Founders
Michael Rievley & Cindy Ehrlich
After retiring from a mountain top in Tennessee to the Beautiful Foothills of North Carolina, Cindy inspired-- Okay she (strongly) encouraged me to start teaching “old school” leadwork as opposed to the very popular copper foil method
Since the first mention that Wabi-Sabi Workshops offered classes, students have visited us from across America. The experience for us has been as uplifting and validating as it has been humbling. Our professional lives have never been this rewarding. Seeing our students (now friends) drive away, with not only their completed panel, but also with renewed confidence in their skills, has been its own reward.
Sadly, we recently lost Cindy to COVID. However, her spirit and her inspiration still inhabits everything we do with every student at Wabi-Sabi Workshops.
Michael Rievley
Founder. CEO. Dreamer. Friend
If you’re here, you know what it’s like. From your first successful snap of the glass, you were hooked. I know the feeling, nowadays they have support groups for folks like us!
One of the best parts of my 40+ year career has been the actual benchwork itself. The crafting of the panel has always been more important (to me) than any other part of the job. I’ve designed windows… Big, expensive windows, but no matter the design or exquisite painting, if the standards of the Master Craftsmen aren't upheld, all of our ancient crafts will surely die.
So, surely after being a "stained glass guy" for the last 40+years, it turns out I was only in training to become a teacher, and I've never been happier.
Cory Myers
Teacher. Musician. Master Craftsman.
We’ve known Cory a few years now. He’s one of the many talented artisans that have been drawn to Wabi-Sabi Workshops, most as students, but Cory as a teacher. “Teaching is so incredibly rewarding. I enjoy seeing the light come on in someone’s mind when they “get it”. It’s kind of like unlocking a puzzle. It’s in there, you just have to find it.”
Thomas Cory Myers was born with, “it”. He plays a mean guitar, and there’s nothing in stained glass he can’t build or restore. We’re very fortunate to have Cory as a fellow Leadhead of Wabi-Sabi Workshops. He lives quietly with his Golden Retriever, Josey Wales, on his ancestral property in the beautiful foothills of North Carolina.
Pierson Rievley
Semi perfectionist. Star-Gazer. “Doer of Everything Else”
Since birth, Pierson has been exposed to stained glass. She has even been “in” stained glass. (See picture below.) Born in Murfreesboro, TN, Pierson joined us with the apt job title of Chief Operating Officer. We often refer to her as “The Doer of Everything Else”. She brings a youthful enthusiasm and vision to Wabi-Sabi Workshops that benefits us and our students every day. I am personally proud to have Pierson Leslie Rievley as my daughter and as an integral part of Team Leadhead.
Pierson fills her day-to-day as a pharmacy technician “at the corner of happy and healthy”. She loves to get her hands busy with the next best thing that comes to mind, whether that’s painting, stained glass, sewing, or playing in makeup. She’s also a huge cat person. Short in stature but large in personality, if you see anything that can make your experience better, just let her know. She’ll get it done.
Pearl
Yoda
“I highly recommend Wabi Sabi Workshops!
Working with Michael has been a truly amazing experience. Between his vast knowledge, lightning personality, encouragement and attention to detail he really made it easy to comprehend and succeed in my lead work.
Michael and his wife, Cindy, were very good hosts and always made me feel comfortable and at home at their home/workshop. Having worked with these wonderful people in such an encouraging environment has definitely sparked my interest in this craft. I’m looking forward to the classes I will be taking with Michael in the future!”