New residents, Tom and Mary Jo Consiglio, of the 6100 block of Westminister, brought to The Paper’s attention the story of two young women who have opened their own art glass studio, they display their own original works. [The temptation to say they are breaking into the business was very strong, but we resisted it, at least initially.] The two artists, Lea Koesterer and Diane Gray, were commissioned by the Consiglios to create a window for their rehabilitated and remodeled home in our neighborhood. A picture of the completed window appears below.
Because art glass is so much a part of the character of homes in our neighborhood, we felt our readers would be interested in this new business venture.
Until recently, art glass was regarded as a remnant of turn of the century elegance. However, with the surge of interest and appreciation in the fine design and craftsmanship of turn of the century architecture, art glass is once again enjoying a renaissance.
The desire to perpetuate these values of quality in craftsmanship and design inspired Lea Koesterer and Diane Gray to open Dianalea Art Glass Studio at 25 North Sarah St.
On display at their studio are various windows and lampshades they have created. They also work with other three dimensional forms such as terrariums and candle boxes. The decorating ideas are endless.
Many people are now rediscovering the unique ability of art glass to transform both natural and artificial light into dapples of color. “In the most practical sense, art glass can change that view of a brick wall into a flower garden or a rolling landscape,” says Lea.
For this reason, art glass is particularly attractive to the city dweller. It can be utilitarian as well as decorative. The view of an alley or unslightly wall can be replaced with an art glass piece that still allows light to come into the room. Art glass lampshades can light up a room in a way that is aesthetically pleasing as well as useful. Particularly interesting at Dianalea is an art glass chessboard and several pieces that feature mirrors. A mirror surrounded by art glass can attractively provide extra mirror space in a bathroom or hallway.
Diane and Lea both had experience in working with glass before they opened their studio together. They opened in May of 1975. It has required many 14 hour days (and some all nighters) of planning, designing, and working with the glass.
In the beginning, they transported small hangings and lampshades to local art fairs. This proved to be undesirable because of the amount of time involved and the high incidence of breakage. Going to the fairs however, did put them in contact with a great many people, which eventually led to their showing at the 59th Street Gallery at CEMREL. The gallery did a mailing for them inviting architects, designers, and other individuals to view the glass works of art. The showing was a success and was featured by KSD —TV on the evening news.
Fortunately, the bad aspects of going to art fairs did not dampen the women’s determination and open-mindedness for new possibilities. They entered the Stix Baer and Fuller Missouri Arts and Crafts Festival. The festival lasted for 3 days and had the added advantage of facilities for demonstrating the techniques. It was an immediate success in terms of sales and also in terms of exposure.
That success is only part of
Diane and Lea’s reward. Enormous satisfaction is felt because they themselves control the course of the business, they determine what needs to be done, how it needs to be done, when and by whom. It requires sacrifice, but the result is creative design and quality craftsmanship done by happy, healthy women who love their work.
Thus Dianalea Art Glass Studio has progressed from an inconspicuous studio located in an inconspicuous storefront to a reputable business located in one of the most interesting restored buildings in the Central West End. The building, built in the early 1900’s, is owned by Russ Gordon who also owns the Shire Corporation. In restoring the building, he is striving to preserve the Italian accent as it was when it was constructed.
“The renaissance of art glass is so in keeping with the spirit behind The Shire’ that I bent my first rule and rented an unfinished shop to Diane and Lea after turning away several other potential tenants”, commented Russ. I’m very excited over their apparent success, although it was inevitable, and feel very fortunate to have them as neighbors.”
Art glass had a prominent place in American homes at the turn of the century. Its beauty and usefulness assures its place for years to come. If you want ideas or if you already have an idea for a place in your home, visit the studio and Diane and Lea will share their ideas and show you their work.
Original photograph caption
Window commissioned by Tom and Mary Jo Consiglio from Lea Koesterer and Diane Gray. The Paper, December 1975, page 4. Photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Paper, December 1975.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: The source prints “unslightly wall”; retained without silently changing the wording.
Original source: SD_Times1975_12.pdf, printed page(s) 4; PDF page(s) 4.
