About

Creative expression has always been important to me from an early age. I’ve explored many creative venues, from music to dance to art, and experimented in many mediums including pottery, painting, silversmithing, and even blacksmithing but my true passion lies with stained glass.

  My first introduction to the art was while I was on an eighth grade school field trip to Washington, DC. I was literally stopped in my tracks by a stained glass window with a piece of moon rock in it, located in the National Cathedral. I knew from that moment that stained glass was my medium. Ever since that time I’ve devoted myself to learning and practicing the art of stained glass.

Education

I studied Fine Arts at Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire. My focus throughout my college education was in the art of stained glass and I dedicated much of my time to assisting my professors in the campus studios. During my time at Franklin Pierce, I worked as an understudy for Thomas Meyers at his fine art glass studio in Antrim, New Hampshire. I furthered my education by studying abroad at the American University of London. I spent much of my time there studying old world techniques including a trip to Italy to study the craft of the Venetian glass artists.

Experience

After college, I moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where I worked for many years as a stained glass artist, designer, and painter. My early employment was spent with an established stained glass studio. There I worked on everything from restoring old church windows, to making new windows, repairing stained glass lamps, and many other projects. After a few years I was offered a position with a different firm to work on high profile jobs including the restoration of many Tiffany windows, Heaton, Butler and Bayne windows, Rudy Brothers windows, and several other windows of historic significance.

M. Sotherden Art Glass

After several years of restoration work I decided it was time to move on. My years of work provided me with the experience and confidence I needed and I had a longing desire to design and create my own products and window designs. In 2004, I started my own studio and have been producing high quality windows and products ever since. My work covers a broad spectrum of design, ranging from jewelry and other small gifts to large windows for both residential and liturgical clients.

Community

I’m an avid supporter of small businesses in the arts community with emphasis on self-representing artists. I display my work at many artisan shows and festivals and try to work closely with show coordinators. I make a concentrated effort to educate others on the value of quality craftsmanship and offer classes in stained glass design at the Succop Conservancy located in Butler, PA.

Contact

You may email me at SotherdenMK@zoominternet.net or by phone at 724.452.7932

Friends

As a small business owner I understand that word of mouth is some of the best advertising and would like to encourage you to visit the following websites of other small businesses that you may find interesting: