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Broken glass has a familiar sound but can be extremely painful when it is stepped upon.

For multimedia glass artist Dennise Smith, an opportunity to embrace it led her to begin a business adventure called Dee’s Creations-A Touch of Glass. “This crushed glass is usually used to accent open air fire propane fire pits. It comes in a variety of colors. Most people use it to put in the pit of the fire feature,” she said.

Her business is relatively new as she has only been in operation since December 2020. “The painting is not new but the selling part is. I was just doing it for fun and didn’t have any intention of selling it.” Smith has been a quilter most of her life but has since acquired a passion for glass art. “I have about 25 quilts sitting in my cedar chest. They’re really expensive to make and nobody was buying them. This came to life as a new hobby and quickly blossomed into artwork everyone enjoys and can purchase. It all starts with a painter’s canvas as the base of each piece using vivid acrylic paints. It is topped with shiny crushed glass to give each piece a two-dimensional and unique ‘touch of glass’ and finally finished with resin,” she explained.

Her creations are one of a kind and vary anywhere from patriotic and religious pieces to beach scenes and sea life. “No two pieces of artwork are just alike. I do almost anything you can think of subject wise.” Smith has a very good reason for sharing her art. “I love seeing nature and life recreated using God’s handiwork and enjoy meeting people. It gives me the opportunity to share my faith in Jesus Christ, how good He has been to me, the peace He gives me, and how He wants us all to love those around us.”

Smith’s husband Roger is also an artist and holds degrees in Graphic Arts and Marketing. She said, “I use him as my counselor to help me figure out ideas. With my Olivia Pearl Ostrich painting, she has a pearl necklace but wouldn’t if it weren’t for him.” She has already showcased her art at two shows this year in Andalusia and Florala. She is also hoping to showcase her pieces in town at the Bluebird Coffee Shop. Smith also acknowledged her online instructor Cindy Manley, who runs a business called Art Shattered in Mississippi.

She said art lovers can view her creations on her Facebook page (Dennise Smith) until her website is completed. “I will gladly produce your special piece of artwork on commission with your specifications for a one-of-a-kind lasting keepsake for you or your loved ones.” Smith invites art lovers to visit the Lower Alabama Arts Coalition and purchase some of her creations. “I have about 40 pieces there, one of almost every one I’ve made,” she said.

She and her husband Roger reside outside of the city limits on Gantt Lake.

For more information contact her at 850-865-2416 or e-mail doubln@aol.com. “I’m having a blast doing this. If I get a small opportunity and somebody is hurting or having a hard time, I will prod them,” Smith said.