Petra Manning-Brooks, one of Tryon Arts & Crafts School’s esteemed stained glass artisans, has been named the school’s Artist of the Month. Her artwork is currently being featured in the gallery of the school at 373 Harmon Field Rd., open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Petra took a class, similar to the ones she now teaches at the Chapman Cultural Center and Tryon Arts & Crafts School, 10 years ago, and she’s been hooked on stained glass since.

She says creating pieces is similar to “working a puzzle,” cutting panels of glass to fit in a pattern she creates with software. 

Her full-time job is product analyst at QS/1. She also rides motorcycles and shag dances as “passionately” and “avidly” as she works with stained glass, but she hopes one day to retire and teach classes full-time.

Petra says, “Watching my students learn something new, something they never thought they could do, and seeing the light in their eyes when they’ve created a piece is priceless. And it’s fun, and it keeps the art alive. I like people and love sharing this art with other people, and if they decide they want to learn more about it or take a class, that’s part of keeping it going.”

Most of Manning-Brooks’ pieces have a three-dimensional component. For example, she’s made several window panels of horses, and the eyes are 3-D.

“Most every artist has one unique thing that they do that sets them apart from other artists,” she said. “3-D is my thing.” She does commissioned pieces for private clients, corporations, churches and charities.

Stop by Tryon Arts & Crafts School’s gallery to see the variety of Petra’s creations.  For more information on Petra’s upcoming classes, contact Tryon Arts & Crafts at 828-859-8323.

Tryon Arts & Crafts School is a non-profit organization that exists to provide creative opportunities for everyone through education, instruction and expression of heritage and contemporary arts and crafts in a friendly, stimulating and enriching environment.

For more information about the school, call 828-859-8323 or visit  TryonArtsandCrafts.org. 

– article submitted by Cathy Fischer