JULY 15 • 2021 | 41

tors with wearable, comfortable jewel-
ry that is one-of-a-kind.” 
Schlossberg will be at the State Street 
Art Fair.

ARTISTIC WHIMSY
For many years, Bob and Patti Stern, 
of Cleveland, worked together on 
assemblies, but that has changed. 
Although Patti still scouts materials 
— most recently antique piano parts 
— that form sculptures, Bob now takes 
care of all the hands-on work.
Some of the most popular pieces are 
characters with clock heads.
“I have always told my collectors to 
walk through their homes and smile 

in every room,” said Bob, who will 
be at the original fair. “My whimsical 
creations reflect my unique sense of 
humor. The world has faced an ugly 
COVID pandemic, but luckily we can 
see a light at the end of the tunnel.” 
Working with the business name 
The Perfect View, the Sterns started 
out crafting decorative windows in the 
1990s, as she applied her interior dec-
orator skills. They moved into curio 
cabinets and key holders and have 
made installations on special order. 
“Bob upcycles found pieces into 
cabinets and tables,” said Patti, who 
travels with him to art shows around 
the country. “He makes a really cool 

cabinet to look like the Tin Man from 
The Wizard of Oz with parts from a tin 
ceiling.”
Bob, not formally trained in artistry, 
came up with the idea for whimsy. 
Before the pandemic, the couple sold 
at some 35 shows each year, many 
times in Ann Arbor. This season, they 
will be at six fairs.
“In 2021, I am poised to continue 
with my creations as well as my mes-
sage of strength and perseverance,” Bob 
said. “I hope my creations are a glim-
mer of light amid these dark and uncer-
tain times. Returning to Ann Arbor is 
a welcome sign that things are getting 
back to normal.” 

“MY WHIMSICAL CREATIONS REFLECT MY UNIQUE SENSE OF HUMOR. 
THE WORLD HAS FACED AN UGLY COVID PANDEMIC, BUT LUCKILY 

WE CAN SEE A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL.”

— BOB STERN

COURTESY OF BOB AND PATTI STERN

Three whimsical 
assemblies using clock faces

