The Art of Mosaic will be featured at Mulberry Art Studios throughout the month of September. The exhibit showcases Karen Stadden’s collection of

wall hangings and bird baths made from glass, mirror tile, ceramic, and stone. The inspiration behind this body of work was “Everything from personal and historic events, to my faith and love of nature, all expressed with an emphasis on symmetry,” Karen says.

The Art of Mosaic opens with a First Friday Reception from 5pm-9pm on September 3rd. Mulberry Art Studios is located in historic downtown Lancaster at 21 North Mulberry Street.

“I think what drew me to the art of mosaic was how it challenges you to fit all the pieces together,” explains Karen. “Sometimes you have to cut and nip again; other times the tesserae just fall into place. Persistence is rewarded by a finished piece. I think there’s a metaphor here.”

Karen Stadden had no formal art training but has been independently developing her mosaic craft for more than ten years, and retirement has afforded her lots of time to devote to her art.

Karen was born in Shenandoah PA and considers herself a “coal miner’s daughter.” She moved to Lancaster in 1969 to attend Millersville State College (now MU) and received a BS in Education in 1972. After several years of substitute teaching, she taught English at Penn Manor High School for 25 years. Karen is married to the love of her life, Dave, whom she met in college and who tirelessly helps her with all of the technical aspects of creating her pieces: wood finishing, photographing, etc. The couple has two children and three grandchildren.

For more info and directions to the gallery, please visitwww.mulberryartstudios.comor call the gallery at 717-295-1949.