Windows of Hope: Turning Old Glass into New Possibilities
Local artists will repurpose the old windows, turning them into unique art pieces. On October 19th, these creations will be publicly displayed and auctioned off at Acrisure Stadium, with 100% of the proceeds supporting Breakthrough T1D's mission to improve the lives of those living with type 1 diabetes.
This initiative thrives on collaboration. Every part of Energy Swing's team is involved, from marketing and sales to installation, ensuring we gather sashes for the project. Our customers, who trust us to replace their windows, play an essential role as co-producers in this effort. And of course, the incredible Pittsburgh artists who will contribute their time and talents are pivotal in transforming the sashes into art. Finally, the community will help bring this vision to life by attending events and purchasing these meaningful pieces.
We're now calling on local artists to join this mission. Their creativity and generosity are the critical missing links to success. Together, let's turn old windows into symbols of hope and transformation.
(from left to right) Becky Withrow – Breakthrough T1D, Executive Director Carling Nolan – Breakthrough T1D, Development Director Ed Bostedo - Artist
About Breakthrough T1D
In 2023, JDRF (Junior Diabetes Research Foundation) rebranded as Breakthrough T1D to emphasize its leadership in advancing scientific discoveries, therapeutic development, and access to treatments for the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community.
The new name highlights their mission: to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat T1D and its complications. Thanks to their efforts, people with T1D are living longer and healthier lives while progress toward cures continues.
For over 50 years, Breakthrough T1D has invested in cutting-edge research, driving meaningful advancements for those living with T1D and making strides toward a cure.
What They Do
As the world's leading T1D research and advocacy organization, Breakthrough T1D improves everyday life for those with T1D while driving progress toward a cure. They:
- Invest in Research: Supporting the most promising scientific advancements.
- Advocate for Change: Working with governments to address challenges faced by the T1D community.
- Empower Individuals: Providing education and resources to those affected by T1D.
About Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
T1D is an autoimmune disease that causes the pancreas to produce little or no insulin, requiring lifelong insulin therapy. It can lead to severe complications, including blood sugar instability, kidney damage, nerve damage, heart issues, and more.
Global Impact: T1D affects nearly 9 million people worldwide.
Diagnosis: Although commonly associated with childhood, nearly 50% of T1D diagnoses occur in adulthood.
Causes: T1D is not linked to diet or lifestyle. While its exact causes are unknown, genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a role.
Current Status: There is no cure for T1D-yet.
Meet The Artists
David Howard
Owner Uncle Dave's Art Studio
President of the New Kensington Art Center
Co-Founder of Rust Belt Revival, an artisans collective
As an award-winning children's book author and illustrator born with dyslexia, ADD, and autism, I've always see the world through a different lens—one filled with vibrant color, texture, and movement. Art has been my language when words fell short. It's how I make sense of the chaos and celebrate the beauty in it. God has blessed me with artistic skills and I enjoy blessing others with teaching.
I'm the founder of Uncle Dave's Art Studio. Teaching is one of my greatest joys, and I'm passionate about creating an inclusive, encouraging environment where everyone, no matter their ability, can discover their inner artist.
Glass is my medium of choice. I'm drawn to it's bold colors, unique textures, and the way light brings it to life. Whether I'm working in mosaic or fused glass, my style leans impressionistic—capturing emotion, energy, and the wonder of storytelling through layers of fractured beauty. Each piece is a reminder that even what feels broken can come together to make something whole, meaningful, and brilliant.
Ed Bostedo
Art has always been a constant in my life—an outlet for expression, reflection, and joy. My creative journey began in middle school, where I first discovered the peace and purpose I felt when putting pencil to paper. That spark turned into something more when, in high school, one of my pieces was selected to be displayed at the Pittsburgh International Airport—a moment that affirmed my passion and gave me the confidence to keep creating.
Over the years, I’ve explored a wide range of mediums, from paint and charcoal to digital design, but pencil remains my favorite. There’s something timeless and honest about the way a pencil captures light, shadow, and emotion. It allows me to create with both precision and soul. I studied art at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh where I earned a bachelors in Graphic Design.
For me, art is more than a hobby—it’s a form of storytelling, a way to escape, and most importantly, a way to bring happiness to others. Whether I’m sketching a portrait, illustrating a scene, or experimenting with new techniques, my goal is always to make a meaningful connection through my work.
🎨 Follow Ed Bostedo’s Art on Facebook
Karie Luidens
Award Winning Writer & Artist
Karie Luidens is an award-winning writer and artist with roots in upstate New York and West Michigan. Her personal and political essays have been featured everywhere from niche literary magazines to international news outlets, and her paintings have hung in juried exhibitions across multiple cities. She has also served as an arts and culture reporter for several regional publications in New Mexico. 2024 marked the publication of her first book, In the End: A Memoir about Faith and a Novel about Doubt. She currently lives in Pennsylvania, where she maintains an active creative practice.
Karie grew up in a home touched by type 1 diabetes: her younger brother was diagnosed while they were both still in elementary school. Throughout her formative years, it was normal to have needles at the kitchen table for every meal. A couple times, she even pricked her own finger to draw blood and test my glucose levels—which were, of course, in the healthy range without any calculations or effort on her part.
"I'll never know the full scope of my parents' anxiety as they worked to keep my brother alive and well day by day, or the stress that he'll experience for the rest of his life as he manages this condition. But having glimpsed even a bit of it over the years, I know how significant it is, and am glad for this opportunity to show support for those living with T1D."
Jesica Montgomery
Owner of Forever Whimsy
Photographer + Collage Artist
Jesica began her creative journey at age 12, when she made her first collage. At age 25, she quit making collages and inadvertently picked up a DSLR camera to document her daughter Ava's life. It wasn't until after she had her daughter, Allie, that she decided to pick collaging back up. At times, she will even print photographs she took and then collage inspirational quotes onto them.
In addition to her art, Jesica has been a behavioral health nurse since 2014. She started her business, Forever Whimsy Photography in 2015 and became Armstrong County's only Click Pro Elite Photographer in 2022. Jesica resides in Worthington, PA with the love of her life, Jody and their two daughters, Ava and Allie, whom she believes are her most beautiful masterpieces.
"I would like to send a special thanks to my dear friend, Veronica who told me about this amazing opportunity and brought the window to me. At first, I didn't think it was something I could feasibly do as a collage artist, but once I realized I could use laminate sticker sheets to adhere the words to the window, I knew it would work out just fine. It really pushed me out of my comfort zone!"
Nina Kissell
Owner of Nina Kissell Photography
www.ninakissellphotography.com
Hi! I'm Nina and I have a passion for creative and portrait photography.
I do portrait photography under Nina Kissell Photography and creative photography under Shutter Obscura where I take you on a visual adventure of sights unseen in ordinary life. I love utilizing natural lighting and settings in my photography whenever possible.
I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania but spent six wonderful years on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
I am a mother to a handsome and energetic son who is growing up way too quickly. One thing that he has taught me so far is that time can be a real thief. This led me to photography. Photography has allowed me to freeze time and capture those precious moments that are flying by us each day.
Amanda Warzel
Owner of Laelaps & the Fox
www.etsy.com/shop/LaelapsandtheFox
Amanda Warzel, owner of Laelaps & the Fox, is a casual pet portrait artist. She offers acrylic or watercolor pencil works based off of photos of your pets, your home or business, or even your trophy fish catch. Her focus is on keeping her art, which she playfully refers to as ‘scribbles,’ accessible and fun.
Outside of drawing and painting, Amanda enjoys trying her hand at a variety of other arts ranging from blacksmithing to jewelry making, from photography to welding.
Amanda was raised in Cambria County where at age 12 she spilled her first bottle of calligraphy ink all over her bedroom floor. She has since moved to Pittsburgh, but she has loved art for as long as she can remember and is always open to try a new medium.
She is consistently inspired by the bond we have with our animals, the joy and love they bring and the part of our heart that they become. She treasures the time she spends with her dog, Ruger, and her bird, Benelli. Amanda is a full time Project Manager but always appreciates the opportunity to take a creative break to capture the sparkle in a puppy’s eyes.
Louise M. Carr
Artist (and Energy Swing customer!)
Louise graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and has worked as an artist her entire career.
She works mainly on canvas in oils and acrylic, and on paper in watercolor and pastel. Louise's main subjects are people and animals but she can draw or paint just about anything!
"I have painted on many different surfaces, but this is my first time painting on glass."
Interested in Participating as an Artist?
Kelly Arlia @ Energy Swing 724-387-2991 ext 201
As a participating artist, your work and name will be highlighted on our website and during the final exhibition at Acrisure Stadium during the T1D One Walk on October 19th. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your talent while contributing to a cause that makes a real difference.