SALISBURY – Three artists are taking part in this weekend’s Festival of Color in Stained Glass show and sale. The event is set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Hidden Creek Clubhouse, 816 Court Side Drive.
Bill French and David Martin will be displaying works in stained glass, while Joanne French will be showcasing her jewelry. Refreshments by Debbie Martin will be served.
French has been working in stained glass since 2001, after retiring for the fourth time, his latest career as a small-business consultant. He credits his wife, Joanne, with his introduction to the craft. She serves as his color consultant for many of his creations. Most of her jewelry is made with stained glass.
As a member of Salisbury/Rowan Senior Games, French has won awards at the local and state level for entries in stained glass, sculpture and photography. The window in the chapel of the Hurley YMCA is one of his favorite creations. Several pieces on display were inspired by local painters, then interpreted by French in stained glass. French works at his shop in a building behind his Spencer home.
A native of Pennsylvania, Martin is a retired Lutheran minister who moved to North Carolina in 1966. Martin’s love of stained glass developed early in life. The son of a parish pastor, he was exposed to beautiful stained-glass windows in churches. He began working in stained glass in the 1980s as an avocation during his active ministry. After his retirement to Salisbury in 2003, he began working in earnest on stained-glass design and creation.
Along with religious images, Martin also draws inspiration from art deco, mission art and the art and architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. His piece, “Top Poppy,” won first place in the 2012 Rowan County Silver Arts Competition. This is the first show for Martin, who shares shop space with French.
For more information about Saturday’s show, call Martin at 704-798-1096.