Arts Editor’s note: During the pandemic, The Beachcomber has partnered with Vashon Island Visual Artists (ViVA) to highlight the vibrant arts community of Vashon. This week, islander Gail Hapeman tells us, in her own words, about her work in stained glass. To learn more about ViVA artists, visit vivaartists.com.

I am a Washington native and a University of Washington graduate. I taught junior high math and science on the Seattle Eastside for many years. As a girl, my mother spent summers at Lands’ Camp on Colvos Passage and my sister moved to Vashon in 1998. So, it wasn’t surprising that my husband and I chose to retire on Vashon in the summer of 2017.

I began working with stained glass in 2000. My series of Vashon Views panels is based on photos taken locally, frequently from my deck on south Maury. The stunning views of and from Vashon Island are perfect subjects. I love creating representational glass art to share the beauty around me and showcase the diversity of glass applications.

Aside from the Vashon Views panels, I have created windows in many styles as well as free-hanging panels, lamps, cabinet doors, mosaic stepping stones and totems, nightlights, ornaments, and a variety of glass dishes.

My very favorite projects are commissions where I work with clients to create exactly the right piece(s) for their setting.

I am fortunate to have such a beautiful spot to shelter in place during COVID. Because people are spending so much time at home, their focus has moved to make their living spaces more appealing. Long-postponed repairs are being completed and decorating improvements have become a priority.

Suddenly, the blank window in the laundry room demands glass that offers more style and privacy, and the broken panel languishing in the attic must be repaired and displayed in the living room. Meeting these needs has introduced me to new and interesting people and enabled me to work happily in my studio during the pandemic. My work can be seen at vashonviews.com.