Jen Violette’s passion for creating art began in early
childhood. She learned basic drawing and woodworking skills
from her father & sewing skills from her mother. Her paternal
grandparents earned their living as studio artists at their home
in Maine and she was always inspired by their work and lifestyle.
After graduating from highschool in 1990, she decided to study
art at Alfred University and received her BFA with honors from
Alfred in 1994. She has studied at the Rhode Island School of
Design, Pilchuck Glass School, Haystack Mountain School of
Crafts, The Studio at the Corning Museum of Glass and Penland
School of Crafts. Her teachers include Lino Tagliapietra, William
Morris, Dante Marioni, Richard Marquis, Pino Signoretto, Randy
Walker and Karen Willenbrink-Johnsen.
    Jen and her husband John Gerding live on a small farm in
Wilmington, Vermont with their two young sons. Living in an
old farmhouse with connected barns for her studio greatly
inspires her daily thoughts and sketches. Jen is an avid gardener
and draws great inspiration for her pieces from her vegetable &
perennial gardens on their land.
    Jen has won numerous awards for her glass and exhibits her
unique mixed-media sculptures in many fine art galleries
nationwide. Her work is included in numerous private
collections throughout the world. Her timeless designs are
a stunning addition to any decor.