Bill and Merrilee Anthony
In May of 2003 we moved to Didsbury from Winnipeg. We followed our children and grandchildren West. Seeking a lifestyle change, we settled in Didsbury to a welcoming community.
Bill had found his passion for stained glass and, after teaching school for 28 years, he took an early retirement and Unique Stained Glass Works was born. Shortly after arriving in Didsbury, we opened our storefront studio.
Throughout these past 23 years we have travelled the prairie provinces exhibiting and selling our stained glass art at Art/Craft Shows. We are often asked “Where is Didsbury?” and we have shared the positives of the town with show-goers and vendors alike! Town and business brochures were also handed out when available. We presented our adopted town as a destination.
Bill continues to create custom and commissioned pieces. As this is written, he is completing 5 panels for the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Didsbury. These will become a lasting legacy of his stained glass artistry in our chosen community.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Alberta reached out to us and we have been creating our butterflies for their welcome baskets.
We do repairs and restorations of cherished pieces. A restoration of note was 101 year old pieces designed by renowned Canadian artist C.W. Jefferys. These two 4’ x 6’ panels are now displayed in a private museum in Edmonton. An almost constant stream of repairs and restoration work come through the door.
The Serenade and The Dance by C.W. Jefferys, shown post restoration
Teaching is still a driving force for Bill, as he continues to share his knowledge and experience by teaching the art of stained glass through our introductory classes. Since 2010, Didsbury High School art classes have included our stained glass course. The students come to the studio where they take the introductory class and create a collaborative piece to be hung in the school, as well as a personal piece.
Workshops are also very popular and throughout the years over 1,000 eager students have enjoyed these classes. We have done them with individuals, FCSS groups, libraries, homeschool and charter schools, seniors groups and corporate groups throughout Central Alberta.
During our early years Bill was involved in the Didsbury Chamber of Commerce serving as Secretary for several years and co-chairing the Didsbury Trade Show one year. Merrilee was involved in our church community of St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church serving on vestry.
We found a supportive community in Didsbury and enjoyed the vibrant group of artists in Central Alberta. Bill was a founding member of Wellspring Visual Art/Network.
We were founding members of Mountain View Arts Society. Together we chaired the annual A Brush with Art Show and the Artists at Work program in the annual MVAS Arts Festival. Merrilee was a board member throughout this time, eventually stepping down as Past President, in 2023.
We both participated in a Didsbury Library Fundraiser Write/Art Volumes I, & II, which brought writers and artists together to create a book—Merrilee as a contributing writer and Bill with his stained glass.
Our grandchildren spent many summer days in Didsbury, considering it their second home. In a typical week, we would stop at the library for computer time and along with books, we often took games home to play in the evenings. We spent many afternoons at the pool or on the numerous playgrounds around Didsbury. The annual Car Show and Shine, Canada Day and other town events saw them taking part.
The grandchildren began their work experience by working in our studio. As well, they put in volunteer hours with Mountain View Arts Society, walking the Elks Parade, handing out leaflets for the September Arts Festival or taking part on the float. They helped with set-up & take down at the art show and Artists at Work program and also volunteered during events.
We have continued to find this a supportive community for our business and family.
The Fisherman and the Fish (commissioned cabinet doors) and one of five church windows commissioned by the Redeemer Lutheran Church, Didsbury
