Occasions is proud to represent such talented and wonderful spirited artisans. It is a delight working with them and a privilege to share their beautiful works with you. I invite you to take this opportunity to learn a little about each artist.

Ann Morhauser

Annieglass, handcrafted, sculptural glass dinnerware, serving pieces and accessories, is designed by artist Ann Morhauser of Santa Cruz, California. The Studio was founded in 1983 when Ann translated her love of ancient Italian relics into an abstracted modern design for a plate. A simple circle of transparent glass with a handpainted 24-karate gold rim, it was an instant hit in the tableware marketplace and is now a recognized industry icon.

Every piece of Annieglass carries an engraved signature and the date it was made guaranteeing authenticity. A collector's item meant to be a cherished heirloom, but definitely not to be saved for specials occasions. Black tie or takeout, Annieglass is art for the table to use every day.

Jennifer Brunner Malatia

Jennifer graduated from Western Illinois University in 1997. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art Education, she immediately began teaching high school visual arts in the area of sculpture. It was here that Jennifer began an intimate relationship with clay and used her classroom as a facility with which she and her students could explore clay as a medium of art. In 2001, after apprenticing with Maryland artists Robert Carlson and Jennifer and Mark Hatfield, Jennifer was inspired to open her own studio in Westmont Illinois.

"My focus is to create whimsical, functional forms that are engaging in design and execution. And although my work is contemporary in design, it contains many traditional elements of pottery such as the techniques used to create each piece and tools I use to define and decorate."

Duane Scherer

Studio artist and designer Duane Scherer has an extensive art and design background. His artistic career began with a BFA in Fine Art. In his earlier years, Duane made a living as a muralist and has been commissioned to execute a fine collection of work. Duane's timepieces are truly eclectic, combining varied elements and styles to create a wonderfully inspiring collection of work. These unique clocks are handcrafted in small quantities to maintain their fine craftsmanship. Duane prides himself on the fact that all facets of his line are produced and manufactured in the USA. Duane's studio is located in Royal Oaks Michigan just a few miles north of Detroit.

Anne T. Gary

Anne's passion for clay developed in the farmlands and parks of Iowa. As early as eight, she dug her own clay and created a series of sculpted dogs. She now uses her engineering training, as well as, formal ceramics instruction to create decorative serving pieces and vases. Her engineering degree has helped enormously with the chemistry necessary to formulate new unique glazes. She is fortunate to have studied with several world-renowned porcelain artists. "Ceramics is an outlet that represents serenity in my life. When I sit at the wheel or alter a vase, I am free to escape to a tranquil space. My goal is to create pieces that when viewed, allow you to capture a moment of serenity".

Anne lives in Naperville, Illinois.

Lori C. Mitchell

Lori Mitchell was born and raised in Marietta Georgia. A graduate of Rhode Island School of Design, Lori has always been inspired by children's themes and literature, old illustrations and toys. Full of whimsy and charm her characters have won a place in the hearts of folk art enthusiasts worldwide.

Bridget Hoff

Bridget Hoff was born and raised in Laguna Beach California. Her father was a goldsmith and her environment growing up was her father's jewelry store, so from a very young age art was part of her life. At the age of 24 Bridget opened her own picture framing business and made her artwork at night in her studio at home. In 1993 she sold her business and has been solely making a living from her art. Her inspiration is from the beauty of nature. "Paper has always been my passion; I love the textures, colors and pattern and paper is a perfect medium for these things." Bridget has never been formally taught, and all her techniques are ones she has developed herself.

Suellen Parker

Suellen Parker, holder of a degree in art from Boston College and owner of Case Island Glass creates her pieces by a process known as "glass fusing". The process involves heating carefully sized pieces of glass with the same COE to high temperatures, causing the pieces to melt or "fuse" together. Each piece is hand-made and fused, often involving several separate firings. Well-known glass artists Michael and Frances Higgins of Chicago originally inspired Suellen.

Randy Koufalis

President, master sculptor and mold maker Randy Koufalis has over 20 years of experience in sculpting and designs. Randy blends old motifs and traditions with his own unique style to create both functional and decorative works of art. Randy began his career by producing intricately detailed sculptures for use in the production of his many award-winning three dimensional clay animated films, which in turn led to set design and prop building in feature films, television series and commercials. Randy is the creative force behind all new product development and original sculptures. As well. he laboriously builds every mould that is used to reproduce all of his pieces. Randy works and lives in British Columbia Canada.

Cynthia Webb

Cynthia Webb is a San Diego, California designer that specializes in handcrafted fine pewter ornaments, framed plaques, and distinctive gifts. Her work is recognized for its detail, which is evident on both the front and back of each piece. The process of creation begins with an idea, which Cynthia first develops in sketch form, then carves in jewelers' wax. She signs and titles each original wax before it is cast and a mold is made to allow duplication of the original carving. After casting, pieces are hand-finished, oxidized and polished by skilled artisans. A thin lacquered finish is applied to seal the pewter to minimize further oxidization. All pewter and sterling silver is handcrafted in the USA. "I hope my work helps commemorate that special person, place or occasion in our life, bringing people together as family and friends".

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