As the Fall Flower Show returns in full bloom, we’re thrilled to welcome glass artist Karen Burns and Locanda Studioto this year’s lineup of featured artisans. Known for her exquisite “garden beads,” Karen brings a one-of-a-kind fusion of nature and glasswork that perfectly complements the show’s celebration of botanical beauty.
Karen Burns, D.C., is a Massachusetts-based lampwork glass artist whose work captures miniature gardenscapes in intricate, hand-formed beads and jewelry. A self-taught artist with over three decades of experience, Karen left a long corporate career in the pharmaceutical industry to dedicate herself fully to Locanda Studio, where her passion for glass and gardening converge.
Her pieces are not painted but instead formed through the labor-intensive process of lampworking—using a torch and kiln to layer molten glass into detailed, dimensional designs. From flowers and meadows to ocean life and woodland scenes, every Locanda piece tells a story of nature preserved in glass. It’s no surprise her work has been featured in Glass Line Magazine and worn by collectors across the U.S. and abroad.
Visitors to the Fall Flower Show will have a chance to meet Karen, learn about her creative process, browse and purchase a stunning selection of her handmade jewelry. Whether you're a garden lover, an art enthusiast, or just drawn to the magic of glass, you won't want to miss this opportunity to see Karen’s botanical-inspired artistry up close.
📍 Where: Massachusetts Horticultural Society, Fall Flower Show
📅 When: Saturday, September 20 & Sunday, September 21, 2025
🔗 More info: masshort.org/fall-flower-show
Stay tuned for more artist spotlights and sneak peeks as we get closer to this year’s most colorful celebration!