Petra Manning Brooks-Stained Glass Artist
Petra Manning Brooks embarked on her stained-glass art journey 27 years ago, inspired by a class taught by the renowned artist, Sam Hodges. Before finding her niche in stained glass, Petra's creative pursuits spanned pottery, sewing, silver clay, twisted wire, and repurposing furniture. However, it was the vibrant colors, textures, and the mesmerizing way
light passes through glass that truly captivated her heart. Three years into her artistic exploration, Petra began instructing the stained-glass class at the Spartanburg Art Museum School (SAMS) in Spartanburg, SC. Her dedication to the craft and enthusiasm for teaching led her to expand her reach, joining the faculty at Tryon Arts & Crafts (TACS) and becoming a part of the South Carolina Artist in Residence Program. Through this program, Petra has had the privilege of teaching mosaic-stained Glass to 1st - 8th graders across the Upstate, fostering a love for art in young minds. Over the decades, Petra's stained-glass work has evolved into a style that favors three-dimensional pieces in both traditional and mosaic-stained glass. Recently, she has embraced the art of fusing glass, opening a whole new world of creative possibilities. Teaching allows Petra to share her passion with undiscovered artists and watch them blossom in the discovery of their own talents, as well as the stained glass they create. Her students range from 5 to 85 years old, each bringing their unique perspective and creativity to the craft. Her work has been featured at SAMS, TACS, and the Spartanburg Herald, and was recognized in the Tryon Daily Bulletin. Petra’s work is displayed in private homes, shops, and schools through commissioned and collaborative projects. Currently, she is the President of the Laurens Artist Coop, where she continues to teach and inspire in both the Coop and her studio. Explore Petra's work and discover the beauty of stained glass through her eyes.