Karen Willenbrink-Johnsen w/ Jasen Johnsen and Hilltop Artists Hot Shop

Karen Willenbrink-Johnsen is an acclaimed glass artist whose work is inspired by nature and decades of dedication to the studio glass movement. After earning her BFA in Sculpture from Ohio University, she moved to Washington State in 1987 and worked as an assistant to renowned artist William Morris. Raised by a naturalist father in Ohio, Karen channels the textures and spirit of the natural world into her sculptures. She is the recipient of the prestigious Libenský–Brychtová Award. Alongside her husband and collaborator, Jasen Johnsen, she teaches glass sculpting workshops worldwide, inspiring emerging artists through their passion and mastery of glass.

Using glass art to connect young people from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds to better futures. Hilltop Artists is a youth development arts nonprofit in Tacoma, Washington operating deeply impactful programs since 1994 with broad community support, and a track record of success. Hilltop Artists serves over 700 students a year ages 12 – 26 through its programming, providing tuition-free glass instruction, mentorship, and collaborative leadership opportunities.