BUCKHANNON – Artistry on Main is home to several West Virginia artists and their work. Through this column, receive a behind-the-curtain view of the background and inspirations of each local artist. See their work — and sometimes the artists themselves — at Artistry on Main, 27 E. Main Street in Buckhannon.
Meet Stellathena Vartheyanyos-Gregory of Athena’s Stained Glass. Gregory is a very talented stained glass artist from the heart of the Mountain State; Sutton, West Virginia.
Gregory began her passion for stained glass more than 22 years ago. Although her passion began as a self-taught skill, Gregory soon found mentorship from the talented Lynn Gundry of Labyrinth Glass and Stephanie Danz of Mountain Art Glass.
“I am grateful to them and to the [artist] co-op that was able to open thanks to a grant from The Tamarack Foundation. I am honored to be able to return the favor to my community by offering classes through Artistry on Main,” said Gregory.
Gregory currently offers stained glass classes using the Tiffany technique at Artistry on Main in Buckhannon. This educational experience draws out everyone’s inner artist with guidance from a professional artist. Gregory suggests that those interested in attending an upcoming class to not drag their feet on registering. Class sizes are limited to allow for each student to receive one-on-one assistance from Athena’s Stained Glass. Classes will be held at Artistry on Main at 27 E. Main Street in Buckhannon on Saturday, July 9, August 6 and September 3, 2022. Learn more about these classes on the Artistry on Main website.
Gregory said her “Heavenly Father” and her 91 year old mother, Dorothy, are strong influences on her work and dedication to teaching.
“I thank [my mother] for putting that pencil and paper in my hand as a toddler and teaching me to draw my first face then encouraging me to this day to keep producing art,” said Gregory. “I thank her for not scolding me when I drew on her walls.”
As the eighth of eleven children in her family, Stella often found herself inspired by the world around her while seeking tranquil places to “retreat and draw” whether that work of art found itself on paper, the walls or under the dining room table.
Gregory’s talents do not end with stained glass. She also finds peace in creating murals, quilt square patterns, oil paintings such as landscapes and portraits of people and pets, origami, quilling, and soap-making. However, her art medium of choice is stained glass.
Stained glass enthusiasts can find Stella’s work across the state at a variety of locations; The Pocahontas Art Co-op in Greenbank, Artistry on Main in Buckhannon, Tamarack Marketplace in Beckley and Garnet Moon Boutique in Sutton. Gregory will be a vendor at the upcoming Augusta Festival and The Christmas Craft Show in Randolph County this year.
Follow Athena’s Stained Glass Class on Facebook for photos of recent work and details on her upcoming classes. Stay tuned with the many exciting projects Gregory has ahead as she creates a website, YouTube channel as well as virtual learning opportunities through platforms such as Zoom and SkillShare. Reach out to Stella via email to learn more about upcoming classes, stained glass techniques, and order custom pieces at athenastainedglass@gmail.com.
“The world of art means everything to me. It centers me. I can only be happy if art is on my agenda every day. This is how God made me. I hope I touch others through my heART,” said Gregory.
Celebrate local artists, like Stella Gregory, at Artistry on Main at 27 E. Main Street in Buckhannon. The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The gallery is closed on Mondays.
Follow Artistry on Main on Facebook for frequent updates about new works of art, artist spotlights and more. Bookmark the gallery’s website for more information.
