My Famous Dog House

Tropical Retreat -  4’ x 4’ x 3’

A huge supporter of public art and an animal lover, I jumped at the chance to participate in a local project that would help the Humane Society. Area artists and architects were asked to build full size, functioning dog houses. After a period of public display, the houses would be auctioned to benefit the charity.

Tropical Retreat took over six weeks to construct. We started with a plywood substructure, painted the interior and covered the entire exterior with thousands of cut stained glass pieces and fused glass shapes. It was unveiled to the world on live TV, on a morning news cast. That night, it was showcased at a black tie, cocktail party held at a European car dealership. My doghouse was prominently displayed between two exotic sports cars, a no price tag Maserati and a way too many zeros, Porsche. Later, it was displayed along with the other dog houses at, Tampa International Airport. There it drew considerable attention. I received numerous phone calls and emails from locals and people just passing through. They told me how much they loved my colorful, mosaic dog house.  

A journalist from England heard about the project. He flew into town to interview the artists and take pictures of the unique structures for his news paper. I was asked to bring my dog with me to the interview at the airport. Shadow, my black lab was young and full of energy. I brought Jessie, my middle school age daughter along to help hold her. When it was time to have Shadow’s picture taken inside the dog house, she was more interested in licking the photographer’s camera lens than standing still. Jessie was given the task of running Shadow around the potted palms that decorated the airport restaurant’s outdoor seating area. After several laps, Shadow was happy to cooperate and pose.

When the photo-shoot was over, our group walked through the restaurant’s crowded bar area. Shadow was leading the way, wagging her tail. Jessie was dutifully holding her leash. The photographer and I following close behind. It was one of those moments I’ll never forget. It was such a great feeling to have my artwork recognized. All my hard work and the many hours I’d devoted were appreciated. I was on cloud nine.

 Then we passed a table of four and I heard a woman say, “Look! There goes the famous dog. And the famous dog trainer and the dog trainer’s mother…”  

I had to laugh. I still do.

Dog trainer’s mother is not so bad.

Chase your dreams,  

Lisa

New Local Class

Join me for a fun filled day!

Painting with Frit

Saturday June 1, 2013

Lecture, Hands-on, 9am – 4pm

All skill levels

THE STAINED GLASS STUDIO OF CLEARWATER

29146 U.S. 19  Clearwater, FL 33761

Please call for availability   Dates subject to change

727-786-7070       www.katglass.com      Email: katglass@aol.com

Now on YouTube

Lisa Vogt Glass Artist

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhOifd7wukk

Fused Vessel Sinks and More

4-Day, hands-on workshop

Class size is limited to four.

Register online at www.LisaVogt.net

May 14-17, 2013

Sept. 24-27, 2013

Jan. 28-31, 2014

Feb. 18-21, 2014

I LOVE My Job!

How many people can say that? I love what I do. I get to be creative, hang out with inspiring people and see the fruits of my labor appreciated. Life is good.

With so many topics to write about, I had trouble narrowing my focus this week. I thought of writing about the Impatient and Petunia flowers I recently planted. But that seemed unrelated to glass, until I remembered the highlight of my day tinkering in the yard trimming bushes and planting.  

We have two small ponds in the front yard; one is right outside my office window. It attracts all sorts of wildlife. From my desk I’ve seen spotted fawn, raccoon, opossum, frogs, armadillo, turtles, squirrels, hawks, owls, garden snakes, hummingbirds, song birds—you name it. Last weekend while planting annuals in the front yard I could see the pond and animal activities from a different perspective.  

While taking a break from planting, I caught a fleeting glimpse of a brightly colored bird that I’d never seen before. It was drinking from the pond. The little fellow was so bright my first thought was he’s not real but a decoration, like a fancy Christmas tree ornament. He had a brilliant blue head and vivid red chest. He was so striking, I immediately called him the stained glass bird. As it turns out, the birds name is Painted Bunting, which I thought was underwhelming for such a flashy guy.

So instead, I’ll remember him fondly as the feathered friend whose brief visit brought to mind the medium that gives me wings. 

Chase your dreams,  

Lisa

Studio News

You’re invited!

Join me for a VIP Shopping Event

Friday, April 26, 2013

6:00 – 9:00 pm

Atonement Lutheran Church

29617 SR 54, Wesley Chapel, FL

FREE Admission

Over 20 local small business booths

Support the Helping Hands Food Pantry

Bring a nonperishable food item and be

entered for a chance win fantastic door prizes!

Now on YouTube

Lisa Vogt Glass Artist
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhOifd7wukk

Fused Vessel Sinks and More

4-Day, hands-on workshop

Class size is limited to four.

Register online at www.LisaVogt.net

May 14-17, 2013

Sept. 24-27, 2013

Jan. 28-31, 2014

Feb. 18-21, 2014

Fun for All!

Teaching at the Glass Expo is a blast this year. The student's creativity and enthusiasm is so positive it's contagious. And the quality of the artwork they're making is amazing. Great job everyone!

I'm looking forward to three more inspiring classes.

Cheers!
Lisa

Taking Care of Business

Hiking Red Rock Canyon.
In the upper middle of photo 3 you'll see a faint hand print that dates back hundreds of years.

My Lucky Day!

I landed in picturesque Las Vegas about 10:00 am. It was too early to check into my hotel so I stopped by the outlet mall. Oh boy! It was my lucky day. They were having a BIG sale!