About the Artist

Born and raised on the island of Oahu, Russ Katto first experienced hot glass when he was 16 years old, after enrolling in a glassblowing class at Punahou High School. Immediately struck by the unique qualities of working with this medium, he continued his journey with furnace glass through his young adult life, at Alfred University, the University of Hawaii, working at the Hawaii Glass Company, and for many local glass artists.  Eventually experiencing a variety of roles in the glass community, including working as Hot Shop Coordinator for Pilchuck Glass School, and as President of the Hawaii Glass Artists non-profit, he opened Glass Katto LLC while continuing to learn and teach in both traditional furnace work, as well as torchworked borosilicate glass.  Currently building a permanent workshop and studio, his work can be found in private collections around the world, as well as collections for the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts in the Hawaii State Art Museum.