Bainbridge Island glass artist Raquel Stanek has been named a finalist for the 2014 NICHE Awards in the Mixed Media & Miscellaneous Media category for her piece entitled “Mosaic Giraffe Bust.”

Only 174 entries out of more than 1,000 submissions were named as finalists in the program, now in its 25th year, sponsored by NICHE Magazine.

The awards program began as a way to recognize the outstanding creative achievements of American craft artists who produce work for craft galleries and retail stores.

Winners will be announced in a ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 18 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, held in conjuncture with the Buyers Market of American Craft Show.

Stanek has been working with glass since 1997. She makes all her mosaics and fused glass from locally produced stained glass and hand cuts all the glass to fit, which makes each piece special and unique. Her work can be found in galleries and gift shops throughout North America.

To see Stanek’s work, visit Bainbridge Arts & Crafts in downtown Winslow or her website at www.raquelsmosaics.com.