Founders
Michael Rievley & Cindy Ehrlich
After retiring from a mountain top in Tennessee to the Beautiful Foothills of North Carolina, Cindy inspired Michael to start teaching “old school” lead work as opposed to the very popular copper foil method.
Since the first mention that Wabi-Sabi Workshops offered classes, students have visited us from across America. The experience for us has been as uplifting and validating as it has been humbling. Our professional lives have never been this rewarding. Seeing our students (now friends) drive away, with not only their completed panel, but also with renewed confidence in their skills, has been its own reward.
Sadly, we lost Cindy to COVID in 2022. However, her spirit and her inspiration still inhabits everything we do with every student at Wabi-Sabi Workshops.
Michael Rievley
Founder. CEO. Dreamer. Friend
One of the best parts of my 40+ year career has been the actual benchwork itself. The crafting of the panel has always been more important (to me) than any other part of the job. I’ve designed windows… Big, expensive windows, but no matter the design or exquisite painting, if the standards of the Master Craftsmen aren't upheld, all of our ancient crafts will surely die.
So, surely after being a "stained glass guy" for the last 40+years, it turns out I was only in training to become a teacher, and I've never been happier.
Hannah Strunk
Director of Operations, Glass Artist
Hannah Strunk has over 20 years of experience in management, from retail stores and restaurants to art studios, bringing a rounded approach and perspective to our small business. Hannah is also a multi-disciplinary glass artist with professional skills in glass blowing, glass casting, fusing, stained glass art, and more. Hannah earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a Focus in Glass Blowing from Georgia Southwestern State University (Cum Laude) and thrives in an environment combining passion for glass art and business.
Hannah is the proud parent of two spoiled cats. Hannah loves teaching, meeting new friends, and hugs.
Pierson Rievley
Semi perfectionist. Star-Gazer. “Doer of Everything Else”
Since birth, Pierson has been exposed to stained glass. She has even been “in” stained glass. (See picture below.) Born in Murfreesboro, TN, Pierson joined us with the apt job title of Chief Operating Officer. We often refer to her as “The Doer of Everything Else”. She brings a youthful enthusiasm and vision to Wabi-Sabi Workshops that benefits us and our students every day. I am personally proud to have Pierson Leslie Rievley as my daughter and as an integral part of Team Leadhead.
Pierson fills her day-to-day as a pharmacy technician “at the corner of happy and healthy”. She loves to get her hands busy with the next best thing that comes to mind, whether that’s painting, stained glass, sewing, or playing in makeup. She’s also a huge cat person. Short in stature but large in personality, if you see anything that can make your experience better, just let her know. She’ll get it done.
Pearl
“I highly recommend Wabi Sabi Workshops!
Working with Michael has been a truly amazing experience. Between his vast knowledge, lightning personality, encouragement and attention to detail he really made it easy to comprehend and succeed in my lead work.
Michael and his wife, Cindy, were very good hosts and always made me feel comfortable and at home at their home/workshop. Having worked with these wonderful people in such an encouraging environment has definitely sparked my interest in this craft. I’m looking forward to the classes I will be taking with Michael in the future!”