I wouldn’t consider art a binding thread in my family, but at least through two generations, art is shaping who we are today. Our story is one of creativity, passion, and shared experiences — where custom hand-painted art, stained glass, and craftsmanship reflect not only our skills but also the heart of our family.

At the center of it all is Wise Market LLC, my custom hand-painting business, and my sister Sarah Albertson's flourishing stained-glass art venture, Flora Glass Art. Each of us carries a piece of our father, Phil Smith, who left behind a legacy of stained-glass creations and memories that continue to inspire us. And that’s what makes it so fitting to post this blog today, on what would have been his 77th birthday.

My Dad, Phil Smith: A Legacy of Light and Love

My dad, Phil Smith, was a man of many talents, but his later years gave rise to his passion for stained glass. After retiring, he was looking for a hobby to keep himself active and engaged — something that would occupy his hands and mind as he embraced sobriety. That’s when we started taking a series of stained-glass art classes together. It became a meaningful way to bond, share creative moments, and help each other navigate this new phase of life.

He bought me all the supplies needed to create stained glass, tools I still have today, though they remain unused. While I chose to channel my creativity into painting, my dad dove deep into stained glass. His work became a symbol of his recovery and a source of joy for our family. He crafted beautiful stained-glass lamps, gifting each of us pieces of his heart in the form of shimmering glass, glowing with love and dedication.

My father passed away in 2022 of Cholangiocarcinoma, also known as bile duct cancer, a rare and aggressive cancer that forms in the canals connecting the organs to your digestive system. Though he’s no longer with us, his light continues to shine through the lamps he left behind. His love for stained glass not only became a personal journey of healing and expression but also sparked the artistic flame in my brother, John, and sister, Sarah.

My Brother, John Smith: Beauty in the Basement

The artistic talent in our family was not lost on my brother John. He had the best handwriting of all four of us siblings, a small reflection of his attention to detail and creativity. Though John’s time with us was cut short when he passed in 2013, his creative spirit was no less present.

John inherited a lot of traits from our father: baldness, math competency, a love for family. Also like our father, John battled addiction. During a period of sobriety while living with Dad, he found solace in stained glass. In my mind’s eye, I can see them in the basement glass studio getting frustrated with each other, eye-rolls by both of them, swearing, and a lot of laughter. John's legacy lives on in his beautiful daughter, who reminds us of him every day, keeping his spirit alive in our hearts.

My Sister, Sarah Albertson: Carrying on the Craft

Sarah has taken up the torch — or in this case, the glass cutter — and run with it. As my father’s artistic journey came to an end, hers was just beginning. With a natural gift for design and an eye for detail, Sarah has become quite skilled in the art of stained glass. She founded Flora Glass Art, where she creates stunning pieces that capture the beauty of light, nature, and intricate glasswork.

Through Flora Glass Art, Sarah is able to channel our father's love for the craft into her own unique expression. Her work is delicate yet powerful, with each piece telling its own story through vibrant colors and exquisite craftsmanship. It’s amazing to see how she has grown as an artist, and I couldn’t be prouder of her work.

If you're curious to see Sarah’s talent in action, her website Flora Glass Art features an array of stained-glass creations that pay homage to the beauty of the medium while showcasing her evolving skills.

Wise Market LLC: My Journey into Custom Hand-Painting

While my dad and Sarah found their creative outlet in stained glass, my path led me to a paint brush. Through Wise Market LLC, I’ve had the privilege of transforming everyday items — whether it's banners, canvases, or personalized sports equipment — into works of art. Painting allows me to explore color, texture, and design in a way that feels deeply personal and expressive.

Go Blue!

Long before I founded Wise Market LLC, I leaned into my paintbrush and wit for custom gifts. Pictured here, my nephew was excited about this hand-painted gift featuring University of Michigan and *hi* State helmets facing off (with Michigan’s winning statistics around the side). My nephew roots for *SU, so this personalized painting made for a fun gag gift. (And if you haven’t caught on… REAL Michigan fans do not say the-team-that-shall-not-be-named out loud.)
Little did I know I’d be doing this painting thing full-time in retirement ~20 years later!

Each piece I create at Wise Market LLC is infused with the same love of craftsmanship that runs in our family. Whether it’s for a special event, a personalized gift, or a meaningful piece of decor, my custom hand-painting business has been a way to connect with people and bring their visions to life. In many ways, it’s my tribute to the artistic spirit my father passed down to me.

The Art That Binds Us

Art, in all its forms, especially food, has always been a way for my family to stay connected. Whether through family feasts of our Lebanese heritage’s unique foods, Sarah’s stained-glass masterpieces, or the memories of my dad’s glowing lamps, our creativity is a thread that binds us. Even though I haven’t touched the stained-glass supplies my father gifted me, they remain a cherished part of my story — a reminder of the lessons we shared and the creativity he instilled in me.

Through this journey, I've learned that art is more than just a skill or a hobby; it’s a way to keep memories alive, to express what words cannot, and to pass on something beautiful to future generations.

Honoring the Legacy

While I continue to focus on my custom hand-painting business, it brings me immense joy to see Sarah flourish with Flora Glass Art. She’s carrying on our father’s passion in a way that’s uniquely her own, and through her, his legacy lives on.

For those who appreciate handcrafted, meaningful art, I invite you to explore our family’s creative endeavors. Browse our Products section of Wise Market LLC for custom hand-painted pieces that add a personal touch to any space or event. Also, be sure to explore Flora Glass Art to witness the beauty of stained glass, carried on with the same love and care our father put into his work.

In a way, each piece we create is a tribute to him, to the creativity he nurtured in us, and to the shared love of art that continues to illuminate our lives.

A Family Legacy of Custom Artists: Honoring Tradition and Creativity