The Roanoker May/June 2024 - 15

the gist
"
I
t's a dying art, " claims Laurel Gillette, referring to stained glass. It's
one the 22-year-old Bedford native and owner-artist-teacher at
Machine Creek Studios, is reviving in the Roanoke Valley. Gillette
has dabbled in different media, but has
always been drawn to stained glass. Her
work features modern designs rather than
the traditional stained glass typically found
in a church.
In 2020, Gillette found herself out of
work when the restaurant she worked at
closed due to COVID. On a whim, she
ordered stained glass supplies and taught
herself the art. " I learned how not to do
stained glass, " she jokes. As Gillette worked
on her craft, she made practice pieces that
she gave away to family and friends. These
were well-received, giving her the confidence
to sell them at local venues where they were a
hit. She realized that " my stuff must be okay,
because all these people want it. "
As demand increased, Gillette started selling
her pieces at more vendor fares and on
Facebook, which attracted a lot of interest
and led to her shipping pieces to all 50 states,
plus Canada and Ireland. Gillette was a regular at the Golden Cactus
Wednesday Markets and had some work featured in Gatewood Rose.
When Gatewood Rose closed in late 2023, Gillette was ready for her
own space and took over the location.
In addition to selling Gillette's work,
Machine Creek also sells pieces by other
local artists. Upstairs is Gillette's studio,
where she offers classes and studio time for
students. " I can turn any simple idea into
a beginner's pattern, " she says. The classes,
she states, " are something people have been
waiting on, " as there is no other stained glass
instruction available locally. The classes are
popular, bringing in people from as far away
as West Virginia.
" Roanoke is very artsy and creative, "
boasts Gillette. See for yourself at Machine
Creek Studios, 422 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke
next to Golden Cactus Brewing, or learn
more at machinecreekstudio.com. I
This adorable stained glass plant is just
one of many pieces made by Gillette.
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O
ur new, modern facility, located on the grounds of Blue Ridge
Memorial Gardens, features fl exible venues for small and large
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ready to help you plan a celebration of life defi ned by professionalism,
compassion, and attention to detail that is second to none.
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MAY/JUNE 2024 15
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The Roanoker May/June 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Roanoker May/June 2024
