Designs in Glass
35 Lagoon Dr. Fenelon Falls
My stained glass journey began after taking a course in the late 1980s. After our family moved to Fenelon Falls in 2006, I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing the Tour as a visitor in 2008. I applied and was accepted to join the group in 2009 (as a guest artist at Heather Salzman’s studio). I’ve been participating in the Tour every year since then…even through the two years of Covid!
(Janice Addison joined me as a guest artist in 2015 and every year since then. Deb Craven joined us in 2024 and will return for her third time this year.)
So much work goes into preparing for the Tour. Building inventory, cleaning and clearing out the studio and garage space to create a welcoming environment for my guest artists and our Tour visitors. We always open the doors on the first day with nervous excitement. There is real joy in meeting our visitors. Throughout the years, their kindness, interest and encouragement have been a wonderful gift.
Inspiration: I’ve included an image of a stained glass panel I made many years ago for my parent’s new home. Before they sold the farm, I made a crayon etching of one of the old leaded glass panels from the farmhouse. I recreated that pattern to adorn the front doors in the new house, and it’s been a beloved piece ever since. Inspiration is all around me!
My studio is open year-round by appointment only.
Janet Tysiak
Glass is a fascinating and somewhat transparent substance that Janet uses to create timeless pieces of art. The ever-changing nature of light brings life to stained glass projects. Expert workmanship, colour sense and attention to detail is obvious in the glass panels and decor items she designs and builds.
Janet also created her own unique line of jewellery. She assembles a stylish blend of gemstones, crystals and glass beads and crochets them onto fine wire, making it wearable art.
Her studio, Designs in Glass, is open year-round by appointment. Custom work welcomed.
(705) 887-2229
janettysiak@gmail.com
Guest Artist: Janice Addison
Janice Addison has been a participant of the tour for 18 years, as a guest artist since 2009. She is a long-time resident of VC/CKL. Her studio is open by appointment, at 40 Nonquon Dr., Seagrave, in Mariposa Estates.
Since Janice’s studio is located in the most south western section of the region, it has been more beneficial that she displays centrally, as a guest artist, rather than in her home studio. Her first host was Eleanor Hendriks, a potter, who introduced her to the tour. Then, in the early years, Janice was hosted by Heather Salzman, a fused glass artist in Kirkfield and most recently by Janet Tysiak, a stained-glass artist in Fenelon Falls.
Janice was inspired to paint in the watercolour medium by the late Edwin Matthews. He was the owner/operator and resident artist of Gallery on the Lake. He was an exceptional water media artist and an excellent teacher. Edwin was the founder of Buckhorn Festival of the Arts (formerly Buckhorn Wildlife Festival) and was integral in the planning of both the show and the outbuildings that house the art displays annually.
Janice predominantly paints watercolour landscapes. Skies and sunsets are her go-to comfort zone, where the water and the paint flow together to make some dramatic effects. This is the painting, “My Favourite Time”, which was accepted into this year’s Oshawa Art Association’s annual juried show, April 24 to May 10, 2026, at Robert McLaughlin Art Gallery in Oshawa.
Janice strives to be painterly and impressionistic, using strong, expressive colour. Her style is generally representational, but Janice appreciates all genres, from realism to abstract, and she incorporates them all into her work, from time to time. Her subjects have expanded from landscapes to flowers, architecture and figures. Her repertoire of media has grown to include charcoal, conte, graphite, ink and collage. Currently, she is enjoying the versatility and forgiveness that the acrylic medium allows.
Even though Janice has her own style, that is notable in her art, she is constantly pushing herself to try new avenues. Recently, her acrylic landscapes are more abstract in nature. Visit the tour to view this latest direction.
(905) 985-8776
j2waddison@sympatico.ca
Guest Artist: Deborah Craven
Deborah Craven completely immerses herself in experimenting and playing with new ideas and expression by strongly connecting to her natural surroundings and incorporates the ever-changing colour palette that is present. Deborah creates one-of-a-kind functional and non-functional works of art in clay.
Deborah lives and works outside the region of the City of the Kawartha Lakes, in Refrew Ontario, and is returning to the tour for her 8th year.
If you wish to visit her at her studio, Wheel Works Pottery studio/gallery is open to the public, however, it is wise to call ahead just in case she is covered in mud.
(705) 344-3030
cravendeb52@gmail.com
debcravenpottery.ca
