Two Fort Thomas natives are returning to their hometown to showcase their artwork in an exhibition that brings illustration and stained glass together.
Illustrator Lucie Rice and stained glass artist Jane Pompilio, both Highlands High School graduates, will be featured in “Storytellers in Ink & Glass” at 8 North Center for the Arts in Fort Thomas. The exhibition opens Friday, Nov. 6, with a public reception from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and runs through Nov. 22.
Although the two artists work in different mediums, both draw inspiration from nature and use their artwork to tell stories.
Rice, an illustrator and designer now based in Carmel, Ind., is known for her colorful, playful illustrations featuring animals, textures and patterns. Her work has appeared in magazines, books, murals and advertising campaigns.
For Rice, the exhibition is an opportunity to return to the community where her artistic interests first developed.
“Fort Thomas will always be a special place to me,” Rice said. “It’s where I grew up, went to school, and began finding my way as an artist. Sharing that work here alongside Jane’s stained glass is especially meaningful.”
Rice earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts in painting from the University of Evansville and a master’s degree in fine arts in illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design.
Pompilio has spent more than 30 years working with stained glass.
“Much of my inspiration comes from nature and watching how sunlight and moonlight change the colors around us,” Pompilio said. “I love translating those details into stained glass and creating windows that tell people’s own stories.”
Pompilio previously taught at Kaleidoscope Stained Glass, where she continues to help create and develop custom windows. She also wrote “Where Do Birds Go at Night?,” a picture book featuring her stained glass artwork.
The two artists have collaborated before, including on Pompilio’s book.
“I’m excited to share the gallery with her, reconnect with the Fort Thomas community, and invite people to discover the stories behind our work,” Pompilio said.
Beyond showcasing the artists’ work, the exhibition will also provide an opportunity for visitors to learn about accessibility improvements being planned at 8 North Center for the Arts. The organization is developing plans for an elevator and rear addition intended to make activities throughout the building more accessible.
“Storytellers in Ink & Glass” will be on display at 8 North Center for the Arts, located at 8 N. Fort Thomas Ave., through Nov. 22.
