Artwork copyright Katherine Holzknecht. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Katherine Holzknecht. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Katherine Holzknecht. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Katherine Holzknecht. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright Katherine Holzknecht. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Reference Point: From Space, 2013

Katherine Holzknecht
American (born 1954)

Location: Park Orchard Elementary School, Moses Lake

About the Artwork

Artist Katherine Holzknecht created Reference Point: From Space as part of a series of four stained glass windows for Park Orchard Elementary School. Each window represents a different "reference point" view of the local Moses Lake area in Central Washington. The windows are found at each of the four corners of the school. Holzknecht notes, “I started thinking about reference points, and how we place ourselves in the world by points of reference, that is, our physical mailing address, the town, county, and state we live in, time zones and that sort of thing.” The natural beauty of the desert-like landscape of Central Washington is also celebrated by the windows. For this window, Holzknecht used satellite imagery to create a view from above of the school and its surrounding communities. The window also shows the local waterways, crop circles, and more. Park Orchard Elementary School is represented by a small red star. The other three windows show local plants, animals, fish, and landscapes.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Moses Lake School District.

About the Artist

Holzknecht earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts degree in Textile Design and Fiber Arts from the University of Washington in Seattle. She lives and works in Woodinville, Washington.