Craft Ontario

Pattie Walker was born in Bogotá, Colombia in 1948. Pattie and her sister Roberta were raised by her American mother, Canadian father and beloved Colombian nanny Mimi Vazquez. The family moved to the United States and Pattie later moved to Canada in 1966 to attend Queen's University. After graduating Pattie worked in the criminal justice system, taught dance and travelled. Her professional life changed when she made her first stained glass piece. She found the creative process pure magic. That was the start of a more than 30-year career as a stained and appliqué glass artist.

Pattie pursued her technical training the traditional way. Beginning in 1980 Pattie embarked on a two-year apprenticeship with internationally renowned stained glass artist Stephen Belanger-Taylor. Working with Taylor on large liturgical commissions and restorations, she received in-depth classical training in architectural glass techniques. These include glass painting, acid etching, leaded work, dalle de verre, and glass appliqué. She then continued to expand on her foundation of traditional technique through the exploration of contemporary applications of her medium. These included appliqué, sandblasting, and neon.

Pattie expresses her vision through the use of color and light as elements for the transformation of space using both sculptural form and architectural environments. Pattie's work can be found in churches, homes and public buildings in, around and beyond Toronto. She expressed her vision through the use of color and light as elements for the transformation of space using both sculptural form and architectural environments.

Established by friends and family in memory of Pattie Walker (1948 – 2012), this award recognizes excellence in glass and is open to artists at all career levels. The award seeks to support those that work in architectural glass, reflecting Pattie’s commitment to the medium:

“Making art is about making contact. I strive to create art pieces and environments that will animate and energize space. And connect viewers to the radiant force of light.".

Images: Pattie Walker Portrait. Side Middle: In Her Sacred Space, 1992, leaded stained glass, 30 sq. ft., photo by Pattie Walker. Side bottom: Pattie Walker, Geo Strata, 2006, glass appliqué, acid etching, painting, carved wood,  25 sq. ft., photo by Joy von Tiedemann.