The Artists of Windmill Hill Studios
JoAnne Hoeffner, Dorothy Ansell, Barbra and John Gorney are the artists of Windmill Hill Studios. They are all related and have discovered that they share a passion for making things with metal and glass.
Dorothy Ansell (Dot)
Dot is a cousin to everyone and has been at it the longest. She started playing with kiln fired glass about 15 years ago. When commercial settings became too limiting, she learned how to set her unique glass pieces with traditional metal smithing techniques. Dot just graduated from the Professional Arts:Jewelry Program at the College of the Albemarle in Manteo, NC.
JoAnne Hoeffner (Jo)
Jo and Barb are sisters and have always been admirers of artisan jewelry. After retirement, they jumped into metal smithing and haven’t looked back.
They both work with copper and silver sheet. The rolling mill and the hydraulic press help both of these artists create beautiful textures and shapes. Check out their beautiful earrings with gemstone accents and amazing metal cuffs.
Barbra Gorney (Barb)
Barb also enjoys playing with glass. She creates beautiful glass cabochons to set in necklaces, rings, and earrings. She works with her husband John to finish his colorful lampworked beads.
John Gorney
John, Barb’s husband, is the newest member of the group. He makes beautiful lampwork beads. He finishes them with copper and sterling silver wire. Most recently he has branched into making all metal wire earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.