Hinton stain glass artist J. Patrick Harley has opened a light-filled studio along the New River on the Hinton Bypass.
The thin strip of commercial properties have steadily been filling up with outdoor sports, water sports apparel and restaurants this winter.
In a glass building, sparkling and casting images like a kaleidoscope, Harley said, “I walk in every morning and I’m surrounded by light and color,” enhanced by shimmering natural reflections from the river bringing every piece to life.
“I’d been working in a dark cave for years, most recently in Historic Downtown Hinton. I felt I needed more exposure,” Harley said.
And he found it.
“I love it, adore it, and it’s a neat place to come to,” he beamed, as the sun pours into the glass building and through glass panels of flowers and colorful geometric designs.
Harley and his wife moved to Madams Creek over a decade ago from Texas, but his work only recently has been displayed for sale in Hinton. He said he has been considering teaching the skills he acquired over the past 40 years.
Sales, he said, were sparse before moving to his new location.
“I get a lot done here,” and said he looks forward to spending his days attracting curious visitors into his new and creative space.
Though he often spends 7 days a week in his small crystal palace, Harley says he is almost always open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
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