Meet MACC’s August Artist of the Month Leanne Sharp

The Porch Pickers gather weekly in the gallery from 2-4 p.m.

We kicked off the month of August with the First Friday celebration across Mentone on August. 1. The weekly gathering of the Porch Pickers happens in the gallery from 2-4 p.m. The group plays gospel and older country, as well as some folk music. Come check them out. We will extend our hours beyond the normal 4 p.m. close for late-afternoon shoppers, and free refreshments will be available.

We are resuming our “Artist of the Month” spotlights. This month’s honoree is stained-glass artist Leanne Sharp. She, along with the yet-to-be-named September Artist of the Month, will be honored on Thursday, Sept. 18, at the Fall Social. Leanne, born and raised on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, creates popular artwork utilizing vintage dishes, bottles, and other items. Some of her inspiration for the designs comes from her move to the Lookout Mountain region.

Artist of the Month Leanne Sharp

“My extended family is from the Birmingham area, where I returned to attend Samford University and earn a music education degree,” Leanne said. “I have recently retired as a career music teacher, and we have settled in the Chattanooga area to be close to our children and 10 grandchildren. I have always loved bright, beautiful flowers and floral designs that I incorporate now into my unique stained-glass designs.”

Leanne said it was while living in the New Orleans area for 25 years that she admired the many beautiful stained-glass windows adorning homes in the historic Garden District.

“About 20 years ago, in the midst of a very busy music teaching/performance life, I took my first stained-glass class utilizing the Tiffany copper foil technique and was hooked. My glass creations have evolved over time from traditional patterns to now specialized original designs that incorporate vintage glass plates, coasters, salt cellars, and other glass findings.”

Leanne enjoys scouting out beautiful vintage treasures at yard sales, estate sales, and antique/junk markets. Many of her customers bring her family heirlooms to use in creating personal commissioned keepsakes.

“For many years, I have heard of Mentone, Alabama, and have known of many friends and family members that have spent vacations and attended camps in the area. Our family recently acquired a vacation rental property, The Retreat at Menlo Springs in Menlo, Georgia. We are very excited to now be a part of the greater Mentone area and frequent the lovely eateries, scenic overlooks, parks and hiking trails, area festivals, and exciting events,” Leanne said. “We might even be spotted riding through town and back roads on our red E-bikes. And here, once again, I am surrounded by lush colorful flowers and foliage. I can’t wait for you to view my fun, sometimes whimsical, modern take on the ageless art of stained glass. I’m very excited to collaborate with the fabulous collection of art and artists at the Mentone Arts Center.”