Center - 2nd weekend in July - on site
'Garrett County Artists Open StudioTour' -
Last weekend in July; Gallery open
'Glass, Glorious Glass' - Studio/Gallery Tour : 1st full weekend in August: Fri, Sat, Sun; Gallery open
'Art and Wine' - Garrett County Fairgrounds - weekend after Labor Day - Sept - on site
'Festival of Trees' - weekend after Thanksgiving - Exhibition Hall - McHenry , MD
'Black Friday''- Friday after Thanksgiving - Nov - Gallery open
'Christmas Craft Show' sponsored by Our Town Theatre at St.Peter's Catholic Church Fellowship Hall in downtown Oakland - 1st Saturday in December
'Gift Giving Artist Tour' - December 15th from 10-4
I welcome visitors to my studio and gallery at any time.
Call 301-387-4624 for an Appointment.
