Celebrating Kathleen Mulcahy ’72, a Distinguished Kean University Alumna

October 2024

Kathleen Mulcahy, Ed Ahart, Lori Funicello

L to R: Kathleen Mulcahy '72, Co-Founder of the Pittsburgh Glass Center, Ed Ahart, Chief Development Officer for the Kean University Foundation, and Lori Funicello, Director of Planned Giving at the Kean University Foundation.

Kathleen Mulcahy’s impact on the world of fine arts and her local community is profound. As a Kean University alumna, Kathleen credits her education at Kean as pivotal in shaping her artistic voice and entrepreneurial spirit.

With a passion for glass art that ignited during her studies at Kean, Kathleen was encouraged by several of her professors to attend Alfred University, where she ultimately earned her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree two years after earning her bachelor’s degree from Kean.

It was the now late Professor Ronald Hartshorn, a ceramics professor and prolific artist whose works were once featured at the Smithsonian, who strongly encouraged Kathleen to pursue her MFA at Alfred University. Professor Hartshorn was a graduate of the same program at Alfred University and saw extraordinary potential in Kathleen while she studied at Kean.

Ed Ahart, Lori Funicello

L to R: Ed Ahart, Chief Development Officer for the Kean University Foundation and Lori Funicello, Director of Planned Giving for the Kean University Foundation view some of Mulcahy’s work on display.

Kathleen also has very fond memories of the late Professor Alec Nicolescu, a professor of sculpture at Kean, who encouraged her to “think outside the box.” She is ever thankful to Professors Hartshorn and Nicolescu and many others who inspired her along the way. Kathleen believes, “When the arts thrive, the area and the region thrive.” She added, “The arts tell others who we really are, how we feel and what we think of ourselves.”

In 2001, Kathleen Mulcahy co-founded the Pittsburgh Glass Center with her late husband and fellow artist, Ron Desmett. Together, Kathleen and Ron created a very special space that nurtures artists and engages the public in the wonders of glass.

Since its founding nearly twenty-five years ago, the Pittsburgh Glass Center has become a hub for glass art education, providing workshops and classes for all ages and skill levels. Mulcahy’s dedication to fostering artistic talent and community involvement has earned her recognition both locally and nationally. Her efforts have not only elevated the profile of glass art but also enriched the cultural fabric of Pittsburgh. Mulcahy’s commitment extends beyond the artistic realm.

The Pittsburgh Glass Center emphasizes inclusivity and access, offering programs designed to engage underserved communities. The Center’s mission is to inspire creativity and promote the transformative power of art in everyday life.

Elaine Netis, Kathleen Mulcahy, Nina Anuario

L to R: Elaine Netis ’76, Kathleen Mulcahy ‘72 and Nina Anuario at the Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh where some of Mulcahy’s work is on display.

Through scholarships, community workshops and collaborative projects, the Center continues to bridge gaps and bring diverse voices into the world of glass art. Mulcahy’s vision reflects a belief that art should be accessible to everyone, allowing individuals to explore their creativity and express themselves through this captivating medium.

On September 20, 2024, the Pittsburgh Glass Center hosted its annual gala, Art on Fire. This enchanting evening celebrating the beauty of glass art and the vibrant local community while raising funds to support the Center’s educational programs and outreach initiatives. Attendees were treated to live glassblowing demonstrations, allowing them to witness firsthand the artistry and skill involved in this intricate craft. The evening also featured both a live and silent auction with a variety of unique glass pieces available for bidding.

Two of Kathleen Mulcahy’s sisters, Elaine Netis ’76 and Nina Anuario, attended the Art on Fire gala to show support for their beloved sister. While visiting Pittsburgh they also visited the Senator John Heinz History Center where some of Mulcahy’s work is on display in an exhibition entitled A Woman’s Place: How Women Shaped Pittsburgh.

In addition to Kathleen being a proud and distinguished Kean alumna, her sister, Elaine Netis ’76, and brother-in-law, James Netis ’77, are also proud Kean University alumni. They both credit Dr. Peggy Dunn, Professor Emeritus of Communications and Theatre at Kean University, for igniting their passion and inspiring their success in theater and the performing arts.

Kathleen’s sister, Nina Anuario, has long supported the University, helping to support the Kean Ocean campus during her time at OceanFirst Bank and as a board member of the Ocean County College Foundation.

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