Rhonda Cravens
Stained Glass Instructor, Indian Capital Technology Center
by Renee Fite
City of Stilwell Director of Public Relations and Media
Stained glass designs bring color and attention to a space as light filters through the colored creations. The art form is currently being taught at Indian Capital Technology Center in Muskogee.
Ronda Cravens has always wanted to learn stained glass, and finally got the opportunity in 1991, when she moved to Corydon, Indiana. Today she is teaching others at ICTC.
“I enjoy being able to create, and make the glass come to life,” said Cravens.
“It started in my sunroom, with friends. It got to the point, someone said, ‘You really should open your own shop and start teaching others.’ So, I did,” she said.
She started teaching stained glass in 2001.
Stained glass instructor Rhonda Cravens, left, helps Shelley Brandon figure out how to fit a piece of glass into the pattern and secure it with a nail.
photo: Renee Fite
Melissa Wofford, left, finished her blue and yellow class project and started a small buffalo for fun. Seated behind her, instructor Rhonda Cravens shows Shelly Matthews how to solder holders onto her finished piece.
photo: Renee Fite
The studio was called, “The White Cloud Window” and was located in downtown Corydon, Indiana, the original state capital of Indiana.
Working with the students is what she enjoys about teaching others the art she is passionate about.
“It’s such a wonderful feeling watching their glass come to life. And, occasionally, you can see the light come into a students eyes, and you
know that stained glass will remain a part of their life, continuing the creative process, and (hopefully) passing it on, she said.
Design-wise, who inspires her?
“Frank Lloyd Wright is my hero,” said Cravens.
The largest piece she has made was a 45 inch circle that had to be installed 23 feet in the air.
“I have a piece at the Corydon Chamber of Commerce, other than that, I have no idea where my pieces have ended up,” Cravens said.
Artists often find favorite themes or design styles. “The “Dresses” are definitely some of my signature pieces,” she said.
Learning the craft, how to cut glass pieces, wrapping copper foil, soldering take practice. And with the cost of glass, an artist doesn’t want to break a piece or cut it too short to fit.
“I was shocked how much glass and supplies have gone up, just in the last ten years, since I closed my shop,” said Cravens.
She encourages people with an interest to give it a try.
“Learn stained glass, and keep the art alive,” Cravens said.
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