River City Glassworks has grown and evolved over the years, from a hobbyist’s passion for glasswork to a full-fledged studio in San Marcos, Texas. Glass artists Kathryn Welch and Sondra Kretschmar have a combined 45 years of experience between them. As independent artists, Kathryn and Sondra each worked in the trade and often collaborated on large projects. In 2021 they officially became partners in the business. Their shared values include creating fine works of art for their customers, dedication to their families, and a commitment to making their community a better place for all to thrive in.

Kathryn’s story:

“I have been designing and creating stained glass artwork since 2006. Specializing in custom residential and commercial pieces, I also repair and restore stained glass and teach classes on all levels. When I am not creating custom work for clients, I create one-of-a-kind, creatively inspired windows and mosaic sculptures for art galleries and markets in the Central Texas region. My work is known for its creative, outside-the-box design aspects, and often incorporates objects such as agates, rondels, gems, wire work, and overlays.

I am often asked what drew me to life as an artist, and stained glass in particular. A lifetime of creativity and time spent alone in nature led me to explore my talents throughout my high school and college days, entering college as a music major, but taking a wide variety of art classes, including photography, drawing, and ceramics. Later in life I found myself reconnecting with my creativity and my driving need to work with my hands to create beautiful artworks and to bring old things back to life.

I settled on stained glass, and threw myself into the medium. In my early days of learning stained glass, I checked out every book that the local library offered on the subject, becoming well versed in the history of the medium, its finest craftsmen, and techniques. I taught myself to design stained glass pieces by spending hours with my sketchpad, studying the works of the masters. I work in leaded construction, the Tiffany, or copper foil method, and mosaic.”

Sondra’s story:

“I moved to San Marcos in 2008 after my husband's fatal motorcycle accident. My art became a form of self-healing and I am passionate about contributing to the local art community. Not only do I work in stained glass, but I also enjoy painting with oils, acrylic gouache, watercolor, and ink. Creating various forms of sculpture and collage also interests me, and certain pieces of my art are made with glass that I recover from our beautiful San Marcos River. After tattooing professionally for 24 years, I made a decision to transition into glass art full-time. I am now co-owner at River City Glassworks and have remarried. 

I love glass: I love to talk about it, I love to look at it, I love to work with it. The anticipation of seeing first light shine through a project that I’ve been working on for days, or weeks, is what drives me. The ability that sunlight has to transform the glass still amazes me and the excitement of witnessing it is indescribable. After being a professional tattoo artist for many years, I have developed my own personal style of design.  I've transferred this style into my stained glass work and I believe it gives me a creative edge. I love big, bold designs. I want the focal point of my pieces to be easily and quickly identified from a distance. I am happy and very blessed."

River City Glassworks offers a full range of services. We teach classes on all levels, from beginners with no experience, to advanced patterning and leadwork, to mosaic. We offer a fun “Project of the Month” which brings participants together for an afternoon of creativity, and offer open studio hours for those who need work space or desire guidance on a project. We also offer a wide variety of stained glass supplies; tools, metals, glass, bevels, and much more. We specialize in creating custom work for residential and commercial clients, as well as repair and restoration of windows and glasswork. Most importantly, we are deeply passionate about our art and giving back to the community. And we have a lot of fun!