Artist Finds Beauty in Radiance of Stained Glass Creations

Karen Meadows of Buffalo Grove, who creates stained glass, loves being an artist because her work brings her joy in good times and comfort in bad times.

Meadows, who sees beauty in creating nature-themed work, will exhibit her art, Saturday, April 7 through Saturday, July 7 at Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane, Rolling Meadows. Her exhibit is co-sponsored by the Northwest Cultural Council.

"Poets and musicians touch the heart with words and melodies, respectively, and I use color and light, seen through a prism of glass, to express the joy and serenity that each brings to my life," Meadows says.

Butterflies are one of nature's creatures that Meadows is intrigued with. "They are seen in almost every culture in the world through myth and folklore, and they can symbolize the soul, long life, hope, good luck, happiness, love, and the ability to change and adapt," Meadows explains. "As pollinators, they contribute to the health of our planet."

Meadows believes that the artist's palette pales in comparison to nature's palette, but she tries to create vivid work to bring out the beauty of things around us.

"Although butterflies have always played a considerable role in my work, my imagination, ideas, and inspirations are in every nook and cranny, and around every corner," Meadows adds. "Glass is my unifier. It starts with nature, is manipulated by man, and then dances in the sunlight."

Meadows, who has been an active artist since 2010, says she enjoys the radiance and intricacies of stained glass, having taken workshops from glass artists worldwide.

The Northwest Cultural Council serves the Northwest corridor. It is a non-profit organization that supports and promotes the work of area visual artists and poets, offering a variety of programs including corporate gallery exhibitions, co-sponsored by businesses, convention and visitors' bureaus, libraries, and hospitals; receptions for artists, free and open to the public; art competitions to encourage artists; and poetry readings and workshops.

For more information about Meadows' exhibit, call the NWCC, 847-382-6922.