About The Artists

I have a degree in Craft Design from Florida State University as well as a Master’s degree in Library Science. Art has been a part of my life since I was very young. During long illnesses my mother kept me in any art supplies I wanted. She was always my greatest supporter.

I work primarily in glass and enamels though I love drawing and oils. I enjoy every aspect of the process including design, blasting, hand inlaying enamels and firing my copper bowls. Three of my portrait bowls were displayed in the Smithsonian’s Renwick gallery. I have displayed in numerous galleries for juried competitions.

I lived in Florida from high school on and after college became a professional firefighter for the city of Tallahassee. After acquiring a master’s in Library Science and working in several libraries, I moved to western North Carolina. After retiring I was able to work at my craft in earnest. Having more time means I can pursue any design I desire. My art encompasses many different ideas and whether it is whimsy, reality based, passionate or joy, I have the freedom to create whatever I feel. I also create things that are in your mind and hopefully represent your ideas and thoughts.

I hope my work elicits a positive and emotional response from the viewer.

~ Mary Kautz

Lyssa has done many different art projects over the years. Prior to managing and cooking in a restaurant in Tryon, NC, she had a business called Cross Creations, and designed logos and did drawings of houses for notecards. She also made a map of all the businesses and places to shop in Tryon with a drawing of each business and marketed it to each shop. Lyssa and her Mom ran their own Christmas Shop for several seasons . In 1989 she obtained her real estate license in North and South Carolina, and in later years just in NC. She practiced Real Estate  in Asheville for the next 30 years, while also running Mt Laurel Bed and Breakfast, for 26 of those years.

Lyssa is now mostly retired from Real Estate, so she has more time to explore her artistic talents. She manages the business side of Mountain Artisan Glass as well as now exploring a talent for stained Glass design. Her pieces are mostly her own design and she incorporates all kinds of special additions into each piece. These include old clock works, slab pieces of geodes, shells and many others. If you have a special trinket she can make you a piece and add it. She is having much enjoyment from creating new things.

~ Lyssa Cross