Kathi worked for five years at a local graphic design studio before opening her own studio, Bell Graphics, in 1995. She was casually introduced to stained glass by some friends, enjoying the experience so much that she learned on her own and accepted her first commission within a year. Realizing her true passion for all things glass, she then opened her glass studio, Glass by Kathi. There she combines her fine art/graphic design training and the satisfaction of working with her hands to successfully translate a subject or motif into a one-of-a-kind glass art creation.

Kathi uses a combination of construction methods with stained and fused glass (as well as found objects) to achieve her art. She says, “Glass is my canvas... my works employ the texture, color, richness and light transmission of the glass in such a way that it is almost as if I am painting with it... the natural pattern in the glass is my brush stroke. I achieve depth by using subtle color variations and patterns fused into the glass. It is a challenging and yet immensely satisfying medium with which to work.”

A self-taught glass artist, she heartily thanks the many glass artists who have assisted her and with whom she has shared information along the way. Kathi’s work can be found in private collections in Germany and across the United States.

Education:

BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS, Jacksonville University

GlassVisions/Skill Fest 2006, Bethlehem, PA
Participated in various workshops and classes with instructors Joe Porcelli and Peter McGrain

RAGSFest 2007, Denver, CO
Participated in classes with instructors Denny Berkery and Jaime Cabezas

Professional and Volunteer Organizations:

INTERNATIONAL GUILD OF GLASS ARTISTS (IGGA)
Board of Directors, Membership Director & Webmaster
Term of Office – October 2006 through October 2009
Member Since 2005

RETAILERS OF ART GLASS & SUPPLIES (RAGS)
Member Since 2007

ART GLASS ASSOCIATION (AGA)
Professional Member Since 2006

JACKSONVILLE REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Member Since 2003