Karen Versoi

Karen has always enjoyed the arts. She has at various times participated in drama, choirs and played the clarinet in high school. But it is creating with her hands that truly fulfills. Working in clay, painting and beading bring her a sense of satisfaction. Though, it is in stained glass that she has found her true creative outlet. From designing the pattern to signing the finished piece it is a process that is never boring, always intriguing.

Beginning with her first class in 2001, Karen has quickly advanced from “afraid to break the glass” to nationally and internationally known artist. She has work throughout the US and in other countries such as Japan, Sweden and Ecuador. Karen finds beauty in many things but it is in nature that she most often finds inspiration. The curve of a butterfly's wing or the undulation of the ocean's waves can spark her creative nature and a new piece is born. Karen continues to hone her skills and is always on the lookout for new experiences that she can use in her art.

Peter Versoi

Pete has always enjoyed building and fixing things in the house and yard, and enjoys working with hand and power tools. A lover of nature, wildlife and the outdoors, he is always studying plants and animals in the yard and woods. He has made a variety of small stained glass art pieces over many years and classes, but, except for an occasional stepping stone, has not much contributed thus far as a producer of finished goods for Sweethart Glass. Pete's role in the business has mainly been accounting, paying fees and taxes, helping with restoration and repair projects, making wooden frames for custom orders, and helping Karen with sales on Saturdays at the Durham Farmers Market. He also built Karen's stained glass art studio and workshop at our home in southeastern Durham.

Pete intends to step-up his commitment as an artist for the business in 2011, joining Karen as a regular producer of stained glass artworks for display and sale at the market. Concentrating on glass mosaic art forms, stepping stones will make a comeback among our regular offerings. Other forms of functional garden art such as bird feeders and baths detailed in glass mosaics will follow. And “glass-on-glass” mosaic works of art will make their first appearance.