BY TRISTAN SCHLOTZ

Local artist Hillel Rzepka opened up a new store and art gallery in Laguna Beach this month to showcase his “Handmade Hearts” jewelry.

Rzepka, who has been making glass sculptures for over 10 years, crafts and sells his hearts from the gallery to community members and nonprofit groups to use as jewelry or merchandise for fundraisers.

Rzepka moved to Laguna Beach in 2006 after completing a glassworking course at a school in Ohio. Before opening his store, he did live glass sculpture demonstrations at Knott's Berry Farm and the L.A. County Fair in Pomona. For the last three years, he's also sold his hearts at USC through a parent's council fundraiser.

Rzepka says he fell in love with Laguna Beach early on, and thinks of his community as an important source of inspiration.

"I love the village vibes of Laguna and its beautiful, off-the-beaten-path stores," Rzepka says. "My formula for creativity is to surround myself with beautiful things and positive energy in a beautiful place, and to eliminate all negative energy in my space."

Before moving into his new Hip District gallery space and store at 1432 S. Coast Highway, he worked out of his home in Laguna Beach and at public art venues. Rzepka says that his success selling hearts for fundraisers allowed him to open his own shop.

"The wonderful reception of the hearts enabled me to come here," Rzepka says, "I'm living my dream in a wonderful art colony and I'm spreading my mission of love."

Rzepka's hearts are made from lampworked glass, which is melted and reformed over high heat. They are wrapped in gold and silver wire and hung from silver and gold chains to make necklaces and pendants. Rzepka makes thousands of these hearts, and describes them as "wearable art."

Rzepka says that the most important part of his work is the fundraising aspect. He sells his hearts wholesale to nonprofits, which sell them at a better profit than cookie dough or candy bars that schools, clubs and other organizations usually sell. He has participated in fundraisers for high school bands and art classes, and will be attending PTA conferences this year to showcase his project.

"The hearts are of heirloom quality. They represent love and spread positive energy. Cookie dough and candy bars can't compare."

Right now, Rzepka is working on several larger installations using the hearts, which he hopes will be displayed in museums.