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Featured Artist Marilyn Bokor |
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Marilyn Bokor is our newest featured artist.
It seemed like a natural choice this month because Marilyn has donated more panels than anyone else in the history of LightGarden's Flower of Hope program. Marilyn has made 64 panels since our first year in 2005. Not only has she donated the most panels, but those who have attended for a few years can identify Marilyn's panels easily by her fine attention to detail, the exacting way her pieces fit, and her creativity when it comes to creating or modifying patterns to fit the format. |
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Marilyn and her family moved to Oregon in 1973 from Southern California. She was looking for a better environment to raise her children. After her husband passed away she was looking for a hobby to help fill her time. She had always liked stained glass and thought she'd try taking some classes.
In 2003 Marilyn signed up for a beginning stained glass class at Katie and Bill Smith's Art Glass, in Grants Pass. "It was much easier than I thought," says Bokor. (Something few people say after taking their first class.) She also took a beginning fusing class. Over the years, Marilyn helped Katie out in the store from time to time and helped on some of their commissions which was a big inspiration for her. |
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Marilyn Bokor, Katie Smith and Jessy together at the 2008 Flowers of Hope Artists' Reception |
| One of the most enjoyable parts of doing the Flowers of Hope panels for Marilyn is finding patterns that you can adjust, adapt or rearrange. "Flowers of Hope is so gratifying! People get so much enjoyment from them. When the other creative juices aren't flowing it gives you something else to work on." |
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Marilyn says the secret to getting her pieces to fit so well is that, not intentionally,
she cuts large, then does a lot of grinding to fit. It takes longer but the result is obvious. |
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| Glass isn't the only thing that keeps Marilyn busy. |
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She casts and mosaics cement yard art and various other found items in her spare time.
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I'm pretty sure there's not much that Marilyn can't do. |
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When asked what advice she would give to new glass artists she says,
"Don't be afraid to try new things. You may love it or not, but at least you'll know. Keep an open mind and consider the possibilities." |
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LightGarden Glass Art 1086 Washburn Lane Medford, Oregon 97501 1-541-779-0272 jessy@lightgarden.net |
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