• Buzz and Anne Williams and Ian

     
   I (Buzz) started the AlderHouse some 38 years ago after graduating from Portland State U. with a degree in painting and drawing.While at PSU, I took a one week workshop in glass- blowing and was hooked. The painting and drawing degree was put aside for the fascinating world of blown -glass.The workshop that I had taken had hooked me and for the better part of my adult life has kept me happy and looking forward to the workday.

I moved to the coast in 1968 and built the first Alder House the next year. It was short lived as it burned down the following spring. In 1971 the second studio was built and opened. So on July 5th,  our little geodesic dome saw the first piece of glass made at this site. Now we are on to AlderHouse III opened on the 15th of March 1999 and continue to have fun doing what we like to do. 

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   Some years later Anne joined me and has been blowing glass for the past 20 years or so. A native of western Nebraska, she moved to Oregon to take a teaching position at Oregon State U.. We met at the studio and were married a couple of years later. She quit her position at the university and is now working full time at the Alder House. She has developed a style of her own adding a feminine touch to the inventory. 
Thirteen years ago (10-24-95) she brought into our lives the new president and COE (Climbs on everything) of the Alder House. His name is Ian Banth and he is the Joy of our lives. At 13 years, he keeps this ole man moving and on his toes. He loves his soccer and basketball and is getting real good on the piano and saxophone. He is looking forward to learning a bit more glassblowing this year. He now spends several hours each week and has gone well beyond just doing raindrops. His vases and glasses have found an audience and have gone home with many of our clients.
 

Mike Smith and Megan McQueston have moved on. Megan moved to Lousiana to join her family and Mike is joining his wife Katie in her baking and farmer's market venture. We wish them well. 

Old friend Kyle Gribskov has joined the AlderHouse for the 2009 season. This is his second time at the studio as he blew his first piece here in the early 80's. After studios in the Portland area, he has set up in Skamawaka, Wa. where he continues his skillful and creative way with glass. He brings a new look to the inventory as well as an informative narrative for our visitors.

Treasure Collupy also commutes from Skamakawa to flesh out our staff. He was born and reared in that small community and after a brief stay in Seattle returned home where he was asked to help at Kyle's studio. This changed the direction of his life and he has been working with glass since.He brings his youthful enthusiasm and tireless work ethic to the studio. He is a visitor favorite with his easy-going demeanor and friendly style.

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Thanks for the visit, 
       Buzz, Anne, Ian