Melanie Leppla
Waitsfield, VT
Get to Know the Artist
Melanie Guernsey-Leppla is a visionary artist whose distinctive glasswork captures the profound interplay of light, color, and nature’s timeless beauty.
Since earning her BFA from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 1986, Melanie has been crafting extraordinary glass art that resonates deeply with viewers. Her work, characterized by its vibrant hues, organic forms, and connection to natural elements, has been showcased in prestigious exhibitions across the United States and internationally.
A celebrated artist, Melanie has received two fellowship grants from The Creative Glass Center of America and a fellowship grant from the New Jersey Council for the Arts. Her pieces are included in the permanent collections of the Museum of American Craft and the Museum of American Glass, as well as numerous esteemed private collections.
Working from her Vermont studio, Melanie continues to innovate, blending technical precision with a soulful connection to the natural world. Her creations are not merely works of art—they are reflections of life’s journey, illuminated by the fire and light that shape her medium and her vision.
In The Studio
What is a cairn?These cairns, born in fire and light, represent accomplishments, knowledge and experience gained, difficulties overcome, sanctuary and guidance for pathways yet to be traveled. Cairns, man made piles of stones, have an ancient history dating back to the Bronze Age. Important markers in many societies, cairns have served to guide travelers, memorialize the departed and commemorate events, both significant and trivial. Hikers add stones to cairns on mountain tops to mark their conquering the summit.
The custom may have originated in Scotland where it is traditional to carry a stone from the bottom of a hill to place on the cairn at the top. Stupas in India and Tibet probably began as simple piles of stones and now mark the resting places of Buddhist saints and Lamas. In Scandinavia, cairns, often painted white for visibility, are used to guide sailors into safe harbors.
Whether commemorating an achievement, hoping to guide someone in the right direction or protecting and sanctifying the remains of what has passed, cairns have held deep significance for millennia.
Custom Orders
Please Fill Out The Form To Send Us An Email.Are you interested in a custom order? This artist offers custom-made pieces tailored to your vision. Whether you have a specific idea in mind or need help bringing your concept to life, reach out to discuss your unique creation. Please fill out the form and let us know some more details about what you’re looking for. Someone from the Creative Gateways team will be in touch soon!
Email: happiness@creativegateways.com
Phone: (928) 282-1212
Care and Cleaning
Careful handling is essential to preserve the integrity of the glass piece. It is recommended to use a soft cloth or feather duster to wipe down the surface and loosen any dust as needed. Be sure to avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive materials when cleaning.