With graduation fast approaching, Walla Walla University seniors all over campus are hard at work completing their senior projects. Heidi Kissinger, senior art and music major, just finished putting together her own senior art project, currently displayed in the WWU Clyde and Mary Harris Gallery.
Inspired by a reminiscence of her Catholic upbringing and her fascination with various religions, Kissinger’s artwork is a representation of Catholic Mass. To incorporate both of her majors, she composed her own song interpreting the catholic prayer Kyrie Elision and then created a matching visual expression of that composition.
Despite her lack of previous experience with or knowledge of the medium, Kissinger chose to create this piece out of stained glass. In order to take on this challenge, one of her professors recommended she reach out to a local glass studio for help. The Light and Line Glass Studio is owned by John and Teri Czarnecki and is responsible for refurbishing much of the stained glass within the Walla Walla Valley. Kissinger said the couple really “took me under their wing,” not only serving as mentors but also providing her with materials and the use of their studio.
As she learned more about the medium—how to make clean cuts, use copper foil versus lead came, solder, polish, and more—Kissinger developed a love for the art of stained glass and hopes to continue to create new pieces and develop her skills after graduation. While this project really tested her skills, she is happy to have stepped outside of her comfort zone and is especially grateful for the opportunity to meet and get to know the Czarneckis.
The challenge of learning a new medium while juggling her many other responsibilities made for a few stressful months. However, she is excited to present the final product of her several-years’ hard work and is grateful for the persistent help and support she has received from professors, friends, and the local art community.
Near the end of each year, the visual arts department hosts an art show displaying the senior projects and various portfolio pieces from each of its seniors that campus and community members alike are welcome to attend. Alongside Kissinger, this year’s gallery includes work by art seniors Darya Munroe and Ash Juarez.
Their work is currently displayed in the Clyde and Mary Harris Gallery, located in the Melvin K. West Fine Arts Center, 204 S. College Ave., College Place. The gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1–5 p.m. On Fridays, gallery hours are 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
To learn more about the WWU Department of Visual Arts, go to wallawalla.edu/art.
Posted June 6, 2025.
