Therese Baisinger, innovative glass artist and founder of Baisinger Studio located in Northern California, died at 8:50 a.m. on November 19, 2009, of pneumonia. She had been creating her unique glassworks since 1986.

A memorial sale of her remaining artwork will be held at her studio on December 12, 2009 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Therese trained at The Studio at Corning Museum of Glass, in Corning, New York, as well as Bullseye Glass Resource Center in Portland, Oregon. In addition, she studied under the mentorship of renowned artists Phil Tieffe, Ted Sawyer, Joe Porcelli, Steven Klein, Jane Bruce, and Bonnie Celestee.

Intrigued by the interaction of color, texture and light in glass, Therese's work reflected her distinctive approach to color and design in a wide range of work including handcrafted glass tableware collections, serving accessories, table décor, wall sconces, chandeliers, and contemporary glass art sculpture. Her glasswork has been exhibited in notable solo and group art shows, and high-end galleries. More recently, growing consumer interest and demand for the stylish and festive dinnerware collections, that has dazzled the culinary and hospitality industry, expanded her vision.

In 2008, Therese introduced her latest line, Art for the Chef, and created signature pieces for several of America's top chefs participating in the Carmel TomatoFest, the premier food and wine event of the year on the Central Coast. The line was embraced by chefs and caterers in the food industry for its eye-catching originality.

Therese was born on March 23, 1954 in Albany, New York, and she grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1978, she decided to put her two small children in a Volkswagen bus and travel to somewhere warm. She arrived in Santa Cruz in 1980.

In 1984, she married Alan Howard Baisinger. When the family moved to Bonny Doon, she began creating art glass, starting with the stained glass windows and lamps that are still in her home.

Therese's art was exhibited in local and national galleries, and Baisinger Studio was a popular destination on the annual Open Studios tour. She created signature pieces for the Carmel TomatoFest, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), the Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival, and many others.

Therese generously donated her art, time, and considerable energy to local organizations, from UCSC's Arboretum to the Santa Cruz Cultural Council. When Bonny Doon caught fire earlier this year, she spent days cooking meals for the firefighters.

Therese is survived by her husband Alan, her children Joshua and Rosaclaire, and her brother Michael Quinlan. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ellen and Joseph Quinlan, and her brother Matthew Quinlan.

Therese will be remembered as a talented artist, as a vivacious and energetic personality whose laugh could take over an entire room, and for her fierce devotion to her family and her many friends.