2007 Stained Glass Art Show
Our Judges
Pat Luders
Biography
Who said new dreams don’t come true? Pat Luders had never dreamt of attending art school, much less in mid-life, and certainly had no idea that she would develop a passion for sculpture!
Cuts to Health Care in Alberta in the ‘90s precipitated this profound life-altering experience. Her decision to leave her position as an Area Manager for the Red Deer Home Care Nursing Program at that time was very difficult one, as it was for all caring professionals leaving the field.
Pat very hesitantly enrolled in the Visual Art Program at Red Deer College hoping that old loves of colour, form, design and working with her hands which had been explored through many hobbies might translate into something fulfilling. Returning to school was scary, exhausting, and energizing. Fascinated and challenged by this new world, (and writing term papers after 30 years!), Pat was surprised to make the Dean’s List, the Presidents Honour Roll and to be awarded an Art Study Travel Scholarship which took her to galleries in Washington and New York! It was more than a little daunting hitting these big cities alone!
Upon graduation from the Visual Arts Program at Red Deer College, Pat returned to RDC for a year of independent study, focusing solely on sculpture. The following year she was invited to return as a studio assistant and technician in the sculpture program while continuing her studio work. The return to school sparked further journies to galleries in Canada, US and Europe to savour and be inspired by the works of many of the world’s finest artists.
The beauty of the Columbia valley, the lure of a mountain river and some arm-twisting by dear friends convinced Pat and Len to move to an acreage in Fairmont in 2000.
Now, after three years of very hard work by Pat, her husband Len, and many talented family, friends and tradesmen, an incredible new sculpture studio is nearing completion! She looks forward to having this new studio fully operational!
Pat has been impressed by the wonderful creative energy and impressive talents of the artists, volunteers and patrons who energize a very active cultural scene.
Past works are in public and private collections in Canada, US, Japan and our own Columbia Valley.
Born and raised in Alberta, Pat and her husband Len are proud of their three married children, (two daughters and a son) and six fantastic grandchildren. Her life has been enriched by many who have supported her crazy dream!
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Leslie Rowe-Israelson
Leslie hails from the West Coast and has lived in the Rocky Mountains for the past 25 years. The beauty of the Rocky Mountains, particularly the National Parks, is her passion and inspiration. It was in the mountains that Leslie and her twin sister Melanie, came to discover another passion - that for glass. It would come to consume her thoughts and dreams as she worked to translate concepts into a visual art in partnership with her sister.
From 1985 – 1994, Leslie attended the Pilchuk Glass School in Stanwood, Washington. She also received training at the Alberta College of Art and Design, Andregetti Studio Glass, Colton Glass School and the Vancouver College of Art. Leslie now instructs others at the Red Deer College, the Hilltop glass school at the University of Tennessee and the Banff Centre.
The result of a strong technical background and an incredible creative spirit has resulted in the twins earning international acclaim for their unique, one-of-a-kind glass sculptures. Their art has been exhibited in Europe, the United States and has won awards in a variety of juried exhibitions in Canada. Private commissions for work continue to grow such as the production of a number of trophies for the 2000 and 2001 Governor General Arts Awards for Canada and works for C.P. Hotels. In addition, collaborations with other artists has led to such projects as the recreation of wood carved images in glass with native artists Roy Henry Vickers and Xua-lac-ton.
Leslie has created works in glass from traditional copper foil stained glass windows to fused pieces and three dimensional glass artwork that involves sand-casting, lost wax and light weight mould mix 6-Zircar Moulds. She lives and works in Invermere, B.C.
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