Gwen Heffner
Information Specialist
Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea
Phone: 859/ 985-5448
Fax: 859/ 985-5449
gwen.heffner@ky.gov

BEREA, Ky. (September 24, 2004) -- On Saturday, October 2, Kathryn Murphy of Philpot, will demonstrate her stained glass techniques from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea.

Kathryn Murphy has a BA in accounting from Kentucky Wesleyan College. In 1998 she saw a Kentucky Educational Television show about stained glass and her journey as a glass artist began. Looking for a change from accounting, Kathryn learned more about her craft by going to the library and reading books about stained glass. She began gathering tools and took a beginning stained glass class at Owensboro Community College. After two courses on the subject, she set up her studio, Stained Glass Reflections in 1999. This operation was not only a custom studio, but also a retail supply store dedicated to selling stained glass products. Together with several others in the community who were interested in stained glass, Kathryn formed an association called the Art Glass Cutters to offer a series of classes and share information.

Kathryn finds that having no formal education in art is both a challenge and a freedom when creating with glass. She looks for information about her field from any source, attends art glass conventions and visits other studios and museums to view stained glass works. Kathryn explains, “When I see natural light dancing through a stained glass panel, an array of emotions releases in me. It is the light that allows the piece to share its beauty – a beauty that is constantly changing due to the sun’s position or the weather conditions which affect the quality of light throughout the day.”

In the fall of 2003, Kathryn closed her supply store and relocated from Owensboro to Philpot.  She now offers classes in conjunction with the Community College and sells supplies to area hobbyists and artists on a “by appointment only” basis. She continues to be active in the over 12 member Art Glass Cutters group as well. Having come full circle in her career, Kathryn now teaches stained glass at Owensboro Community College where she took her first class! Kathryn Murphy’s stained glass panels, often designed or based on traditional quilt patterns, can regularly be found at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea.

The Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea is located just off Interstate 75 at exit 77 (Berea). The Center’s exhibits, shopping, restaurant and travel information areas are all open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and admission is free. The Center currently features works by more than 450 artisans from all across the Commonwealth. For more information call 859-985-5448 or visit the Center’s web site at www.kentuckyartisancenter.ky.gov  

The Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea is an agency in the Commerce Cabinet of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.