PLACERVILLE — When glass artist Marsha Huggins first heard about the June firebombings of three Sacramento-area synagogues, she felt sad and helpless.
But she also felt hope when she saw the entire community come together in the aftermath of the arson attacks. Suddenly, in her mind’s eye, she saw an image of rebirth — like a phoenix rising from the flames.
Using the flames as a symbol for renewal, Huggins decided to create a work of art with a purpose. The Jewish artist crafted a pin showing flames against a dark background. Beneath that image is the word “tolerance” — a simple message of love to counteract the hatred that led to the synagogue burnings.
Working out of her home about 10 miles east of Placerville, Huggins has already made hundreds of the cut-glass pins.
Each sells for $20. Of that, she donates $10 to the Unity Fund, organized through the Jewish Federation of the Sacramento Region to assist in rebuilding the burnt synagogues.
People have responded favorably to the pins, Huggins said.
“The people are wanting to be able to help. Knowing that the proceeds are going to the Unity Fund made them feel good that they can help in some small way.”
All sorts of individuals have sought out the pins, she added. “I had some kids buying, teenagers, older people. All ages, nationalities, all religions.” So far, Huggins has sold about 400 pins.
Describing the process that goes into making each pin, Huggins starts with a sheet of black glass, which she cuts into pieces roughly 2 inches tall by 1 inch wide. On these, she carefully places shards of “dichroic” glass, which she describes as a scientific glass with a thin layer of metal coating so the glass gives off different colors.
After that, she cooks each pin in a kiln at 1,450 degrees, so all the glass melts together. She then grinds down the edges to make them smooth, writes the word “tolerance” on each pin and attaches a clasp to the back.
Each piece is unique. On some, the flames are a uniform copper color, while on others, the color changes in the light — from red to gold or from yellow to green.
The pins are not the first pieces of art reflecting Huggin’s Jewish sensibilities. She has handcrafted many Judaica items, including kiddish cups, menorot, seder plates and yads for Torah readers.
Her other body of work centers on angels — in heaven, on earth, even fallen angels — all made from delicate blown glass. Angels are a theme in her own life, she said.
Her faith in humanity was restored about five years ago, after she broke her back. At that time, Huggins was working as a waitress to make ends meet while pursuing her art career. Her injury could have sidelined her completely, but didn’t.
“The Lord works in mysterious ways, or whatever. The universe provides. So even though I broke my back, it got me out of waitressing. And a girlfriend lent me $3,000 and said, ‘Here. You pay me back when you can, you get what you need, and you set yourself up in business.’ I did. And I’ve been going ever since.”
Huggins gives thanks for those who have helped her during tough times.
“People believed in me when I haven’t believed in myself. When I thought I couldn’t go on, people have banded together to hold me up through times when it wasn’t good, so I could keep going,” she said. “It’s been the help of people. Wonderful, wonderful people.”