Valerie has been a glass artist for more than forty years and receives incredible satisfaction from creating beautiful pieces that bring joy to friends – both old and new.
When she was very young her parents bought an old farm house with interesting leaded-glass cabinet doors. These cabinet doors were deemed outdated and then discarded – but Valerie salvaged the glass. Using this glass along with crepe paper, glue and pressed flowers, she experimented with light and color to express her early vision of what her art might eventually become.
As she grew older, stained glass became her passion – providing her creative desires with a palette of textures and colors that could realize endless possibilities. Challenged by the one dimensional nature and weight of glass, her goal is to create designs that bring depth and lightness to her pieces. For many years Valerie only shared her work with family and close friends.
In 2014 Valerie started her business, Harumi Designs, named for her sister Sheila Harumi Isosaki. Sheila was a brave fighter and never shied away from a challenge. Sheila was diagnosed with colon cancer when she was in her early 50s. Valerie and her family supported Sheila with prayer, love and 1000 paper cranes! Sheila lost her battle with cancer when she was a too-young 54.
It was Sheila’s brave example that gave Valerie the courage to finally share her artistic expression with you! In 2019 Valerie renamed her business Valerie Fish Glass, but it is still Sheila’s strength and resolve that inspires her.
Valerie hopes her work brings a smile and a sense of peace to you and your loved ones.
The 13th Annual Curtis Fest will feature over 75 local artisans under the beautiful canopy of trees at Curtis Park. Artists and makers include painters, sculptors, textile artists, and wood workers. Live music, food trucks, a kids Zone and a pet refreshment station makes this a great way to finish out the summer.
This free event is open to the public and followed by Music in the Park. Come to our free event to support local artists, bring a picnic blanket and chairs to sit on while you watch the musicians or eat your food truck tasties from Kados Asian Grill, Masa Giuseria, or Cowtown Creamery.
A big thanks to our sponsors Grateful Dog, Steffan Brown Realty, Renewal by Andersen, St. Hope Public Schools, AT&T, and Farm Fresh to You for helping to make the fair possible.
