Cassandra Harper Photography

Hunt Stained Glass Studio

Documentary

“We’d love to Serve”

People have been staining glass for over a thousand years. Today less than .01% of the population practices this art. Stained glass as an art and trade has always interested me but I knew little about the craft. A few weeks ago I got the chance to get to know the artists and craftsmen at Hunt Stained Glass Studios. They introduced me to the steps involved in the stained glass process and the tools and materials used. The process as a whole is fascinating. However, Nicholas Parrendo is captivating, a true inspiration; he demonstrates a passion for his work that few possess.

Parrendo, is an artist at, and the owner of, Hunt Stained Glass Studios in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. At 84 years of age, Nick has been working with stained glass for over 50 years. He began his journey in 1950 as an apprentice, but the art came naturally to him. He was soon producing better work than his mentors. In 1987 he purchased Hunt Glass Studios, but he never allowed the business side to interfere with his love of the art. To this day he designs every window produced by Hunt Stained Glass Studios. His constant passion for art and the love of what he does is truly inspiring. He considers every day a new challenge. As a Photographer I can on hope to have the same enthusiasm as Parrendo exhibits after 50 years.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Phipps conservatory and botanical gardens, built in 1893 can be found in the heart of Oakland at Schenely Park. The steel and glass victorian greenhouse has 19 indoor and outdoor gardens. Which consist of but is not limited to Palm Court, Fern Room, Orchid Room, and Desert Room. Not only does Phipps offer an outstanding botanical show but they also have a gift shop that offers everything from hand-crafted jewelry to gardening supplies. Cafe Phipps can also be found at the conservatory serving organic, local and sustainable foods to visitors and the general public.

As the seasons change so do the events and exhibits at Phipps Conservatory. The Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show is held from January 12th to February the 24th and is currently on display. Some things you might find while visiting this show are bright and vibrant orchids that bloom during different times of the year in the Orchid Room. As well as Phipps whole and permanent collection of bonsai trees which is shown in the Serpentine Room. During the cold and snowy month of February Phipps holds Tropical Sundays. Which consists of free tropical fruit tastings, steel drum performances, and a Bonsai tree educational program, while experiencing the botanical gardens. Sundays attract many large crowds consisting of older couples to families with small children. Its apparent that Phipps has a wide variety of attractions pleasing all age groups. It is surely an attraction you don’t want to miss in Pittsburgh.

Environmental Portrait

Highway Robbery Vintage is a unique and fairly new store on the Southside of Pittsburgh. Lacey a current fashion student at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh is the employee of the vintage store shown in the above photos. She has been working at the store since its opening this past September. Kate Minton the owner of Highway Robbery Vintage asked Lacey to work at the store after having her as a former intern. Lacey enjoys being able to see the wide range of different men and women's clothing and accessories that come through the store. Most of the apparel and other items come form vintage buyers, estate sales, and companies that take vintage clothing and remakes them into different new articles of clothing.

South Florida @ Pittsburgh

Pitt loses to South Florida 47-56 on February 19, 2012 at the Peterson Events Center

Senior forward Nasir Robinson for Pittsburgh catches a pass as South Florida's junior forward Toarlyn Fitzpatrick tries to stop him.

Junior forward Dante Taylor at the line after being fouled by South Florida's Jawanza Poland number 5 guard. Taylor made 1 of 2 foul shots.

Forward sophomore J. J. Moore on his way up for a dunk in the second half. He had a career high of 21 points that night.

J. J. Moore Pittsburgh forward again scoring on a fast break. This was number three of five the sophomore had on Sunday nights game.

South Florida's number 32 Fitzpatrick and 34 Robertson blocking Pitt's freshman guard John Johnson second missed layup of the night.

The energetic Pittsburgh Panter mingling with fans during half time.

Pitt court boy wipes the floor during a TV timeout.

Remembering Matt

Bree Laffoon is seen at Twin Valley Memorial Park with her hand placed on her deceased friends grave. This April will mark seven years since Matthew P. Fischerkeller passed away from sudden cardiac arrest due to a congenital heart disorder at the age of 16.

Bree remembers Matt as being an outstanding musician, kind hearted, smart, and all around a great person and best friend. As a constant reminder of Matthew Bree has a tattoo on the back of her neck reading "Love is forever, Life is eternal". She says the tattoo means "That he will for ever live within me , and I will carry the memory and love I have for him forever".

She is also seen wearing a yellow guitar pick around her neck that was once used by Matthew. It serves as a good luck charm and she is rarely ever seen without it on.

Although once a tragic event, today Bree is all smiles and is more proud than ever to call Matt her friend. To bring awareness of congenital heart disorders in the young the Fischerkeller family has set up The Matthew P. Fischerkeller Memorial Foundation. At this years annual golf outing the foundation raised over $ 43,000. As Bree says "Matt is always in our hearts and never forgotten".