Recognitions

From Morehead City to Washington DC, Yours Truley has been recognized.

Fight in the Mesuem: 9 Questions with Glass Artists Suzi Kelly

Colored glass has roots in ancient Egypt and Rome and has long been used in churches to illuminate sacred stories. Today, artist Susan (Suzi) Kelly carries that tradition forward in a modern, expressive way—creating both three-dimensional sculptural pieces through glass fusing and traditional stained-glass panels. With a background in graphic design, her work is marked by strong composition, bold colors, and precise craftsmanship.

Glass is Kelly’s favorite medium because of its diversity. While many associate glass art with blowing, she specializes in stained and fused glass for panels, sculptures, and functional art. Using design programs like Glass Eye and Adobe Illustrator, she transforms concepts into patterns, balancing artistic vision with the engineering needed for installation.

Much of her work is commission-based, beginning with client conversations and site visits. She visualizes the piece from the end result backward, ensuring both beauty and durability. After sketches, cost estimates, and approvals, she creates and delivers works that often carry deep emotional resonance for clients—though parting with her art can be bittersweet.

Kelly lets the glass itself guide her, often inspired by unique textures such as “head glass,” whose natural irregularities spark ideas. Her home studio, overflowing with colorful materials and multiple projects, is both organized and joyfully chaotic.

Introduced to stained glass as a child through Pyramid Stained Glass, she honed her skills through internships during the 1980s revival. Today, her work can be seen online, in commissions, and soon in galleries, boutiques, and exhibitions.

of ‘Presidential’ Proportions

THRILLING! Exciting!
Proud as a Peacock!
The Toys for Tots 75th Anniversary campaign was that of ‘Presidential’ proportions

THRILLING! Exciting! Proud as a Peacock! are just a few adjectives that describe my journey with Toys for Tots 75th Anniversary. As the logo designer and official graphic artist of the campaign, I attended some very cool events and have met extraordinary people.

To start, I met the President and the First Lady of the United States.

I was a VIP at the First Lady’s annual Toys for Tots toy sorting event, where I had the esteemed honor of meeting President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden! At the private photo op, a Marine introduced me as the “official graphic designer for the Toys for Tots 75th campaign and the mother of a Marine… who is standing right there!” As he pointed to my daughter, I swear things moved in slow motion and sped up at the same time.

The Bidens looked from me to her, and their faces lit up as they realized the significance of the connection (look again at the pic above). They both said, “WOW!” President Biden turned to me and said, “That’s great, mom!” and said to Dara, “thank you for your service, Lieutenant!” as he shook her hand. The spotlight could not have been brighter, and I could not have been prouder.

That evening, I attended a dinner party hosted by my friend and world renowned 3D pop artist, Charles Fazzino. The Toys for Tots brass were in attendance, as well as the Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro. The company was lovely, the food was fabulous, and the party favors were unbelievable – Charles generously presented us each a signed and numbered Toys for Tots commemorative artwork. Some party favor, right?! Thank you so very much, Charles!

At this point, I’d met the President, the First Lady and SECNAV; I shouldn’t have been nervous for the next day’s event. I had a serious case of the butterflies, though. The event was a soft dedication of the museum-like wall display of the Toys for Tots that I designed for the Pentagon. The display will be built and erected this spring, but a printed version was hung for the soft dedication. I thought I was nervous because I would be standing in front of my 20’ x 8’ design instead of seeing it on my computer screen.

Had I known what was going to happen, I may not have been able to hold my cookies.

After the ribbon was cut by General Bellon, Lieutenant General Commander Marine Forces Reserve, Lieutenant General James Laster, USMC (Retired), President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, and Secretary Del Toro, a surprise addition to the ceremony unfolded.

I was presented a Meritorious Public Service Award, the Department of the Navy’s third highest civil service award, for volunteering my time and talent to the Toys for Tots and contributing to its mission in such a significant way. I could not believe that such a high honor was bestowed upon lil’ ol’ me. Apparently, those butterflies knew something I didn’t!

It is my absolute honor to have donated my time and talents to Toys for Tots.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience has been ELECTRIC! It is my absolute honor to have donated my time and talents to Toys for Tots. I had a BLAST and it’s not over yet!

You don’t have to read this long list, but…

I am overcome with gratitude and would like to thank the following people from the bottom of my heart [CREDITS ROLLING…]

Thorne, Dara, my family, and friends for supporting me and being my biggest cheerleaders. I love you!

Drew “Ike” Ryan, who guided me through uncharted waters and involved me at a very high level. I love you, brother!

Charles Fazzino for gifting me with his art and his friendship.

Julie Mahner – I’m grateful to have shared this journey with you! The fun has just begun, my friend!

Toys for Tots Program, General Bellon, Lieutenant General U.S. Marine Corps Commander, Marine Forces Reserve, and Lieutenant General James Laster, USMC (Retired), President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, for choosing me to represent the Toys for Tots in such a meaningful way.

John Haehn, Social Media Manager, Toys for Tots Foundation, for giving me a historical tour of Toys for Tots, answering my many emails, and providing me with all the collateral I needed (and then some!)

Ted “Migs” Silvester, Colonel, USMC (Ret) Vice President Marketing & Development, Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, for ensuring that my artistic vision increased the visibility and awareness to the Toys for Tots mission.

Admiral Michael M. Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations, for inviting us into his office, showing us a prized painting, presenting us with a coin and admiring my art glass.

The well-oiled machine of the United States Marine Corps Reserve for organizing, mobilizing and delivering hope to millions of children every year.
Artist Tony Glander for your invaluable collaboration and patience.

Steve’s Tees for going with the flow and accommodating this artist’s vision.

Toys for Tots is a year-round initiative! To donate toys, books, money, or time, visit TOYSFORTOTS.ORG

Since 1995

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