North American Sea

KIM HANNON, PRESIDENT

Kim Hannon is the owner of Ophiuroidea, “The O” and host of the Eastern Shore Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Festival, located in St. Michaels, Maryland. Kim lives with her husband and son near the Chester River in Grasonville, Maryland. Kim’s love of beachcombing started at an early age while living in Cape May, New Jersey as a child, but it wasn’t until many years later walking along the shorelines of the Chesapeake Bay that she got bit by the sea glass bug. Ophiuroidea opened in 2010 and started with one sea glass jewelry artisan. Each year they increased their sea glass artisans to feature in the shop, from jewelers to mosaic artists, all working with sea glass. The idea of showcasing the numerous sea glass artisans in a festival type setting came along in 2011, and the festival was born. Kim’s philosophy on collecting sea glass is based first on the thrill and solitude of the hunt, followed by learning the history and the sea glass journey of each piece found. While on the NASGA board, Kim will follow the mission of NASGA to help educate the public on the value of genuine sea glass and shoreline preservation, help to implement strategic marketing strategies to increase membership and communication to the sea glass community, and provide assistance in the organization of the NASGA sea glass festival. Kim believes having a diverse NASGA board and membership is essential in growing the NASGA community around the globe.

PAULA FEDELE, VICE PRESIDENT

My fascination with colored glass began as a child. As an adult I became an avid collector of sea glass. My interest motivated me to pursue jewelry design. I started to create unique pieces with my jewels from the sea, and started All About Sea Glass. Over time I expanded my inventory to include home décor including driftwood wreaths, center pieces, candles, picture frames and wine charms which have become a home town favorite. My Professional career has been in health care. I started as a medical assistant, I grew into and took business classes to work as a Practice Manager for Surgeon groups. I currently work as a Senior Coding (surgical) specialist at a Boston hospital and live on Cape Cod with Bill (my fiancé) and our loving golden retriever Sedona.

STEPHANIE SWAIN, TREASURER

I currently live in Madison, Ohio, with my husband Barry. I fell in love with sea glass in 2007 after moving to our home on Lake Erie. Then, after collecting sea glass for years and upon retiring from my public school district Treasurer’s position I decided to start creating my sea glass art. After two years of researching techniques and products I found a product and process I was happy with and began creating and selling my mosaics, cards and small pictures. Presently, I work from home doing my art work and selling it at art festivals, online at Sea Glass Heart Art and other retail stores. I am committed to the use of only genuine sea glass and the education of natural sea glass and the preservation of our shore lines. I am proud to be apart of the NASGA and the sea glass community and honored to serve as NASGA’s Treasurer as it moves forward.

DOTTIE GILBO, RECORDING SECRETARY

I grew up a few blocks from the shores of Lake Erie and enjoyed picking up the pretty gems and putting them in a jar. I never thought, that later in life, I would be using those gems to make jewelry. I started making simple jewelry with the beach glass, doing home parties and selling to friends and family. Then I took silversmithing classes and became skilled at making bezeled rings and necklaces. When I discovered Precious Metal Clay, I took a class and loved how much fun it was to work with and how creative you can be. I incorporate the beach and sea glass from all over the world with the PMC to make beautiful silver jewelry. I’m retired now, became my own boss of DMG Creations and I’m having fun making jewelry. With the help of my husband, I participate in 12 to 15 art and craft shows a year. I also sell my jewelry in several local shops. I am a commercial member of the NASGA and currently on the board serving as the recording secretary. I also enjoy educating people about authentic beach and sea glass in my travels.