Members of the Washington Art Association enjoyed a program of creating stained glass art at the January meeting held in the home and studio of Violetta Thomas at Franklinton. Co-hostess was Barbara Carter.

Glass artist Chris Bradford demonstrated the process of putting a stained glass piece together as she told the group how she first got into stained glass work some 27 years ago when she saw a lamp she wanted and couldn’t afford to buy it. She found a studio to teach her the stained glass process and as she took classes and learned, she said it wasn’t very long before she was in the stained glass business.

As she worked, Bradford explained the various tools she was using and showed how to protect fingertips when working with the glass. She used a base of composition board, and built her design on top, using horseshoe nails to anchor the glass pieces as the image emerged. When the design was finished and the leading was done, the piece was allowed to set before it was removed from the board.

Washington Art Association members watch as glass artist Chris Bradford of Bush demonstrates the creation of stained glass pieces. The piece she is creating is a Saints emblem, which is very popular right now. Shown watching, from left to right, are members Christine Beatty, Patti Lucchesi, Kaye Williams, Marjorie Sisson and Terry Seal. PHOTOS/Bob Ann Breland Advertisement

As she worked, she talked about the different types of glass and colors that are available. Her design was a Saints emblem made with different types of glass. She has these emblems available for Saints fans. Bradford teaches classes at her home in Bush and also a day class at the home of Ina Claire Seals near Bogalusa. She has also taught classes at the Louisiana Technical School, Sullivan Campus.

Bradford said doing stained glass work is popular even when times are tough. She said hardly anybody wants to do repair work, because it isn’t easy and one has to know what they are doing. Besides teaching classes, she also does repair work.

“Anything you can show me a picture of, I can use to make a stained glass piece,” she said. She does all original designs and noted that early on, she learned to draw from a very good teacher. She makes the designs and cuts all pieces by hand. As she worked, she answered questions by members. They were fascinated with the process and some expressed a desire to learn.

The demonstration was followed by a short business meeting led by President Christine Beatty. Most of the time was spent discussing the upcoming weekend trip planned by the art association March 12-13 to the Museum of Fine Art in Houston.  One exhibit is “Sargent and the Sea,” with 60 paintings by American artist John Singer Sargent. The other exhibit to be seen is “Prendergast in Italy,” paintings by Maurice Prendergast.

The bus will leave Franklinton on March 12 from the public parking lot at 7:30 a.m. next door to Orman and Bickham on Main Street and return on March 13. This trip is open to anyone who would like to go. Those interested should contact Ann Warner at 985-839-3647.

Terry Seal announced that she has some $100 tickets for the area Home Builders Association house in St. Tammany Parish. The local Dream Factory organization will receive a portion of the funds.

The group enjoyed a dinner of taco soup, salad, various crackers and chocolate cake. Those attending were Wanda Boquet, Marjorie Sisson, Ellen Barrett, Bob Ann Breland, Terry Seal, Patti Lucchesi, Aclydia Watson, Pam Miller, Kaye Ladner, Frances Miller, Christine Beatty, Louise Barber, Kaye Williams, Becky Guerin, Barbara Carter, Violetta Thomas and the guest speaker, Chris Bradford.