Glass Blowing Is My Livelihood

Kathy’s Story
As an analytical person who loves numbers, I never thought of myself as an artist until I attended a retreat hosted by NASAA at Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina several years ago.

As part of the retreat we had to sign up for two art classes. I chose glass blowing and paper making, and was immediately hooked on the glass blowing. My goal was to create two matching beads to make a pair of earrings. I worked all day to create nine intricate beads, and despite several mishaps,  I was very proud of the fruits of my labor.

During the process, I became so involved in the creation of the work that I didn’t want to stop. It’s hard to describe the feeling I had making those beads; the flowing glass and color mixing was an experience I will never forget.
I learned firsthand how rewarding it is for an artist to use the skills they have mastered to create art.

I continue to make jewelry to this day, and every time I wear one of my creations it’s a reminder to never be afraid to try new things and that anyone can embrace the arts. It’s nourishment for our souls!

About Kathy
As the Director of Administration at the Nebraska Arts Council, Kathleen Kuszak serves as the chief financial officer, which includes overall management of the accounting and budgeting of the agency’s state, federal, and private contributions and grant funds. She is responsible for all matters related to grant contracts, payments, payroll, and compliance issues. Kathleen attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha and started her career in state government at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in the Finance Department prior to joining the Arts Council staff in 1985.

She has participated in Leadership Sarpy, served as treasurer of Nebraskans for the Arts and Nebraska Managers Association-Omaha Chapter, is a past member Douglas-Sarpy County 4-H Council, and served as treasurer for the Sarpy County Youth Citizen Washington Focus.