VAM galleries including this work:
Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea | Do You See a Pattern? || VAM Home

Kenneth vonRoenn was commissioned to create windows for the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea. He worked with building architects Charles Jolly and Carol Myers to create a 6'6" window on the west wall that incorporates prismalite and laminated art-glass techniques. Prismalite is an innovative technique in which beveled glass is laminated to a sheet of annealed or tempered plate glass. Laminated art glass consists of two or more sheets of glass, one or both of which is patterned or colored, bonded together with a cured resin.

The window also has beveled-glass sections and hot-worked sections of clear glass attached to the surface of the flat glass. There are four smaller windows along the same wall. All of these windows reflect and transmit light that is both blue and rainbow-hued in the early part of the day. In the afternoon and evening hours, the colors become amber and golden, bathing the interior space with beautiful light.

About the Artist

Kenneth Frederick vonRoenn, Jr. was born in Louisville in 1948. He attended Florida State University on an athletic scholarship in springboard and platform diving. He returned to training in the 1980s and won two Masters World Championships, setting two world records.

VonRoenn began his career in glass in 1970 at Louisville Art Glass, which was then owned by his father-in-law. He became president of the studio in 1975. Under his leadership, LAG gained a reputation as one of the most progressive glass studios in the United States. VonRoenn left in 1977 to pursue a master’s degree in architecture from Yale University. After graduating in 1981, he established the vonRoenn Studio Group in Branford, Connecticut. He returned to Louisville in 1983 and worked for two architectural firms before establishing his own studio.

In 1991, vonRoenn bought Louisville Glass Studio, which he renamed Architectural Glass Art, Inc. He serves as a designer and president and manages a staff of 30. The studio has been recognized for its innovative applications of new technologies.

VonRoenn has executed hundreds of projects nationally and internationally—including the world’s largest glass sculpture, which crowns the top of Wacho Bank in Charlotte, North Carolina. His work has been published in numerous books and has been featured in every major design magazine.

Before beginning a project, vonRoenn says, he gathers information about the building and the client. He talks ideas through, visits the site or building, and tries to develop a design that reflects the unique character of the community in which it will reside. He then builds a scale model of the space where the glass is to be installed. The model helps him understand the architecture and how the light will animate the glass. The glass designs are worked out on transparencies that are placed in the model so that everyone involved can see the work “in place.” Then, VonRoenn will often build a full-scale prototype using the techniques and materials proposed. In addition to giving clients a clear picture of the design, the model and prototype are helpful in raising money to complete the project.

VonRoenn says that his ultimate objective is the harmonious integration of the glass with the architecture. “Because of my training as an artist and craftsperson, I am concerned with the poetic expression of glass as it is animated with light,” he explains. “I use glass to transform light in a manner appropriate to each location as well as to enhance and celebrate its intrinsic qualities.”

As a designer, vonRoenn has been noted for his unique applications of new technologies along with superb levels of craftsmanship and design.

Classroom Ideas

Discussion: What are some of the things an artist must consider when making a composition for a glass window? Do you think this artist has created a good composition? Does this piece show movement and rhythm? Compare this glass work to others in the Kentucky Virtual Art Museum. (Several pieces, representing a variety of processes, are found in the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art gallery.)

Activities: Look for interesting windows or glass architectural elements in your community. Take photographs of them for a classroom display.

Using pastels or colored pencils, draw a window design.

Links

The Architectural Art Glass web site includes extensive information about vonRoenn and his techniques and processes.
[www.againc.com]

Learn about the art and history of stained glass at the Stained Glass Association of America web site.
[www.stainedglass.org]

The Glassworks complex in Louisville hosts exhibitions, classes, and tours spotlighting several different glassworking techniques.
[www.louisvilleglassworks.com]