They’re awesome, but don’t be intimidated

From time to time, we will introduce you to various stained glass organizations that we think you might be inclined to join.

American Glass Guild

We will start with the American Glass Guild. This organization has a list of senior advisors that will knock your socks off: Patrick Reyntiens, Crosby Willet, Charles Z. Lawrence and Rowan LeCompte, to name but four (you might not know who they are, but Google them and you will be in awe). Its Executive Committee is equally impressive, and includes as its president Maria Serpentino of the venerable Serpentino Stained Glass Studio of Needham, Mass. (not too far from us here in Rockland, Mass.).

But don’t let these names intimidate you; they will welcome you regardless of your level of expertise, because they are true to their mission statement, which states that they “work towards building an environment within the craft that both cultivates novices and facilitates experienced craftsmen and artists to attain a higher level of expertise”.

If you can possibly manage it, make your way to Pittsburgh for their conference July 20-22. Even better, show up a day or two earlier to attend the incredible workshops on design, leadworking, and glass painting, and take the tour of stained glass sites in Pittsburgh. You will not regret it.