The Sundial Recreation Center’s SilverStones Club has selected Sue Undreiner as its latest featured artist. 

Undreiner has called many places “home,” residing in Chicago, San Jose, West Haven, CT, and Albuquerque before moving to Sun City in the fall of 2018. Shortly after arriving in Sun City, Undreiner walked into the SilverStones retail store at during the annual holiday craft fair and, in her words, she “fell in love with glass fusion.”

“Someone I worked with in Albuquerque did glass fusion jewelry and when I saw it in the retail store, I signed up for a fused glass class on the spot,” she said.

That spurred an interest that has grown to include almost everything that the SilverStones Club has to offer. Along with glass fusion, Undreiner has added silver smithing, lost wax/metal casting, chaining, wire wrap, and faceting to her list of artistic talents.

“I have taken every class offered at the club with glass fusion being the first one. During silver smithing class and a glass workshop, I found I really like playing with fire,” Undreiner said.

She mentioned fire painting on copper and heating glass strips with her torch as examples.

As busy as Undreiner is with the SilverStones club, she still finds time for other activities. 

“I also belong to Fairway Knitters where I crochet and I’ve done ceramics, both hand building and bisque,” Undreiner said.

She also enjoys cooking and baking, trying out new recipes, and sharing the food she makes with friends who can no longer cook for themselves. Other skills include sewing, needlepoint and cross stitch.

Undreiner is passionate about the arts and is appreciative of the opportunity to pursue and display her artistic talents by being a member of the SilverStone’s Club. She also gives many of her creations away as gifts. When asked about what she most enjoys making, Undreiner replied, “I like making all types of items.  My favorites are gifts. I’ve made wedding gifts, birthday gifts and holiday gifts for family and friends.”

Undreiner stated the inspiration for her gift creations depends on what is going on. 

“I try to match the occasion,” she said. 

That concept is readily apparent in Undreiner’s answer to the question, What is your favorite creation and why is it your favorite? Her answer: “My favorite piece is the saxophone. The first one was very emotional for me. I made it for a childhood friend of mine. Her son was killed in a motorcycle accident. He was four months older than my daughter, and we shared a birthday, so this hit close to home. I’ve known him since he was one year old. He was a K-5 music teacher and played saxophone in a jazz band on the weekends. I put my heart and soul into that dedication piece for my friend. When it went into the mail, I cried. I made a second one because people in the club said how beautiful the original was. I’m very pleased with the second piece as well.”

Undreiner’s response to how her creative hobby makes her feel was, “I feel a sense of accomplishment and pride when I finish a particular piece. Special orders and sales are the biggest compliment I can receive.”

Residents can view these creations and many others in the Retail Store, or ask for a tour of the Siverstone Club. 

SilverStones is open 8 a.m.-3 p.m. January-May; starting in June, the club closes early at noon. Membership in the SilverStones costs $15 a year. If needed, lockers are available for $3 each and the club provides the opportunity to take classes for $10 to $50, plus any cost of materials at club cost. Tools and equipment are provided.

Call 317-508-5959 for more information.