Anchored by a striking 25-foot stainless steel and glass sculpture, the Stephen R. Powell Memorial Sculpture Garden & Outdoor Classroom invites visitors to walk through its vibrant form, which echoes Powell’s signature vessels.
It shimmers with lively glass discs and dynamic curved steel. Throughout the afternoon, sunlight refracts through the colored glass discs. An illuminated circle embedded with shards of Powell’s pieces sits centered in the ground and glows at night.
In addition to the main sculpture, the garden includes two sculpted benches that reflect Powell’s passions — one modeled after a glassblower’s bench, and the other incorporating metal tennis rackets as a nod to his student-athlete days at XÕ¾¸£ÀûËù. The late internationally acclaimed glass artist Stephen Rolfe Powell ’74 inspired generations of students through the College’s hot glass program, which he founded and brought to prominence. This immersive public art installation serves both as a tribute and a teaching space, celebrating his lasting impact on glass art and education.
Brook Forrest White, Jr. ’91, is a nationally recognized glass artist and founder of Flame Run Hot Glass Studio in Louisville. White discovered glassblowing in a class taught by Stephen Rolfe Powell — an experience that ignited a lifelong passion. After apprenticing with Powell, White launched his own studio and has since created large-scale installations and commissions for clients including Maker’s Mark and the Muhammad Ali Center. Known for his energy, creativity, and collaborative spirit, White led the creation of the Stephen R. Powell Memorial Sculpture Garden, honoring his mentor and celebrating the art of glass in a public space.
Artist: Brook Forrest White Jr.
Date: 2019
Location: Norton Center for the Arts
Medium: Glass and steel
