Stained Glass Sanctuary Window - Lokahi (Unity)
The title of this piece, Lokahi, means unity in Hawaiian. It was commissioned by Unity Church - Diamond Head in Honolulu, Hawaii. The design incorporates a variety of elements that were suggested by a design committee of church members. My task was to translate their ideas into a cohesive design. The central mandala has several layers. The hau blossom which blooms and fades in a single day is an ancient Hawaiian symbol for the transitory nature of the human spirit and thought the blossom fades, the tree lives on. The rainbow spectrum of color that forms the inner band of the mandala reflects not only the beautiful rainbows that grace Hawaiian skies daily but also represent the twelve apostles and the stages of the life cycle each of them represents within the Unity Church. The division of the center circle into three expanding shapes is based upon the power of the trinity. From the mandala, colors radiate out from the center expressing the power that goes from and comes into each of us. The star to the right was an image in a poem written by a woman very dear to Unity Church and to whom this window was dedicated. The silhouette of Diamond Head grounds the design with a sense of place. Below this, the words Lokahi and Unity are sand blasted into the glass surrounded by Hawaiian kapa design motifs. The window was divided into 6 panels. They were installed using steel T-bars to support each panel individually. The overall dimensions of the window are 15.5' x 6.5'.
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This Maker has consistently demonstrated excellence in craftsmanship and customer service.
My name is Michelle Caron and I am the owner and artist at Caron Art Glass -now located in Salem, Oregon. I have been working with glass for over 25 years creating fused glass, stained glass and glass mosaic art work. My passion for glass germinated in the cathedrals of France, developed roots in Hawai`i and is now branching out in Oregon. Commissioning artwork is very rewarding. The result is a piece of art to which you have a uniquely personal connection. Your involvement in the process can range from a general idea of the design or purpose of the piece to an ongoing conversation as we develop a design that expresses your voice. Your satisfaction is always my primary goal. Finding the perfect gift is time well spent when you give a quality handmade item that brings joy to the person who receives it. In addition to commission work, I create ready-to-purchase boutique items each of which is unique. From fused glass sculptures that bring new energy into a space, fused glass table ware for that special occasion, to personal items for the office and library, or one of a kind jewelry. There is something for everyone - even those hard-to-buy-for friends and family.
- JL
Jan Laidlaw
For Window repair.5.0She did a wonderful job installing our window. Highly recommend her to anyone needing help with windows. Very happy.
- BM
Brittany Mootz
For Brittany's Glasswork5.0So happy with the product. She did an amazing job. She emailed and kept me updated on the process. Everything went great! Thank you so much!
- NM
Neil McAfee
For stained glass for transom window over front door5.0What a wonderful artist Michelle is! After meeting with us initially to better understand what we had in mind for the transom window, she prepared several artist drawings with suggested themes. Every one was a possibility that we could have been pleased with. With her talent it made it difficult to decide. We settled on one, then changed to another, and finally after incorporating elements from more than one, and with further changes and additions we finally settled on what has become a work of art in the 6' wide arched transom window above our 8' front doors. It incorporates elements of the family's heritage with a truly wonderful rondel at it's center.
GMGregory Murnane
For Gregory's Stained Glass4.8From initial contact to delivery, Michelle has been nothing but a consummate professional. The piece she made is not only gorgeous, but exactly what I was hoping for when I first posted my request. I could not possibly be more happy with the work she has done, the speed she made the piece with, and her communication throughout the entire process, both in explaining the options available, and turning my idea into a treasured glass artwork.
- HM
HEATHER MacDonald
For Hi Michelle, I have another project for you5.0I couldn't be happier with my large stained glass! Michelle did a fantastic job from the start to the finish. The communication was great, explaining all the processes and steps. This is my second project with Michelle and I would choose her again and again! Very nice person to deal with!! Thanks Michelle!!!
- SI
Sean Isaacs
For Mosque Window - Star And Crescent5.0Really couldn't be happier to have discovered Michelle! She prepared a lovely custom-piece for our anniversary, with great communications, and expertly packaged/shipped across a border to our front door. It will be a treasured addition to our home! Sean Isaacs
- DB
Daniel Bevilacqua
For Prairie Style Transom For Home5.0The finished product was truly a work of art. Michelle was patient, courteous, easy to talk with, flexible, without drama, artistic and a true craftspeople. My wife and I could not be happier with the finished transom piece which was 5' long and 12" high. The large piece of glass was carefully prepared for shipping and travelled across country without a scratch. Thank you Michelle.
- SC
Sandra Cass
For Sandra's Glasswork5.0I’m very happy with the finished project. I felt she interpreted what I wanted. She communicated with me during the process from start to finish. I will defiantly be a returning customer.
- HL
HEATHER LEVI
For Beveled Stained Glass Panel, Traditional Clear Textured Transom5.0Michelle was wonderful to work with on this project. I definitely would recommend her to anyone for a stained glass project. I haven't rec'd the item yet but I'm sure it's packaged well and will be delivered in good condition and be very well made.
PCPayden Chapman
For Family Portrait5.0Michelle was awesome from start to finish!!! I submitted the photo of my grandparents! With my grandfather recently passing away we wanted something perfect for my grandma as my grandpa did stained glass work. Well Michelle kept me up to speed thru the entire project from the sketch clear to the shipping. Pictures didn’t do it justice my grandma opened it today and she just kept running her fingers across the glass she was speechless it turned out fantastic! We couldn’t be more thankful then to find someone like Michelle to re create our family’s portrait thank you!
- RH
Rhett Hall
For Family Portrait5.0 - PC
Philip Charmanski
For Philip's Glasswork5.0Michelle was a pleasure to work with.She kept me informed through out the whole process explaining everything step by step,Very professional and will definitely use her services again!!!
EMEmma Mourad
For Stained Glass Windows4.7It was great working with Michelle-I gave her an idea of what I was looking for & some key things about my husbands life which I thought could be good to reference then she came up with a fantastic design that built all these components in & even researched Arabic text to further build on his history. Excellent & beautiful completion. Also great advice on the long term maintenance of the window given we won’t be fitting it for a while. Thank you so much!
RMRenate Medley
For Restoration Question5.0It is with heartfelt appreciation that I welcome the chance to voice my support for Glass artist Michelle Caron. There is no question about Michelle’s talent. She is a remarkable artist as I first discovered when I found her work online. I reached out to her for help with the repair and restoration of a family heirloom. My father-n-law had passed away at the age of 99, and when we were clearing out his home, we discovered a stained-glass piece he had created. It had a couple of obvious breaks and was generally unstable. The truth is I didn’t know what I was looking at. As it turned out, there were many more repairs needed. From the beginning Michelle made me feel comfortable and welcome. She was up front with her prices and open and honest in her appraisal. I was especially impressed with her ongoing project updates. Her willingness to devote valuable time, really listen, and answer all my questions, immediately fostered a trusted artist/client relationship. I highly recommend Michelle Caron as an artist and businesswoman, the perfect blend of passion and compassion Through her solid knowledge base, good judgment, and skilled hands, she guided me through the restoration process with grace and ease. Bonus: It helped me not to worry, and I learned a lot! I am so grateful that fate brought her into my life. Sincerely, Renate Medley
- RM
Renate Medley
For Restoration Continued4.7 
JTJeff Tepper
For Jeff's Stained Glass Sun Catcher5.0Michelle was wonderful throughout the whole process. Giving me updates every step of the way along with progress pictures. The piece was packed with care and arrived long before I needed it. Worth every penny!
RGRemi Gangarossa
For Remi's I need the inside of a glass bowl painted5.0Michelle was such a pleasure to work with! It's always refreshing to work with someone who keeps a solutions-oriented open mind. I had a pretty tough ask of Michelle, and she helped me think outside the box to make my vision a reality. Her approach to art is unique, and she delivers fantastic results! A++++
- BW
Brett Watson
For Holy spirt window5.0I submitted an idea I had for a stained glass window on CustomMade's website. I had no idea what to expect as I had never used the service before. I had a number of artists reach out to me wanting to work with me on my project. When Michelle reach out to me, immediately I knew she was different than the rest. She was humble, genuinely interested in making my project unique and asked all of the right questions. The stained glass window I was requesting to be created was a gift for my mother. Michelle wanted to know all about my ideas and wanted to know all about my mother. She took all of the information I provided and created a beautiful one of a kind piece that flows together. She sketched the design in flawless detail and we went back and forth over minor modifications. Michelle was very patient and understanding through the design process. During the assembly phase, she took the time to provide me with pictures and explanations of the process. Michelle works with speed and efficiency but does not compromise on quality and craftsmanship. My mother now has her stained glass window that she will treasure for a lifetime. I highly encourage anyone in the market for a custom piece to contact Michelle, she will exceed your expectations.
GGGabrielle Goodrick
For Blazing Fall Forest5.0Project was complicated and was pulled off with perfection. I had Caron make three custom stained glass lights. They are amazing and perfect. Installed perfectly onto bases that were already made.
- TE
Thomas E. Douglas
For Family Crest Stained Glass Panel5.0After an exhaustive search for a stain glass artist to create an odd shaped side window panel and incorporate our family crest, Michelle Caron was selected. From our initial contact with her we were impressed. Then she worked with us (giving us several options) than helping us "hone in" on the colors and style we wanted, the project was a go. During the process, we received regular updates with photographs of the progress. As such, Michelle remained available, professional and friendly. Above all, the final product more than exceeded out expectations. Thank you Michelle! Tom & Gloria Douglas
- JG
Jim Glendinning
For Table Sculpture Of Fused Glass - I Luna, Up Above5.0This maker (creator) of my project was wonderful to work with. We had a tight timeline and she made everything easy and had great ideas to add. This was a gift for the founder of our company who was retiring. I received photo updates as the project advanced. Everything went perfect and the item was a big hit for all!
- RK
Rachel Kunz
For Rachel's Glasswork5.0Michelle was wonderful to work with. She answered emails quickly and made our stained glass look wonderful. We are so happy with the finished product and our entire experience.
- JD
Jay Dennis
For Jay's Art & Music5.0This project was a little “off the cuff”...just an idea we had. We didn’t really know what we wanted. Our original thought was a 3-D type of metal statue but Michelle came in with a slightly different take and it was well received by our team. She described her design very well and sent hand drawings to further clarify her idea. We went with her ideas and we are very happy with the end piece. Her idea of kiln-carving part of the design was better than she described! When she was finished, she sent the statue and a personal check since she over estimated the shipping! Honestly, I think her price was TOO INEXPENSIVE for what we received. She communicated many times as the project began to develop and even checked up to make sure it was delivered. I don’t know what my next item that would need to be created is, but I would have Michelle look it over first!
- DF
David Fleener
For Baptismal Font: Zion Lutheran Church, Hartford City, Indiana5.0Every step of the way, Michelle helped us design a wonderful new font for our congregation. Her communication was clear and consistent, with pictures. When she had questions, she did not hesitate to ask them. She did a masterful job incorporating some of our current artwork (our stained glass windows) into this new piece. When the piece arrived, it exceeded my expectations with its beautiful use of raked glass on top and opaque glass on the bottom. I highly recommend this maker. Five stars all the way.
- JW
Jeffrey Waggett
For Jeffrey's Glasswork5.0I had a fantastic experience working with Michelle Caron. She is professional and patient with questions. Michelle has a great combination of being able to offer advice while remaining open-minded to your ideas (even if you don't know what you're really talking about, like me, or have a tough time conveying what you mean). I would definitely work again with Michelle. She is a true artist and everything came out beyond my expectations!
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