Superior is full of cool things to do in Wisconsin, especially being right on Lake Superior, and one of those beaming gems is Shannon’s Stained Glassery. A colorful stained glass oasis with doors open for the curious artists at the heart of all ages, offering stained glass classes Wisconsin charm and inspiration, and other enjoyable experiences such as painting pottery.
Although we all know glass is fragile, nothing is frail about the pure passion and spirit that thrives throughout Shannon’s Stained Glassery‘s warm and welcoming vibrations. You’ll have to come down and experience the stained glass process for yourself! Luckily, I had the wonderful opportunity to converse with Shannon and ask her questions about the shop, stained glass, and her artistic journey.
Where Is Shannon’s Stained Glassery?
Shannon’s Stained Glassery isn’t far from the hustle and bustle of Tower Ave’s downtown shops. The Glassery is in the South End of Superior which is just a ten-minute car ride from the restaurants and coffee shops, such as Empire Coffee. You can find Shannon’s Stained Glassery at the address below. It is near a few other small businesses and a Kwik Trip.
Shannon’s Stained Glassery Address
5904 Tower Ave, Superior, WI 54880
Why You Should Experience Shannon’s Stained Glassery
Whether you’ve been whisked away by inspiration on Lake Superior, you’re specifically looking for stained glass classes, or simply just bopping around for cool things to do in Wisconsin, there are dozens of reasons why you should experience Shannon’s Stained Glassery.
All those reasons can be boiled down to this: you’ll enjoy your visit while experiencing something new and beautiful around every corner of the shop.
Doesn’t that sound nice and simple? Trying something new and supporting a small business in the process is a double-bonus, especially when you take a Stained Glass class and take home a beautiful result!
Shannon and her fellow artists on Lake Superior are incredibly kind and welcoming to everyone who has an interest in Stained Glass art and painting their own pottery. Whether you pop in because you’re curious or looking for a unique gift or you want to dive in and take a Stained Glass class, the doors to Shannon’s Stained Glassery are open and ready for your own artistic journey.
“Wonderful experience. Took a beginning stained glass class and am forever inspired. Gretchen and Shannon are knowledgeable, creative and so helpful!
– Leese M ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Highly recommend checking it out.”
Q & A With Shannon from Shannon’s Stained Glassery
Shannon was incredibly kind in our conversations and for taking the time to answer a few questions about the beginning of her journey with Shannon’s Stained Glassery and where the shop and her artistic journey are today.
Not only did I learn a lot about Shannon and the shop, but I was also filled with excitement about stained glass. WARNING: the following joyful Q&A may make you want to take a Stained Glass class; I know I want to!
[On Lake Superior] Stained Glass, and Glass Art as a whole, is such a beautiful medium to work with. Did glass art come to you, or did someone in your life introduce you to it?
[Shannon] A little of both. In 2006 we relocated to Superior, WI from NE Minneapolis, MN. When we moved up our twins were infants and while I am originally from this area I didn’t really know many people.
The house that we own has the original stained glass windows, so my husband suggested that I take classes at the local stained glass store close to our house. I could learn how to fix our windows as well as have an activity outside of the house.
I started taking all sorts of classes including fusing, jewelry, torchwork beads and stained glass. After losing my job in 2012 I was unsure of what direction to go next when my favorite store went up for sale!
Being an artist on Lake Superior must be a dreamy pool of inspiration; do you find that you pull inspiration from being on Lake Superior, or does the lake bring you to a happy place during your creation process?
I would say the lake brings me to a happy place. While I do find I add the Aerial Lift Bridge to many pieces I just really enjoy the fresh air and life of the lake.
Many people remember their first profound memory with their passion, but what do you recall is the moment you wanted to stick with glass art through the cracks, breaks, and beautiful turns?
Art was never a passion of mine, growing up I always dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. After 5 years of college that dream didn’t seem like the appropriate path I was headed towards, life took me down another direction to working in accounts receivable.
I loved so much about that field but again life sent me change when I was laid off. I took the summer to find myself and what I wanted to do ‘when I grew up’ when purchasing Peachie’s Stained Glass became an option.
A scary idea but once I inquired about it things fell into place quickly and in November 2012 I reopened Peachie’s as Shannon’s Stained Glassery. It didn’t take long for me to realize that was a great decision for myself and our family.
Shannon’s Stained Glassery lovingly took the reins for Peachie’s Stained Glass some time ago; let the love of glass art carry on! Is there something that you have learned or carried forth from Peachie’s into the shop that’s hustling and bustling today?
While I have made changes and added additional art mediums to our offerings here, many of the values and traditions that Peachie started with have continued to this day. Peachie has always worked very closely with me throughout the years to help me succeed. She is still here to this day teaching most of our night classes.
Your About section on Shannon’s Stained Glassery mentions that you can also help repair broken treasures. Has there been a noteworthy repair project that you’ve done that was challenging but fulfilling?
A recent repair of a rooster lamp!! It has been by far the craziest and toughest repair. When I plugged the lamp in it was so worth all the time as well as the hug when it was picked up!
Do you have any favorite moments during your time so far at Shannon’s Stained Glassery?
Really I couldn’t ask for a better place to call ‘work’. The glass artists that come in here are like family as are my coworkers.
It is such a happy building, looking at colorful glass, art and people who truly love their art. Teaching classes and seeing the happiness that comes from a finished piece they can be proud of, selling someone the perfect piece of glass or sending someone home with a fixed repair or commission that has come to life from an idea in their head are all such great memories!!
In 2017 Shannon’s Stained Glassery added a delightful Paint Your Own Pottery Studio! What inspired you to come to that idea, and how has the outcome been?
It was an idea the Peachie had toyed with but never had the chance to add it in. In 2017 everything seemed to fall into place so easily and quickly where we knew it would be a great addition to our studio.
Fused glass is considered a fired art, paint your own pottery is also considered a fired art so it fits well into our repertoire. Families that come in to shop for presents or parents that are shopping for glass and supplies love having that available.
Plus our annual Paint with Santa event on Small Business Saturday is well loved by all ages!!
If someone is interested in working with glass art but they’re feeling hesitant to, what would be your words of reassurance or wisdom to get them on board and give it a whirl?
Just look through our Facebook page at all of the beginners who thought at one point they couldn’t do it or it was just out of reach. Everyone who takes a class here walks away with a piece they love and it is so apparent in their smiley faces in their pictures!
If stained glass isn’t for them then fusing is a great avenue that is incredibly beginner friendly! Mosaics can be a great introduction to glass as well, there is truly something for everyone in this building!!
Would you like to tell us about any big plans or events for Shannon’s Stained Glassery?
This weekend (19th & 20th of April) we have our Spring Open House and Art show, one of two really big events for the year. Glass artists bring in their work for display, everyone receives a prize package plus throughout the sale weekend attendees vote on their favorite.
Also during this open house we have glass brought in special for the event and we put most everything in the store on sale for 20% off. We hold a similar event in the Fall, the only difference is for the art show the artists must stay within a theme.
In May I am one of 200 small businesses that will be attending an event through Meta’s Leader’s Network for National Small Business week. While there we will get the opportunity to advocate for small businesses with our Senators and Representatives. I am very proud to be a voice for our area and other small businesses!
From all of us here On Lake Superior, we want to thank Shannon for taking the time to talk with us about Shannon’s Stained Glassery and uplift all of the small businesses and artists on Lake Superior. The character, passion, and creativity of these establishments and people enrich the experience of being on Lake Superior, and we’ll continue to show our support and not take these marvelous establishments and people for granted.
Join us in uplifting all things Lake Superior on our Facebook Page, Loving Life ‘On Lake Superior’; we’d love to see you there and continue sharing unforgettable memories on Lake Superior.
