INSIGHT Art Talk | Kale Stewart

Join us for an evening with glass artist, Kale Stewart, as he discusses his most recent collaboration with fellow glass artist, Roberta Eichenberg, The Dance of Glass!

Kale Stewart, originally from western Kansas, had his first introduction to glass while earning a BFA from Emporia State University in Kansas.  He furthered his education by completing an MFA in glass at Illinois State University.  Much of his inspiration stems from a lifelong fascination with the textures, patterns, and contrast of materials used in buildings and architecture. His interest in the aesthetics of man-made materials grew exponentially while working in and around construction with his father.  His time working with him in construction piqued his interest in raw building materials like metal, concrete, and wood. He had the unique opportunity to see the substructures of buildings that go largely unseen.  How the network of materials work together to be assembled, the contrasts of colors and shapes, and the impressive scale of it all are beautiful to him. Many of the elements in his work reflect the processes of building, constructing, and the usage of mixed media. Being introduced to glass blowing was a game changer for Kale.  The material itself lends to endless possibilities of creativity.  However, what Kale finds most appealing is the teamwork and camaraderie involved in creating the glass-blown pieces.  A group effort is required to realize a shared vision; when that happens, it is a great feeling!

After grad school, Kale spent the summer of 2018 at Pilchuck being a teacher’s aide and taking a class. This was a great chance to work with some of the best glass artists in the world. Then he went on to work for several glass artists in Vermont gaining experience and glass knowledge while he was there.  Realizing he needed to be closer to family, Kale moved to Texas and established StewsGlass LLC. During this time Kale was creating glass work for local galleries, commissions, and art shows.

In 2022, Kale took an instructor position at Emporia State University to teach 3d design and sculpture.  Now the assistant professor of glass at ESU, Kale loves to share his passion for working with this amazing glass material.

Roberta Eichenberg was born in San Bernardino, California, and inspired from an early age by her mother to appreciate the importance of the arts. She was lucky enough to have attended a high school that was well-equipped for the material arts. There she was able to study painting, drawing, and ceramics.

After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University at Chico, with an emphasis in glass, she went to work for Orient and Flume the local glass art production studio, that specialized in the Art Nouveau style of glass design. She was a part of the production team and designed for their product line as well. She received her Master of Art from California State University at Chico, which became a launching pad for her future research. She then attended The Ohio State University where she received a teaching assistantship and studied under Richard Harned, earning a Master of Fine Arts degree.

After graduate school, she took a position at the internationally renowned Pilchuck Glass School, a school in the Northwest where the educational focus is on the material and processes of glass. She started on the maintenance crew, then as Studio Coordinator for three years, and finally as Educational Coordinator. Working on the staff at Pilchuck for five consecutive years was the educational opportunity of a lifetime. She worked directly with the most notable American, Australian, Canadian, Italian, British, Czechoslovakian, and German glass artists and loved every moment.

In 1991 Roberta was selected for the Emerging Artist in Residence program at the Pilchuck Glass School. After that fall residency, she relocated to New Orleans, LA, where she taught in the Art Department at Delgado Community College and established her studio. In 2000, Roberta relocated to Emporia Kansas, and taught, Drawing, 2D Design, Ceramics, Sculpture, and Glass in the Department of Art at Emporia State University for 23 years. She is now an Emeritus Professor of Art at Emporia State. Roberta is currently focusing on producing new work and continuing to exhibit locally and nationally.