Grand Rapids Mosaic Artist Shares Art in Mall

Deb Buxengard has been working with mosaics for 10 years and now sells her art in the Central Square Mall along with classes.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Deb Buxengard, a mosaic artist from Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been creating and selling her nature-inspired mosaic artwork at her shop, Balsam Creek Decor, located in the Central Square Mall. After initially trying her hand at stained glass and not enjoying the soldering process, Buxengard discovered mosaics and has been honing her craft for the past 10 years. She now offers mosaic art classes at her shop, teaching students how to create their own mosaic pieces using a variety of materials including glass and repurposed china.

Why it matters

Buxengard's story highlights how an artist can turn a passion for working with materials like glass into a successful small business venture. Her incorporation of repurposed and recycled materials into her mosaic artwork also speaks to the growing trend of sustainable and eco-friendly art practices. Additionally, her willingness to share her skills through teaching classes demonstrates a commitment to fostering creativity and artistic expression within her local community.

The details

After initially trying her hand at stained glass and not enjoying the soldering process, Buxengard discovered mosaics and has been creating nature-inspired mosaic artwork for the past 10 years. She now sells her work at her shop, Balsam Creek Decor, located in the Central Square Mall in Grand Rapids. Buxengard also offers three-hour mosaic art classes for $45, where students can choose from nine different forms to fill with a variety of materials including glass and repurposed china. She approaches her mosaic work as a "creative puzzle," starting with a base and an idea in mind, then selecting colors and textures to incorporate into the final piece.

  • Buxengard has been working with mosaics for 10 years.
  • Buxengard started offering mosaic art classes at her shop within the past few years.

The players

Deb Buxengard

A mosaic artist from Grand Rapids, Michigan who owns and operates Balsam Creek Decor, a shop in the Central Square Mall where she sells her nature-inspired mosaic artwork and teaches mosaic art classes.

Balsam Creek Decor

A small shop located in the Central Square Mall in Grand Rapids, Michigan, owned and operated by mosaic artist Deb Buxengard, where she sells her artwork and teaches mosaic art classes.

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What they’re saying

“I love having groups come in. I teach three-hour classes for $45 where people can come in and pick one of nine different forms to fill.”

— Deb Buxengard, Mosaic Artist

“I mean, you're taking stuff that normally would go to landfills and repurposing it. Also, if you have a cherished piece of china that broke, you can bring it in, and we can give it a new life.”

— Deb Buxengard, Mosaic Artist

What’s next

Buxengard said she's planning to host more mosaic art classes in the future and will release information on her website, balsamcreekdecor.com.

The takeaway

Buxengard's story demonstrates how an artist can turn a passion for working with materials like glass into a successful small business venture, while also incorporating sustainable and eco-friendly practices by repurposing discarded items into unique works of art. Her willingness to share her skills through teaching classes further highlights her commitment to fostering creativity and artistic expression within her local community.