Candy Kesser
I’m Candy Kesser — a wife, proud mom of two amazing sons, and grandmother to four wonderful grandchildren. My husband Peter and I have been fortunate to live in many different parts of this great country during the course of our 40+ years of marriage - and we currently call southwest Florida our home.
Creativity has always been part of my life. For years, I worked as a professional sports photographer. When I decided it was time for me to retire, I found that I wasn’t ready to set aside my creative drive, so I followed a longtime dream: working with stained glass - in a small art studio we set up in our house. One project led to another, and before long, I was experimenting with glass, resins, and other ways to bring art to life.
A few years into this new chapter of my life, I joined the team at re:MADE, an inspiring local art gallery where volunteer artists transform previously used or damaged items into something new & artistic - instead of sending them to a landfill. That experience not only helped me sell some of my own art, but also connected me with an amazing community of creative people. It helped me realize how powerful it can be when artists come together and support one another.
The more I spoke with fellow artists, the more I heard about their struggles — the high costs, restrictions, and frustrations they experienced while trying to sell their work online or in traditional galleries. As an artist myself, I knew those challenges all too well.
That’s when the idea for The Crafty Artists was born: a simple, affordable, supportive platform where independent artists can share their work, connect with buyers, and actually earn money doing what they love. We strive to provide a forum where creative people can showcase their talents, set their own prices, and sell their art simply and profitably.
Today, I’m thrilled to invite you to be part of this rapidly growing showcase — a place where creativity thrives, and artists finally have the control they deserve. This isn’t just a business for me — it’s a passion. I know the struggle of being an independent artist, and I’m building this community so none of us have to face it alone.
Sylvia Ford
Sylvia Ford’s journey into art is proof that creativity has no expiration date. Born in South Africa, Sylvia grew up surrounded by vibrant landscapes and bold colors that would later inspire her artistic eye. Life took her on many adventures — marrying her wonderful husband Terry, raising two children, and eventually delighting in the joy of becoming a grandmother to four lively grandkids.
After a full career and a lifetime of caring for others, Sylvia stepped into retirement with an open heart and curious spirit. It was then, just two years ago, that she discovered stained glass. What started as a quiet hobby quickly became a full-fledged passion. With patience, precision, and a spark of playfulness, Sylvia began transforming sheets of glass into luminous works of art.
Her stained-glass creations carry the warmth of her family-centered life and the fearless curiosity of someone embracing new chapters. Each piece tells a story — of light breaking through, of color shifting with the day, of beauty discovered in unexpected places. Her family affectionately teases that she’s become “quite the artiste,” but Sylvia takes the title with a smile, knowing she’s proof that it’s never too late to discover your talent.
Today, Sylvia continues to create from her home, sharing her stained-glass works with a growing community of art lovers. For her, the greatest joy is knowing her pieces brighten not just windows and walls, but the hearts of those who welcome them into their homes.
Our Next Artist… Could It Be You? 🎨✨
This spot is waiting for the next talented local artist to shine. The Crafty Artists is a community gallery that showcases painters, sculptors, jewelry makers, stained glass artists, and creatives of all kinds. If you’ve been looking for a place to display your artwork, connect with art lovers, and be part of a vibrant collective, this is your chance.
Whether you’re an experienced artist or just starting your creative journey, we’d love to feature your work here. Fill out our artist application form today and you could be the next face highlighted in our gallery. Let your art be discovered, celebrated, and loved by your community.
