Glass by Stephen Rolfe Powell at the Kentucky Artisan Center exhibition "Under the Influence" Stephen Rolfe Powell & His Students"

A reception for the exhibition Under the Influence: Stephen Rolfe Powell & His Students is being held on Saturday, December 8, from 1:00 n 3:00 pm at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea. Internationally known glass artist Stephen Rolfe Powell will be at the Center for this event and sign copies of his new book, “Stephen Rolfe Powell: Glassmaker.”

Stephen Rolfe Powell has been seminal to the hot glass movement in Kentucky, and the works by these eight artists and former students of Powell, are a testament to his exceptional teaching and influence. James Yood of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, writes about Powell’s work, “Color delights us from the cradle to grave, it grooves some optical pleasure zone that seems almost beyond language, and it is everywhere celebrated in the almost irrepressibly vivacious glass sculpture of Stephen Rolfe Powell.”

The Kentucky Artisan Center’s exhibition includes three new sculptural pieces by Stephen Rolfe Powell, instructor of glass at Centre College and the work of eight other Kentucky glass artists who have been “influenced” by Powell, having been either former students or studio assistants.

Participants include Brook White, co-owner of Flame Run Glass in Louisville; Chris Bohach, Paul Hugues, Paul Nelson, Stephen Rolfe Powell, Naomi Stuecker, John Stokes, Jonathan Swanz and Cynthia Lauren Arnold, a recent Centre College graduate.

Working hot glass requires a team effort. Eight of the glass artists featured in this exhibit have learned their art under Stephen Rolfe Powell hands on nassisting in the creation of Powell’s works n and then developing their own voices and works in glass. While several of these artists continue to work together in the same hot-shop n they produce dramatically different pieces using either fused or hot-glass techniques. The exciting variety of glass created by these eight former students of Powell, are a testament to his exceptional influence at Centre College where he has attracted prospective students from around the country.

The reception for the exhibition Under the Influence: Stephen Rolfe Powell & His Students will be Saturday, December 8, from 1:00 n 3:00 pm, including a book signing by Stephen Rolfe Powell, of the newly released book n “Stephen Rolfe Powell: Glassmaker.” Powell’s new book is a visual treat n filled with a series of essays and stunning large color photos that illustrate the passion for color that is Powell’s trademark. The public is invited to these events.

The Kentucky Artisan Center is located just off Interstate 75 at exit 77 (Berea). The Center’s exhibits, shopping, and travel information areas are all open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and the café from 8 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Admission is free. The Center currently features works by more than 650 artisans from 90 counties 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.