The Kentucky Artisan Center will feature glass demonstrations of sparkling ornaments and woodcarvings during the month of May. Demonstrations will showcase handmade ornaments from lampworked and stained glass in a multitude of colors. Artist demonstrations are held on Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Center.
On Saturday, May 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. glass artist Steve Scherer, of Edmonton, will create unique ornaments using rods of colored glass and a torch. Scherer shapes an array of glass animals, which he then encases in clear glass.
Using an oxygen-gas torch, Scherer works with borosilicate glass that he makes himself. His Christmas ornaments with encased handmade figures are one of his unique creations. Scherer has several figurative works in the Center's main gallery exhibit "Show & Tell: 15 Years" on display through August 31, 2018.
Three members of the Berea Welcome Center Carvers will demonstrate a variety of woodcarving styles and techniques on Saturday, May 19, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Kentucky Artisan Center. Demonstrating that day will be Keith Flowers, of Richmond, Jack Gann, of Berea, and John Ferguson of Danville.
On Saturday, May 26, Marlene Dennis, of Louisville, will demonstrate her ‘Bourbon Glass’ ornaments created from stained glass from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Center.
Once Dennis started learning stained glass, she says she knew she was hooked. Having always loved glass, crystals and natural stones, she found that with stained glass the possibilities were endless.
Celebrating its 15th year of operation, the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea is located just off Interstate 75 at Exit 77. The center’s exhibit, shopping and travel information areas are open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the Artisan Cafe and Grill is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. For more information go to the Center's website or Facebook page.
The Kentucky Artisan Center is an agency of the Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Images left to right clockwise: "Glass Wildcat" by Steve Scherer; Woodcarver Jack Gann demonstrates carving; Close up of Steve Scherer working at the torch; Marlene Dennis demonstrates glass ornament making at the Center.