Kiln Art

Sharon McNamara, a classically trained stained-glass artist, and Paul Palango, an author and former investigative journalist, co-founded Kiln Art in 1999. Based in Chester Basin, Nova Scotia, their studio specializes in contemporary fused glass tableware, giftware, and decorative pieces known for their vivid color, movement, and painterly composition.

Sharon studied at Sheridan College’s School of Craft & Design and has over three decades of experience in glasswork. Paul brings a unique conceptual approach informed by his background in storytelling and design.

Together, they have received multiple awards for excellence in craft and design, and their work is collected internationally.

Their signature technique—developed through years of experimentation—uses crushed glass (frit) applied like pigment to create layered, dynamic designs. The result is work that blurs the line between fine art and functional object, often described as vibrant, tactile, and visually striking.

McNamara and Palango create their work at Kiln Art in Chester Basin, Nova Scotia.