Glass artist visits Timberland art students
from the Wentzville School District
May 8, 2009
Wentzville School District
Crystal Wing, the Fine Art Department Chair at Timberland High School, is always on the lookout for ways to inspire her art students. When she discovered that Karen Schulte, the mother of one of her students was also a glass artist, she asked her to visit and demonstrate her talents for the ceramics and sculpture classes.
“The students get so excited to see an artist produce something tangible, and it helps them realize that they can do it, too!” said Wing.
Schulte shared her techniques with the students, and after the demonstration (and a lively question and answer session), some of the students created their own glass beads under her close supervision.
Senior Jason DeFriese obviously enjoyed the experience, and said, “The glass is so cool, and she creates such great designs, it was neat to do it myself and see how it turned out.” Wing added “Art is hands-on, so this is a great experience for the students, and we’re supporting a local artist as well.”
Schulte has been producing these beautiful glass beads for a couple of years, but she quickly added that there was something in it for her as well.
“I’m really critical of my own work, so it’s wonderful for me to get this positive feedback from the kids,” she explained with a smile.
Some of her glass artwork is on display through June 14 at the Lillian Yahn Gallery in WingHaven, 7443 Village Center Drive, O’Fallon, MO 63368. The St. Charles County Arts Council exhibition is titled, “Expressions: Educators’ Artistic Perspectives” and also includes works from Crystal Wing, Amanda Miller, Andy Rohde, Mark Schatz and Pamela Winter.
Copyright 2009 Neighbors About Town
