By Joanne Hill
Jada the standard poodle and Bucky the Jack Russell Terrier feel as much at home in Rose Window Studio as the studio’s owners, Amanda and Larry Donley.
An interesting visit on a sunny afternoon reveals another of Patrick County’s hidden treasures. The studio, located in Woolwine in the former W.G. Atkins Store, displays many creative and colorful works of art designed and finished by Amanda and Larry (and other artists).
Surprisingly, the Donleys met in a local hospital where Amanda was visiting family. Her cousin was injured in a motocross competition, and she and Larry were both at the hospital to check on him.
Larry, who grew up in the Fieldale/Bassett area and graduated from Bassett High School, and Amanda, who grew up in San Diego, immediately made a connection. They became fast friends, which led later to marriage and many years of sharing an interest in fine arts.
In 1984, they opened their first artisan shop in Martinsville, and have maintained a close relationship with Piedmont Arts and Lynnwood Artists. Having lived and worked in the Smith Mountain Lake area, the Donleys were looking for a more peaceful environment when they bought a farm in Charity 13 years ago.
Larry, a retired building contractor, has enjoyed many creative projects through the years. He especially enjoyed renovating a home on the lake, which he transformed from a one-story residence to a two-story home. Larry said he was fortunate that it didn’t rain during the entire project.
Amanda’s father was an architect, and she helped him with projects such as decorative wall finishes. Her grandmother was an artist with a successful career as a milliner making beautiful hats and clothin
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Having been around art growing up, it was not hard for Amanda to fall into being a life-long artist. She hopes the family tradition of pursuing art as a career will continue with their three grandchildren.
Amanda and Larry have enjoyed updating their farm home and they take delight in some of farm activities. Amanda is a horse enthusiast and Larry likes doing the hay-work necessary to feed their horses. “We love it here,” they both said as they described their Charity lifestyle.
Being lovers of bluegrass music, they attend many of the area festivals. Larry has the unique job of being the “tractor-man” for FloydFest, which is held near their home. Playing guitar and mandolin bring pleasure to Amanda in her leisure time.
Rose Window Studio takes its name from the term “rose window” used for centuries to describe the round stained-glass windows found in many churches and cathedrals, especially those with Gothic architecture.
At Rose Window Studio, Amanda and Larry create many art objects, including stained glass. They also teach classes and they sell their creations.
Much of the Amanda’s and Larry’s work—stained glass, paintings, and wall finishes—is done on a contractual basis, and they travel near and far for many of the jobs.
Amanda does most of the art work, and Larry does the wood and metal work involved in the installation. Since Larry has been a contractor, there doesn’t seem to be a job he can’t handle.
For the stained glass, Amanda orders large sheets of colored glass from industry distributors. After she consults with the client for information about the design and size, she develops an intricate pattern on which the cut glass pieces are laid out.
Many hours are involved in this time-consuming task. If a client requests wall finishes or murals, she visits the site and makes the plan. Oftentimes, Larry builds a scaffold and assists with materials and application. They are a team that enjoys working together.
Their projects include the tasting room at Villa Appalachian Winery, where wine bottle bottoms were used in the project; a Jewish synagogue in New York; and Roanoke Bible College. They have helped restore and repair stained-glass windows in more than 100 churches, including Woolwine United Methodist. They also created a mural at Critz Baptist, and designed the doors at The Landmark Center.
Amanda has taught classes at the Jacksonville Center in Floyd and at Patrick Henry Community College. She’s happy to learn that some of her students have continued their interest in the arts and have opened their own studios.
She also instructs groups and parties, which gives her much satisfaction. “You meet some really cool people,” she said. She recently received a request from a winemaker to design a bottle label.
Looking to the future, Amanda said she dreams of having more time for painting and studio work. She would like to create her own themes, completing large paintings and with horses as subjects. “One day I will mainly do what I want to do,” she added.
For your own furry welcome, visual treats and inspiration from a couple that loves their artistic life, drop in to Rose Window Studio across from Woolwine Elementary School. The studio phone numbers are (276) 930-2102 and (276) 340-8445.
