Sharon Tabasko

Sharon Tobasko established SST Studios in Toledo, Ohio in 1992. At the time, the product line consisted of jewelry and one-of-a-kind fine art pieces.

In 1995 the product line took a major change in direction. The jewelry/personal adornment line was dropped and a decorative art line was added.

A national magazine, Midwest Living, featured the studio's work in their "Discoveries" column in June of 1996. This marked the beginning of a rapid growth period. Also, in 1996 the studio relocated to Mount Vernon, Ohio. The move allowed the studio to triple in size and add several new pieces of equipment.

Sure and steady growth would continue in 1997 with SST Studios' work being featured in another national magazine, A Taste of Home. In addition, after many requests, a verdigris finish garden sculpture line was added in 1997. A yearlong trial and error period was performed on the various pieces to insure they would withstand the heat of summer and the cold of winter. The garden sculptures became available to the public in 1998.

The most dramatic growth period came in 1998 with the hiring of a marketing representative and the first full-time apprentices to learn the techniques of metalsmithing, enameling and jewelry making. Again, in 1998 a national magazine, Cats, featured the work of the studio, giving additional exposure throughout the nation.

In 1999 the metalsmithing and framing area of the studio moved into a separate 1500-plus square foot building, allowing the enameling area of the existing studio to expand and develop additional services. SST Studios also went from a proprietorship to a limited liability company.

The Governor of the State of Ohio selected 25 pieces of SST Studios' work to present to Japanese dignitaries on a business/trade mission to that country in early 2000. In both 2000 and 2001 SST Studios' designs were selected for inclusion of the official Governor's Residence Christmas tree. These ornaments will become a part of the permanent collection of the State of Ohio. Also in 2001, Mountain Gardener magazine featured the work of SST Studios; their enameled clown art was included in a Clown Art Exhibition at the Greenbelt Arts Center in Maryland and, finally, a sculptured butterfly piece was included in a traveling exhibition of the Yankee Peddler Festival Association.