About the Artist:
Donald J. Schneider, Glass Artist & Instructor

A Diverse Past: Weaving the Threads of My Art

I was born in Detroit, Michigan USA in 1949 and received my Bachelors degree in Music Education from Eastern Michigan University in 1972. While teaching music at the Friends School, a Quaker school in Detroit, I became interested in textiles after being introduced to rug hooking by Bob Kaiser. Kaiser was a nationally recognized and well-respected expert on early American-style rug making at Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan. After leaving my teaching position, I worked briefly for a sail loft - a position that combined my interests in sailing and textiles.

A Challenge Opens New Doors

While continuing my work in rug making, Bob Boureaussa, head glassblower, challenged me to try my hand at glass blowing. I did and became fascinated with the magical medium at the furnaces of the Sandwich Glass Plant, now known as The Glass Shop of Greenfield Village at The Henry Ford. During our nation's Bicentennial year, I worked as a glassblower (in costume!) developing the skills of the craft.

A Passion Becomes a Career

In 1978 I founded York Street Glassworks in Plymouth, Michigan (originally with two partners, and eventually became sole proprietor). The studio was briefly moved to a converted fox tower in Beulah, Michigan, but returned to its Plymouth location in the early 1990s.

Evolution of The Glassworks

Feeling the need for a larger space, I converted my former residence on Deer Street in downtown Plymouth to a gallery adding 2,500 sq. ft. of studio space with full glassblowing, flameworking and cold working facilities. The new gallery and studios were renamed simply "The Glassworks." I continue to enjoy working with glass and offer classes for beginners and advanced-level artists. I find it very satisfying to introduce students to the wonders of molten glass and the possibilities of this historic art form.

My Alter Ego: Produce Peddler

A third interest, the love of Detroit and its farmers' market, is served by my role as the Mushroom Man on Saturdays at Eastern Market, the largest and oldest continuously operating public market in the United States. I am honored and privileged to represent the longest operating family stall (Lux Produce) on the Eastern Market. I offer many varieties of exotic mushrooms and premium produce from spring mix to tropical and subtropical fruits and vegetables.