Vertical File Biographies

This is an individual biography from the vertical file of biographical information, primarily newspaper clippings, created by the Kansas State Histocial Society Library and Archives division. This is a concise version--there may be more information in this or other sources.

Manual Ybarra

Light shows are no new phenomena to Manual Ybarra, a Topeka glass artist. Ybarra has worked with glass for years and has reveled in the spectrum of colors it casts upon the walls and ceilings of his home and studio.
His glasswork is not a hobby. It is his art and his business and sometimes the two cannot be separated. Ybarra learned glass art from Frank Stransky and family who brought their skills over from Czechoslovakia.
Like many artists, Ybarra is interested in passing on his skills to others. He teaches classes in most glasswork techniques. Most students prefer to learn only regular leaded glasswork, but will also teach etching, staining, cooper inlays, inking and reverse painting.

Ybarra has customers all over the United States and Canada. He designs and makes windows for restaurants and churches and also repairs stained glass windows that have been broken. He recently purchased a Swiss-made glassbeveling machine that will significantly expand the professional services that he offers.

Although centuries old, the demand for stained glass continues to increase. Besides churches, business leaders and homeowners have realized the beauty that it adds to a building. Ybarra noted that people don’t buy stain glass windows because they need them, but because of the beauty they add to the facility.

Sources:
“Kathy Ketchum, Topeka Artist Teaches Glass Art Skills,” Topeka Journal, 3 December 1979.

“Bill Stinchcomb, Kansas Friendliness Lures Stained Glass Artist,” Topeka Journal, 11 May 1980.

The vertical file is on forty-three microfilm reels arranged alphabetically by name. These reels are available through interlibrary loan, or you may contact the reference staff . Please note that many of the clippings had yellowed and it may be impossible to produce a readable photocopy.

Completion of this biography was made possible by volunteer Frank Sotrines.