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A calling that has been in the making by local artist Kathy Altman for seven years has been accomplished. Through a labor of love, Altman completed 14 stained glass window panels for the Saint William's Catholic Church in Thompson Falls. Because of their sheer size the last two, The Nativity Scene and The Resurrection, were by far the most challenging, Altman shared. They are 3 x 5 ft. apiece and took a year each to complete, said Altman. "I didn't think I would be able to do something so big, but it worked out."

"Certainly a wonderful gift to the Parish, call it serendipity," Father Jeff Benusa said.

It was in Carol Duvey's kitchen where Altman was blessed with the support and prayers of her three dear friends, Duvey, Tina Fausett and Barb Mendenhall. It was there where they helped her to get the content right. "I couldn't have done it without them, they knew my calling before I did."

The rooms of the church are filled with light shining through the stained glass windows. "Art helps us to lift heart and mind to God,'' said Father Benusa.

Altman shared that her husband Joe Altman had been a tremendous support; he custom made the frames for her pieces. Joe Altman shared Monday that Kathy recently completed a panel for the Thompson Falls Public Library as well.

Jennifer Curran

Hanging in the windows of St. William's Catholic Church are some of Kathy Altman's stained glass creations that she designed for members of her congregation.

Through a donation, members of the St. William's congregation requested a panel in memory of a loved one. "Every window tells a story," Altman said of the pieces. "Stories of faith and beliefs that could take hours to tell,'' added Father Benusa. One of the most popular panels is in honor of a member's brother who was a Soldier Missing in Action (MIA). It shows an epic scene of Jesus praying in the light and the American and Prisoner of War (POW) flags waving in the background.

It was in 2000 at an adult night class that Altmans' passion for stained glass began. "It's the same process as before but sometimes I can't believe how I do it." Altman said. She says her artistic talents were passed down from her mom and some of that talent trickled down to her grandkids.

In her spare time Altman enjoys crocheting, painting with oils, drawing and playing the piano. A new project for the library and creating pieces for The Sunflower Gallery are keeping Altman busy.