Lavender Dawn blossomed after Dawn Lombard Manning experienced a profoundly soothing connection with glass combined with her love of the scent of true lavender. In 2006, her younger sister asked if she would join her in an introductory lampwork bead class. While a Studio Art minor from SCSU and the daughter of a watercolor artist and custom cabinetmaker, hesitantly she agreed, knowing all too well her lack of patience and desire for instant gratification would quickly overshadow any new creative endeavor. Within an hour of that class, she knew this would become her life passion. A self-proclaimed, non-relaxing, ‘Type-A,’ she found that the process of mixing colors and shaping molten glass to be calming and therapeutic. Her partner-in-crime and best friend Patrick set up a studio for her to continue this passion. Ironically enough, he now shares her enthusiasm and also creates beautiful, one-of-a-kind lampwork beads.
She is a Customer Development Manager for a pharmaceutical company during the day and a lampwork artisan in the evenings and weekends. To refine her skills, she has attended classes by leading artisans including: Cynthia Liebler Saari, Nancy Tobey, Lauri Copeland, Joanne Conant, and Pauline Warg.
Her accomplishments to date include:
* Featured in the books ‘1000 Jewelry Inspirations’ by Quarry Press (2008), 'Creative Lampwork' by GMC (2010), and 'Creating Glass Beads' by Jeri Warhaftig (2011).
* Contributor to the UK magazine 'Making Jewellry.'
* Participated in the Easton Fine Arts Council's '10th Annual Members Show' (2007), the Milford Fine Arts Council's 'Artists in the Station' (2008), the Washington Art Association's 'Focus: Art and Design (2009), the Brookfield Craft Center's 'Holiday Sale' (2010-2011), CAW - 'Celebration of American Crafts' (2011), and the Guilford Art Center's 'Artistry' (2008-2011).
* Featured in 'Who's Who in Glass 2010' at the Chester F. Sidell Gallery
* Showcased at the following galleries: The Guilded Lily (2008-2009), SoBoBo (2009), Wave (2010), and Voila (2010-2011).
* Awarded 3rd place Jewelry in Delphi Glass's 'Art Glass Festival 2009.'
* Awarded 1st place Jewelry in Delphi Glass's 'Art Glass Festival 2011.'
She resides in Monroe, CT.
