"The Art of Mosaic" will be featured at Mulberry Art Studios throughout the month of September. The exhibit showcases Karen Stadden's collection of wall hangings and bird baths made from glass, mirror tile, ceramic and stone.

"The Art of Mosaic" will open with a First Friday reception from 5 to 9 p.m. on Sept. 3. Mulberry Art Studios is located in historic downtown Lancaster at 21 N. Mulberry St.

Stadden had no formal art training but has been independently developing her mosaic craft for more than 10 years, and retirement has afforded her more time to devote to her art. She said the inspiration behind this body of work was personal and historic events, her faith and her love of nature, all expressed with an emphasis on symmetry.

Stadden was born in Shenandoah and considers herself a "coal miner's daughter." She moved to Lancaster in 1969 to attend Millersville State College - now Millersville University - and received a Bachelor of Science in education in 1972. After several years of substitute teaching, she taught English at Penn Manor High School for 25 years.

Stadden's husband, Dave, helps her with all of the technical aspects of creating her pieces such as as wood finishing and photographing. The couple has two children and three grandchildren.

For more information and directions to the gallery, visit http://www.mulberryartstudios.com or call the gallery at 717-295-1949.