I have always loved art. I started out in drawing and made a very long journey to what I am doing today. I permanently moved up to Port Austin oh,...I would say about five years ago now.
Before Port Austin, I was an art and computer graphics teacher in Southfield, Michigan. I taught Middle School and loved it. The kids at that age are just so much fun. I still miss it to this day. I taught for 11 years and then moved into a career in Project Management for software companies. I managed large software and hardware installations all over the country. I spent pretty much 10 years living in hotels and airplanes...and guess what I loved that also!
My last contract ended and before I began looking for another, my parents became ill, I came to Port Austin to help. After a little while I realized I needed to keep myself busy....Port Austin is a beautiful town, but just a bit quieter than living in hotels and shuttling around the country on a regular basis.
I began making jewelry to fill time at first, and to create pieces that I really wanted to wear. My interest has grown over the years. I started creating beaded jewelry and still love beads to this day. I then moved into creating mosaic furniture and home decor, and once again fell in love. I actually have found I have a bit of a short attention span and find moving from one medium to another keeps the interest and inspiration flowing. So with that in mind I have now moved into metals. Creating with sterling silver, copper, and incorporating my beads and gemstones as I go along.
The very first retail market for my pieces was Lisa's Loft of Port Austin, MI. The store was opening and I decided to give it a shot and approach the owner Lisa Heins. Well, over the years Lisa has become a wonderful friend and a terrific retail venue for my jewelry.
Donna Ruperburg's watercolor prints are very popular.
My medium is watercolor and I enjoy capturing the essence of historic buildings and also the beauty of nature. I am a member of the Thumb Arts Guild in Port Austin, MI and the Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda, Florida. I have been published in the Michigan History Magazine, and I continue to take advanced watercolor classes during the winter months at the Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda and have taken pen & ink classes at the Edison Community College in Florida.
My portfolio contains many watercolor paintings of old churches and historical buildings in the upper thumb area. I also will do commission work for customers who would like a painting of their own personal cottage or home. My watercolor paintings of many local churches captures the beautiful old architecture of days gone by. The prints, which can be beautifully framed, make meaningful gifts for weddings and baptisms.
Prints, cards and magnets of my art work are made available for sale at Lisa's Loft. The purchase of these items will make nice souvenir of your visit to Port Austin and surrounding area.
I taught piano & organ for 22 years and have been the church organist for the United Protestant Church for the past 15 years. My husband, Burke, and I have resided in Port Austin since 1991 and have three grown children and three grandsons all living in Michigan.
Diane Jodoin's refinished vintage and antique furniture pieces are the perfect addition for your
cottage, cabin or home.
I have the privilege of offer rejuvenated vintage furniture and an occasional painting to the extended family of Lisa's Loft customers.
It was a natural progression to arrive at this destination, largely due to the friends and family that surround me. A welcome addition, my husband of 33 years, Randy, has progressed from loosening a rusted-on screw for me, to locating and refinishing his own projects.
I have had two questions asked of me repeatedly that have made an impact. The first is, "Who are you from home?" It is a literal translation from Polish to English meaning, "What is your maiden name?". That is a wholly quaint, unique to this area, question. It always makes me smile, and reminds me of who I am and why I live here.
The second question is broader in geography, and is, "What do you do, up here, in the winter?"
Well...I am self taught through books, the internet, and trial and error. I started with sewing, moved on to painting, dabbled in woodworking, and found my heart was in rescuing, repairing, and restoring old wood and wicker furniture. I can repair wicker, weave a new seat, and permanently fix a loose leg of a chair without running a screw that shows. I have learned to patch veneer, repair ornate gesso frames, and fix broken pottery without glue or the missing pieces. I can make a drawer slide smoother, and know where to look for authentic vintage handles, keyhole covers, or upholstery.
From home, I am an Iseler, and this is what I do, up here, in the winter.
I am a freelance writer & photographer with a passionate love of nature which leads me to produce images worthy of display. I was born and raised in Huron County, in Michigan's Thumb. The natural beauty of the state makes it a perfect place to practice my craft. I write feature stories for newspapers & magazines, and press releases for businesses & organizations, but my first love is nature photography.
Over the years I have had numerous photos, text or photo/text packages published in local and regional newspapers and in regional and national magazines.
My credits include Michigan Out-of-Doors, Michigan Living, Michigan Country Lines, Huron Shores, Woods-N-Water News, Great Lakes Angler, Lakeland Boating, Quilt World, Antique Trader, Today's Collector, Antique Gazette, Farm & Ranch Living, Toy Farmer, Sugarbeet Grower, Toy Trucker & Contractor, Boating Life and Mid West Outdoors. In addition, my photos have been used as covers for regional telephone and travel directories.
For the last few years I've been showing my nature photography at art & craft shows throughout Michigan. If you see me at a show, stop by and say 'hi.'
