Craig Ruwe (1956 - 2004) is considered a master enamelist. He studied under and worked with Fred Uhl Ball, an artist and teacher in the mid-1970’s who dreamt of glass on metal murals and brought them to life. He took a medium focusing on small enameling techniques for jewelry and experimented in glass and metal to create wall artwork. He forged a new path that earned him a commission for a mural on a parking garage in Sacramento and then another at a local hospital. Ruwe worked with Ball until 1985, when he forged his own career path. Ruwe used Fred’s large-scale enameling expertise to create an artistry of enameled artworks in complementary dimensions to fine art paintings. Craig sought to exhibit his pieces in galleries and carved a new form in the fine art marketplace. Ruwe's artwork and legacy continue on in the work of master enamelist Zingaro, whose help Ruwe enlisted when his health started to decline in 2001. Ruwe, in turn, mentored Zingaro in the art of vitreous enamel, who then mentored Houston Llew, the creator of Spiritiles.