CARIBOU, Maine – Since she first opened Glass With Class in 2019, Lisa Wark has helped numerous people learn and enjoy the art of making stained glass.
Now, she is expanding upon that mission with a larger workshop and retail space in Caribou.
Located on 53 Herschel St. in the former Second Hand Rose store, Glass With Class sells supplies for home-based stained glass projects and hosts themed workshops for beginners. The original inspiration for the space, previously located in Presque Isle, came to Wark after teaching stained glass courses for SAD 1 Adult Education.
“I started taking beginner’s courses and six months later I was teaching a class. I’ve been teaching for five years now,” Wark said. “I’ve always loved stained glass, and I like the idea of creating something beautiful out of it.”
After moving from Mapleton to Madawaska Lake to be closer to family and seeing her business grow, Wark began searching for a larger location. Unlike in her previous 1,500-square-foot space, Wark now has room in the new 3,600-square-foot space for four workshop areas instead of two. She also provides tables that artists can rent for classes or individual work sessions.
Supporting local artists will be an important part of Glass With Class, Wark noted. She plans to sell select artists’ work in the store and host special events and workshops for children and teens.
With her space now located in Caribou’s downtown, Wark hopes to explore possibilities for other community art events.
“It would be great to get more people out and about and enjoying local art. Maybe an art walk or some type of monthly event,” Wark said.
Since opening in early July, Wark has heard enthusiastic responses from visitors both familiar and new to Glass With Class. Many of her newest students, she said, have come from areas of northern Aroostook that were too far from her previous shop.
As she settles into her new business home, Wark hopes to give art enthusiasts from Caribou and beyond a welcoming space to connect and learn something new.
“People have been nothing but supportive throughout the pandemic, so whatever I can do to bring more people here would be great,” Wark said.
CARIBOU, Maine — July 12, 2022 — The Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for Glass With Class, now located at 53 Herschel St. in Caribou. In back (from left to right) is Craig Staples, treasurer for the Caribou Economic Growth Council; Hugh Kirkpatrick, Caribou Economic Growth Council board member; Lovena West, sister of Glass With Class owner Lisa Wark; store patron Diane Vo; Caribou City Manager Penny Thompson; Caribou City Councilor Joan Theriault; Caribou City Councilor Lou Willey; and Chamber board member Elizabeth Singer. Pictured in front (from left to right): Chamber Business Ambassador Jennifer Deschene, Chamber Executive Director LaNiece Sirois, Chamber Summer Associate Cameron LeVasseur, Chamber Board Vice President Mary Kate Barbosa, Glass With Class Owner Lisa Wark; Polly Bell, Wark’s great-niece; and Chamber Business Ambassador Gina Buckley. (Courtesy of Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce)
CARIBOU, Maine — July 12, 2022 — With a larger location on Herschel St., Glass With Class owner Lisa Wark is expanding her stained glass workshop offerings for the community. (Melissa Lizotte | Aroostook Republican)
CARIBOU, Maine — July 12, 2022 — After several years in Presque Isle, Lisa Wark is expanding her business Glass With Class in a new location on 53 Herschel St. in Caribou. (Melissa Lizotte | Aroostook Republican)
