MasterVisions' story

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One day in 1992, a friend approached Mark Scott and invited him to experiment with him in developing a revolutionary way of etching. Their dream was to combine the intricate detail possible in printmaking with the frosty elegance of etched glass.

A tragic setback

The work was nearing success when a tragic auto accident took this friend's life. Much of the process the friend had already developed died with him, but Mark continued to experiment until he succeeded in developing a way of etching that brought the precision of printmaking to glass etching for the first time ever.

A difficult start

For the first few years, Mark and his wife, June, etched the art of rising local wildlife artists in a cramped, makeshift etching room in their basement shower. Despite the cramped and awkward conditions, they mastered this revolutionary style of etching and began selling etched wildlife mirrors at art shows throughout the Midwest.

They faced an early challenge in the fact that no one had ever seen etching like this. Most people thought of etched glass as capturing nothing more than basic shapes and outlines.

A gratifying response

When people saw these etchings, though, they were captivated. Mark and June got used to seeing casual browsers at art shows stop suddenly as they were about to pass, stare, and finally approach for a closer look.

The etchings captured as much detail and shading as a photograph could and added an elegance to simple mirrors and tables that was totally unexpected.

It didn't take long before Mark and June were doing far more than just etching a few artworks by a growing number of local artists. Their etching technique made it possible for them to take whatever photographs customer wanted etched and capture them in custom etchings that became highly personal family treasures.

A need to grow

As their family grew and demand for their detailed etchings spread, they needed to move the etching out of their home and expand the growing business into larger quarters.

As the time came to expand and hire employees, Mark and June's deep Christian faith have led them to use their success to bless others in the way that they have been blessed.

They have frequently hired men who were in need of a second chance after fighting addictions or serving prison time. Over the years, they have helped many of those employees become skilled artisans and develop valuable skills and work ethics that have helped them serve more productive lives.

MasterVisions today

MasterVisions today is the largest supplier of etched glass home decor in the world, etching your choice over 100 designs by more than 20 popular artists in over 30 popular themes on mirrors, coat racks, furniture, and clocks. It currently occupies a 7,500 square foot studio near the University of Minnesota campus and employs a staff of skilled artisans whom Mark has helped master this technique.

Many of those rising artists whom MasterVisions licensed early on have become prominent artists. You can find art by many renowned artists among our etchings.

Artists such as Rick Kelley, Jim Hansel, Geoff Hagar and Randy McGovern are only four of the early artists who have have gone on to great success. And MasterVisions has added other noted and award-winning artists, such as Derk Hansen and Ken Zylla, as well.

MasterVisions etchings can be found in every state of the US and in many countries around the world. MasterVisions etchings have also appeared on popular television shows, such as Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, the QVC home shopping channel, and Ultimate Outdoors cable hunting and fishing show.

All of this has happened in less than two decades since the time Mark Scott joined his friend in making a dream of a beautiful new form of etching come true. And, in doing so, Mark and June have created works of beauty that bring a spark of satisfaction to thousands who enjoy MasterVisions heirloom products in their home.

Browse the links above at your left to find the decor item or the design that perfectly fits your decorating need. Or let us create a one-of-a-kind, custom etching made from your own photo or design.