More McHenry County Blog

Just as a store's best wine is placed on the top shelf, in Springfield's Artisan Store that is where Kurt Strobach's crystal is displayed. (There are more pictures at McHenry County Blog. It's not too late to order Christmas presents that will become antiques.)
_____

Crystal Lake’s crystal cutter par excellence Kurt Strobach is “Featured Artist” for December at the Artisans Shop in the James R. Thompson Center.

Kurt and his wife of 55 years, Erna, will be in Chicago standing next to a 9 by 10 foot display of his work late this morning.

When I compare Kurt’s cuts with those of Waterford, I wonder why people pay so much for Waterford.

After crystal is cut, the sharp edges have to be taken off. Most of the brand name crystal purveyors use an acid bath. Kurt leaves the sharp edges, but polishes off whatever he cuts into it. I think Waterford looks dull in comparison.

Governor Rod Blagojevich is the fourth Illinois chief executive, starting with Governor Thompson, to buy the crystal Strobach cuts. Visiting foreign dignitaries are among Blagojevich’s recipients. The wife of the Hungarian ambassador to the United States wrote Kurt a letter of appreciation.

While he was still Secretary of State, George Ryan used a Strobach bowl from which to draw the name of the Republican Party when agreement could not be reached on reapportionment.

Ryan’s wife Laura Lynn took pride in the book she stimulated, "Made in Illinois: An Artisan Gallery." It features Strobach and fellow Illinois artists and craftsmen are featured.

Kurt entered the family business in Bohemia, now part of the Czeck Republica. When the Communists took over, he revolted at the collectivization. It took decades before Kurt could return to his work full-time.

Kurt Strobah can be seen at work here.

For more information, including pictures and prices click here. It's not too late for Kurt to ship a very special Christmas present. His phone number is 815-459-7377.