Shilo Glass

Betty van der Lynden Froese was born and raised in Holland where she studied and graduated with an Art degree, majoring in artistic design and interior decoration. She immigrated to Alberta, Canada in 1970.

Betty taught life skills to native communities for Indian & Northern Affairs Canada. She began her artistic career with the opening of Gypsa Originals, specializing in casual clothing and developing a market throughout western Canada until 1994 when she sold the business and began taking courses in art and design.

In 1997, Betty took courses in commercial design, kiln work and glass at the University of Tempe in Phoenix, Arizona, On her return to Alberta, she took private courses with glass enthusiast and author, Bert Gilles where she developed her skills and discovered a passion for the art form.

One day she was slumping a glass bowl and added a recycled wine bottle into the production. After experimenting with temperature, shape and design, Betty created her own unique product, the "Wine Board". She began selling this product to friends and colleagues and discovered a demand for it. Craft shows and farmers' markets became an integral part of her initial marketing plan. This brought her to the attention of galleries and fine gift stores.

The artwork of Betty van der Linder Froese Shilo Glass, is represented by Rowles & Company Ltd., Alberta's Corporate Gift & Art Gallery, in Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta, Canada.