You Never Really Risk Giving Away What You Know

“I taught in the arts magnet school for 17 years in Pittsburgh, then worked as an administrator. Then I got downsized and I decided to build my own business. So I teach online, I do technology consulting, and I started doing stained glass art just as a hobby. In my art, I use large frames — this is a microwave dish, glass on glass. Traditionally, mosaics are dark — but, watch what happens when you hold it up to the light! It’s not how I earn my keep. It’s a labor of love, but I do love it. This is my full-time hobby and I like to share it, with people in coffee shops.

I tell people where to get everything, how to do it. The reason I started doing that was actually selfish in a way — it was like, if I tell everyone how to do it, I won’t have to keep doing the class. Because everybody will do it for themselves. And what has happened was exactly the opposite. So I guess that’s a really good lesson. You never really risk giving away what you know. In fact, when you give it away, you get more back.”

[Mara Linaberger recently held a stained glass mosaic-making class at the Blue Canary Coffeehouse in Ambridge.]

Erin Ninehouser

Erin Ninehouser loves photography for its ability to reveal truths and insights that are often too difficult to capture with words. She believes, as Garrison Keillor says through his troubled yet triumphant character Barbara in Pontoon, that “the only sermon that counts is the one formed by our actions.” A native of New Castle, Erin has made her home in Ambridge where she lives happily with her wonderful husband Dave, their three adorable and hilarious cats, and their “old gentleman” dog, Max. Erin is excited to help tell the stories of the people of Beaver County. You can see more of her work on Facebook and connect on Instagram or Twitter.