History

While pondering names for my business,
I wanted to invoke the thoughts nature, how
I want to use nature, and how I am inspired
by nature. WhollyTerra combines 'wholly,'
meaning entire or, in this case, involve all,
and the term 'terra,' earth or land. I try to
incorporate this into everything I create.

The majority of my work is about
experimentation. Not only am I creating
but, I am learning. I work with recycled
glass in many different ways; always
trying to develop techniques that will
be used in other aspects of my
future and present art.

The stained glass picture frames and
recycled windows served as a foundation
for all that I make now. Birdhouses and
bird feeders, sushi plates and desk lamps,
transom windows and window hangings,
sinks, chandeliers and pendant lights are
now part of my expanding repertoire. I am
proud that all of my pieces are unique and
demonstrate my growth as an artist.

It is important to me that I use as much
recycled materials as possible for each
piece--WhollyTerra. I enjoy and take pride
in knowing that I am using materials that
someone would not traditionally consider
art. This is my small gesture to show that
there is always new potential in everything.

WhollyTerra began as a hobby on my girlfriends'
dining room table nine years ago. I was working
full-time as a graphic designer, but this hobby
was another outlet for my creativity. My girlfriend
and I made picture frames for friends as gifts.
After some convincing from those same friends,
I started a small craft business and prepared
stained glass picture frames, candleholders,
and recycled windows for craft shows. My first
show was so successful that I proposed to
my girlfriend that night!

It was also during this time that I decided to
start my own graphic design business. Little
did I know that my plans would drastically
change as September 2001 came and went.
Suddenly acquiring clients for the graphic
design business didn't seem important or
fulfilling. My hobby and small craft business
became a full-time reality at the age of 29.

From dining room table to the basement of
my house in Hampden to the Clipper Industrial
Mill and finally, in 2004, to my current location at
3406 Chestnut Avenue, Whollyterra has found a
permanent home. Whollyterra has found a home.

Each year, I officially "open" my studio for the
holiday season when the "Miracle on 34th Street"
turns on their lights each Thanksgiving weekend.
Please stop in during that time and every
Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm during the year.

Directions

Wholly Terra
3406 Chestnut Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21211
steve@whollyterra.com
410.446.1093

I 83 to Coldspring Lane East
Right onto Falls Road
Left onto West 36th Street
Right onto Chestnut Avenue
Travel 3 blocks on the right side

Hours

Holiday hours starting saturday Nov. 29th
Thursday - Saturday 7-10 pm
Friday 11-7 and Saturday 11-4
or by appointment.