My Edmond Outlook: Linda “Scottie” Scott
Name: Linda “Scottie” Scott
Occupation: Stained Glass Artist, Retired Biology Teacher
How long have you lived in Edmond?
I came to Edmond to go to college at UCO in 1966, then called Central State College.
Wilma Armstrong, the Dean of Women gave me the nickname “Scottie” and I’ve been
called that ever since.
After school you began teaching?
Yes, I started teaching in 1971 at Memorial Junior High, now Memorial High School;
then moved to Sequoyah Middle School, OCA and then OCS.
When did you first become interested in the art of stained glass?
In 1980, my friend Diann and I started our own business called The Gingham Lady
on Ayers, then later moved to 15th and Fretz. We sold silk floral and craft design with
some small stained glass items. Our landlord asked me to do a sidelight window for a
house and I became fascinated with the process of stained glass windows.
How did you learn the techniques?
I took classes with local artist Karen Hendrix and Albinas Elskus from New York, and studied
under master glass painter and instructor Dick Millard for 13 years. All have since passed, but
I feel so fortunate to have gained their experience, knowledge and expertise.
I know you’ve done some restoration work here in Edmond. Where at?
I restored a piece from the 1920’s located at Faith Bible Church off 2nd & Coltrane
that had been in a fire. There was smoke within the layers of plating making cleaning
and restoration very challenging. 20% of the glass was broken or missing.
Have you done any original portrait work?
Yes, I was asked to do four portraits for a cathedral in Washington D.C. of
Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
I’ve also done commission work of Abraham Lincoln and several clients’ children.
What is the process for creating a stained glass window?
First an illustration or pattern is made to full scale, showing lead lines and reinforcement
bars. Next, the glass is selected and cut to match each patterned piece. Detailed painting
work like faces, hands or robes are done and then the painted glass is fired in a kiln. Each
piece is then leaded with channels on every side for the glass to be placed. Intersections of
lead are soldered on both sides of the window and lastly, the window is puttied for strength.
As an artist, what have you liked most about living in Edmond?
As a smaller community, Edmond has always been there for their artists.
Over the years, I have participated in many of the Edmond Arts Festivals,
attended musicals and Shakespeare in the Park.
