SEEING BEAUTY IN THE PRAIRIE, STYLE THAT IS

Prairie Glass Studio and Gallery has added its shingle to other newcomers on Main Street in Stoddard, WI along with Hood Scoops and Finders Keepers this past summer.  You can't miss the newly painted awnings and door. Seasonal mums also await customers.

Gary working on a new piece

Chris chatting with a customer

Retired architect Gary Bengtson and his wife Christine who still dabbles in cruise planning decided on an 'impulse' to move their glass studio out of their De Soto heated garage to a bit more visible and comfortable environs when they saw my  retiring friend, Linda's Wak and Yak hair salon for sale. Talk about a makeover... 

But let me backtrack with a bit of history of the couple in that they have moved a lot cross country from NY, involving back and forth to the Twin Cities (3x), Alaska, San Diego, etc... and eventually to little DeSoto,WI., a tiny Mississippi town, where they built their dream home above the town. 

Upon retirement the two decided to take up stain glass classes and Gary's affinity for the Prairie style was nurtured since not many of his corporate clients needed Prairie style office buildings. Hence the name PRAIRIE GLASS STUDIO and GALLERY. His attention to design speaks for itself and Chris does the mosaic work in addition to her own beautiful bead jewelry.

The couple have spent the past 3 months remodeling the space themselves. I was literally taken aback by its transformation as I entered the inviting gallery space as it is more than just their gorgeous work but also a gallery showcasing a dozen other local artisans. 
The plan is to keep 2 artists per medium in the shop. Many of these artists are folks Gary and Chris met through the past years at art fairs where they have also participated for the past 10 years.

Diamon's multi media collage work

Many of you local art aficionados will recognize the works of Sherri Diamon multi media collage, Frank Ebersold's wood carving, Rebecca Kobos fabric cards, Nancy Monsebroten's ceramics, Patty Sampson's nature photography Laura Siitari, and others...


Just to make sure PRAIRIE GLASS STUDIO AND GALLERY are open, do call (608) 790-7110.  POSTED  HoursTO BE ADDED
If you just happen to be out driving and see the streamers at the end of their sign, they're open.

SO dear readers, get ready for a treat as you don't even have to wait for a Holiday art fair/tour, just take the tour yourself down Highway 35 S from La Crosse's south side to Stoddard's 144 S Main Street.

Stained glass with steel frames

Days and hours are a bit flexible as that's the beauty of retirement and having your studio as your shop too. Since seasonal traffic calms down after fall, the shop will close at the end of October  :(   ...
BUT will there will be a weekend Holiday Open House after Thanksgiving, Nov. 25-27 from10am - 6pm.                      
           Go buy some local Coulee art, you'll be glad you did! 

Definite hours:

Mosaic fish tray in progress... it could be yours / a gift...