International Paper's Own Stained Glass Artisan Has a Passion for Coins 4 Kids

By: Unknown on 6:30 AM

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If you have been an active bidder in the Spring 4 Kids online auction, you have seen this man's work and marveled at its beauty.  If you haven't participated in our auction yet, you must be sure to take an extra look at the Art category this year and remember this name, Russell Galli.

Who is Russ?
Russ has been working for IP for the past 34 years.  He began his career in the Franklin, VA paper mill and has worked in four other mills, Corporate Technology and Corporate Supply Chain.

What many of you may not know is that Russ is a talented stained glass artisan who has been donating beautiful pieces to the Spring 4 Kids online auction for the past five years.  He started working with stained glass as a hobby, almost 30 years ago, and has evolved his craft through the years.  Russ likes to challenge himself with more difficult work and has created more than 4000 stained glass pieces!  Many of the pieces are given to family and friends as gifts, and the remainder is donated to charity.  Russ has a real passion for charity work and says that "donating to charities fulfills my desire  to leave this world a better place."

How does he do it?
Russ works out of his home where he has converted space into a stained glass studio and a metal and woodworking shop. The studio contains hundreds of stained glass sheets, a cutting table and a grinding table.  A large lightbox is used for tracing, color matching and precise shaping.  Every stained glass piece begins with a paper pattern cut into individual pieces and takes about 20 different steps to complete.  Russ' wife, Tina, assists with some of the steps in making the items.

A Passion for Coins 4 Kids
The Coins 4 Kids online auction has inspired Russ to learn a new technique every year.  He tries to donate something new and different for each auction.  While he used to donate his work to other charities, now he donates only to Coins 4 Kids.  According to Russ, "IP's signature charity is so well managed, and all the proceeds go to the kids. This compels me to dedicate my time and resources to help make a difference in the lives of as many school kids as I can."

In talking to Russ about his life and his artwork, it's clear he has a passion for producing beautiful and precise pieces, as well as a passion for helping others in need.  I can't wait to see what Russ creates for this year's auction!