Esaltare Arts Mission Statement
Our mission is to glorify God by providing excellent works of art and exceptional service to our clients. Every time.
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17
About Sondra
Sondra Simmons Kretschmar is a multidisciplinary artist known for creating bespoke stained glass and fine art commissions that transform architectural spaces with light, color, and emotional depth. With more than 30 years of professional practice, she works across stained glass, oil and ink painting, sculpture, and collage—each medium chosen for its ability to hold memory and illuminate the human experience.
After a profound personal loss in 2008, Sondra relocated to San Marcos, Texas, where her creative practice evolved into a powerful form of renewal. This chapter deepened her commitment to crafting artworks that honor life’s defining moments—celebrations, legacies, and the quiet, sacred stories families carry with them. Her two decades as a professional tattoo artist sharpened her understanding of how art can mark, commemorate, and preserve what matters most.
Today, Sondra is sought after for her ability to translate personal histories into refined visual statements. From intimate portrait commissions to architectural stained glass designed to elevate interiors, Sondra’s creations serve as intentional bridges: between memory and the present moment, between emotion and environment, and between the stories we hold and the spaces we inhabit. Each piece is crafted to bring light, color, and meaning into the heart of the home.
Austin Ridge Bible Church
In 2022, while Sondra was co-owner of River City Glassworks, she was commissioned by Austin Ridge Bible Church to create a stained glass panel. They were preparing a sermon series and wanted to video the construction of their panel to use in the series. Throughout the filming, Sondra became close friends with the crew, and they asked if they could film her story. This is Sondra’s story.
Commanche Gap Productions
In 2017, while Sondra was still tattooing, her friend Clayton Wilson of Comanche Gap Productions, was filming a series based on family-owned businesses. Since Sondra had worked in her sons’ shops, he asked her to participate. Although she didn’t realize it until she watched the final film, this is also Sondra’s story.