The press release states that Matuzak donated pocket-sized, fused-glass hearts which are available for purchase at the Gift Corner in MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena. The proceeds from the sales will support the Spiritual Care Program for Alpena.

The Spiritual Care Program at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena plays a role in ensuring the well-being of the MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena patients and their loved ones. The program is led by the Rev. Laura Hoffman, who provides patients and families access to spiritual care through counseling and prayer. She guides and facilitates patient access to ministers, priests or rabbis for specific religious support or services.

Hoffman stated in the press release that buying one of Peggy Matuzak’s glass hearts supports patients and their families through challenging times.

“Thank you to anyone who considers purchasing a fused glass heart in support of our Spiritual Care program,” Hoffman said in the release. “Your generosity is a blessing to all of the patients and families seeking care during times of crisis. Your support helps provide a light of hope in a time of darkness. My deepest thanks to Peggy for this wonderful gift.”

Courtesy Photo Pictured from left are the Rev. Laura Hoffman, MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena spiritual care manager, Liz Larsen, MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena volunteer coordinator, Ann Diamond, MyMichigan Health Foundation fund development director, and Peggy and Augie Matuzak, 45th Parallel Glass artists.

Ann Diamond, development director at MyMichigan Health Foundation, stated in the press release that Matuzak approached the foundation about the project.

“When Peggy brought this idea to us, we were absolutely thrilled,” Diamond said in the press release. “It’s so personal to donate artwork that you’ve created with your own hands. We are so grateful to be able to offer these soothing, inspirational hearts for sale at the Medical Center’s Gift Corner.”

Peggy Matuzak and her husband, Augie Matuzak, were happy to partner with MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena to support the Spiritual Care Program.

“I had this idea to donate some of my glass work and when Ann suggested the Spiritual Care Fund and explained everything the program does for the patients, it seemed like a natural fit for both of us and specifically for my glass hearts,” Peggy Matuzak said in the press release.

Both Augie and Peggy Matuzak make glass art pieces and they sell their creations in galleries and art shows throughout the summer. Peggy Matuzak works with traditional styles and forms using intricate detail; Augie works with special kiln-fired glass and finds that free-flowing styles suit his work best.

Peggy Matuzak told The News that she’s been working with glass for 40 years. She said she got the inspiration to work with the medium after seeing glass artwork in a craft book her father had given her.

As for the glass hearts, Peggy Matuzak drew inspiration from other artists.

“I’m always trying something different,” Peggy Matuzak said. “And I saw the hearts … some on Pinterest and some in different galleries and that type of thing. And I thought, ‘Oh, that would be fun to do. Those would be nice little gifts to give to people and sell them.'”

Peggy Matuzak also said that partnering with MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena to sell the hearts for the Spiritual Care Program was a natural fit.

“With us being from Alpena, there’s a connection,” Peggy Matuzak said. “A way to give back and support MyMichigan … I just thought, ‘Well, let’s see where there’s a need there in the hospital for something like this.”

Diamond gave Peggy and Augie Matuzak some suggestions as to how they can give back to the hospital and the Spiritual Care Program seemed to be the best fit.

“Thought that would be a great idea and to bring awareness to the program for others that may want to maybe reach out and donate to support that program too,” Peggy Matuzak said.

To make the hearts, Peggy Matuzak said she takes bits of glass and puts them into heart molds. She then places the mold into a kiln that melts the pieces together. Afterward, she lets the hearts cool. She said the process takes about 24 hours.

Augie and Peggy Matuzak’s work can be found on Facebook at 45th Parallel Glass. The couple will also be at this year’s Grand Lake Association Art Show on Aug. 9.

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.