The Ohio Artist Registry (OAR) is an exciting opportunity for artists to share their work, connect with the creative community, and establish an online presence—all on a free, virtual platform! The OAR encourages artists working in all art forms, throughout Ohio and beyond, to create a profile, which allows them to better promote themselves and their work. Being listed in the OAR provides artists with new opportunities to share their work with clients, galleries, patrons, and audiences. A listing in the OAR does not confer an endorsement, approval, or verification by the Ohio Arts Council.
For more information, contact Kathy Signorino, artist programs director, at kathy.signorino@oac.ohio.gov or 614-728-6140.
2025 Ohio Artist Registry Juried Exhibition
Steve Kosztala
Craftsman in woodCincinnati Ohio 45208 United States Home Phone: 513-368-8509 Website: Kosztalascopes
Bio
Growing up in New London, Connecticut in a large family, I didn’t have store-bought toys. Instead my seven siblings and I used our active imaginations to create our own playthings out of whatever materials were available.
I always enjoyed both the act of designing and working with my hands. After I graduated from the Boston Architectural College in the early ’80s, I pursued a 25-year career with the Hamilton County Building Department in Cincinnati, first as a Building Inspector and then as a Plans Examiner.
After retiring in 2018, I put my love of designing and manual work together and took a class on creating kaleidoscopes. I was hooked. Before long I began crafting wooden kaleidoscopes fittingly called KOSZTALASCOPES.
With the mind of an inventor, at night I dream of new innovative designs and techniques for my next Kosztalascope.
Artist Statement
My workshop is at the Essex Studios in Cincinnati. I brainstorm on designs and then sketch out my ideas on paper. From the start I wanted KOSZTALASCOPES to be different from anything people have ever seen in a kaleidoscope. I hit upon the idea of creating a kaleidoscope that could be viewed in any light situation.
During the day, one holds the Kosztalascope up to a light source such as the sun or an indoor lamp, as in its traditional use.
In the dark, one flicks on a small on/off switch on an attached assembly piece at the base of the Kosztalascope. In the assembly are an LED light and battery, providing artificial light with which to view the infinite colored glass patterns.
Kosztalascopes are made from various fine woods and are created on a lathe, with the pieces meticulously assembled by hand. Each Kosztalascope employs unique design and engineering solutions.
