Colorful Inspiration

New work by international stained glass artist Margie Colgan is on display in the Mary Bishop Memorial Gallery at the Crawfordsville District Public Library.

This exhibit will be on display through mid-August and can be viewed during CDPL’s regular hours of operation.

Colgan was born and raised in rural Illinois. She married in 1990 and moved to Crawfordsville with her husband. She enjoys the small town-country life, spending time with her family, and traveling far and near. As a stay-at-home mom, Colgan utilized some of her time to learn new skills and hobbies around completing daily tasks for her family. She enjoyed the beauty of the stained glass windows at her church and found them inspiring. She admired these glass artists and decide to immerse herself in learning this beautiful art form.

During this time of exploration, Colgan sought advice and instruction from many glass artists across the states of Indiana and Illinois. She acquired knowledge about the two methods of stained glass; copperfoil and leaded glass. She chose to express herself in this art form using the copper foil method and began with the basics of glass by learning through pattern work. This has allowed her to learn the basics, such as the proper glass tools to use, how to cut and grind glass, how to utilize the flow and patterns of glass pieces, proper foiling techniques, and mastering a smooth solder bead along the foiled pieces to finish her project.

Learning through pattern work was structured and yet it opened the door to many avenues of free expression. Colgan sought to create art that appealed to a variety of people in all walks of life and age groups. Her desire was to utilize glass in everyday life. After doing basic panel work, she expanded by making a variety of home accessories such as functional and decorative household items, corner panels, mosaics, yard art, plant stands, small tables, windows and kitchen cabinets. She also began designing her own patterns and exploring abstract art.

“Abstract art has become a favorite,” Colgan said. “It allows the beauty of the glass to speak for itself.”

She has used the mechanics learned in glass making and incorporated these techniques into creating other art forms. This marriage of materials can be seen in several of her abstract paintings.

Colgan has been a part of many organizations and has created a variety of pieces to support their fundraising efforts. She has shared her work with the breast cancer survivors group, various other support groups, art fairs, school organizations, church groups, community fundraisers, art club, auctions, and of course, as gifts. She has offered several art classes teaching a variety of techniques while creating unique pieces.

Her work is enjoyed across the United States and beyond. Along with Indiana, her work can be found in Illinois, Florida, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming and Ireland.

“My appreciation for glass art will continue to inspire and encourage me to explore many new art forms,” Colgan said.

Artworks are for sale (cash only) and you may inquire at the Circulation desk.

To contact Colgan about her artwork, email her at mmcolgan60@gmail.com or stop by the gallery to pick up her business card for more information.

For more information about CDPL’s hours of operation, visit online at www.cdpl.lib.in.us.

If you are an artist or a member of an artists’ group and are interested in displaying your work at the Mary Bishop Memorial Gallery in 2025, call the gallery coordinator at 765-362-2242.