M.P. Baker Library will host ‘Striations,’ an exhibit by Christina Herrera

The M.P. Baker Library will host an exhibit of stained glass by artist Christina Herrera in the Fay Allison Gallery beginning Oct. 6 and running through Nov. 19. An opening reception will be held Wednesday, Oct. 20, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Library.

“In my career as an artist, I have heavily identified as a metalsmith,” explained Herrera. “I love the durability and preciousness of metal – it is pliable, yet strong. Though I still consider myself a metalsmith and continue to work in that field, I decided to challenge myself with something new.”

Herrera said she chose stained glass because of how opposite it is to metal, and since stained glass cannot be formed in the same pliable way that metal can be, it challenges her to think of designs in terms of lines and color fields instead of curves and intricate details.

“This body of work represents stained glass through the eyes of a metalsmith,” Herrera said. “The glass is so beautiful, with its natural striations and subtle variations in color. I wanted to make work that celebrated and showcased the beauty of glass, while still referencing my roots as a metalsmith.”

Herrera grew up in Kilgore, Texas and currently resides in Nacogdoches, Texas. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Master of Arts in Art Education, and Master of Fine Arts in Metalworking from Stephen F. Austin State University.

The exhibit is free and open to the public during the Library’s operating hours, Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Contact the Library for more information by calling 903-693-2052 or emailing library@panola.edu. The exhibit will also be available to view through the Library’s webpage.