The Stained Glass Association of America (SGAA) is delighted to present an evening with world-renowned stained glass artist Judith Schaechter. This speaker presentation through The Buffalo History Museum is a continuation of their collaborative exhibition On the Shoulders of Giants: Innovation in Stained Glass, as a part of the SGAA’s 120th anniversary celebration.
The Queen City is home to some of America’s most historic houses of worship, boasting iconic stained glass windows. A captivating testament to the development of American Opalescent Glass, Buffalo stands as one of only two locations in the country where both Louis Comfort Tiffany and John LaFarge’s works coexist within the same space, making it the perfect location of the SGAA’s national headquarters. The spirited competition between Tiffany and LaFarge, in their pursuit to revolutionize stained glass, unfolded uniquely in this city, resulting in monumental windows that continue to dazzle visitors today. Through the SGAA’s and The Buffalo History’s partnership, this history and modernization of stained glass can be brought to the community under a new light.
Judith Schaechter is a distinguished award-winning artist as well as dedicated educator. With her unique approach, both technically and artistically, Schaechter has garnered recognition worldwide for her innovative stained glass. Schaechter will share insights into her work, discussing the innovative techniques and artistic perspectives she employs in the creation of her pieces.
Just as LaFarge and Tiffany pushed the boundaries of the medium in the 1880s, today’s community propels forward, fostering innovation and creativity. The American stained glass industry finds itself at an exhilarating crossroads—a blend of tradition and innovation, history and potential, thriving on the energy and creativity of an entire community of voices.
On the Shoulders of Giants: Innovation in Stained Glass pays homage to these skills honed over generations that have facilitated the glass revolution in the past and present-day Buffalo. In conjunction with The Judson Studios, one of the SGAA’s oldest studios, the On the Shoulders of Giants exhibit displays the work of several modern, revolutionary stained glass artists, including Schaechter’s Human Nature.
Other featured artists included Indre Bileris, Quentin Blackman, Shay Bredimus, Amir H. Fallah, James Jean, El Mac, Narcissus Quagliata, and Dani Tul. This is the very first time that these artists’ phenomenal work have been featured together outside of Los Angeles. Judith’s presentation, beside this state-of-the-art collection of stained glass, is truly a once in a life-time experience.
Even long after the closure of Tiffany and LaFarge’s studios, new artists, designers, and studios within the Stained Glass Association of America continued to unite, sharing knowledge, advocating for improved working conditions, and creating educational resources for members. These studios, spanning multiple generations, remain active and dynamic contributors to a community committed to pushing the boundaries of the medium across the country and in the city of Buffalo.
On the Shoulders of Giants: Innovation in Stained Glass is on view at The Buffalo History Museum through January 14, 2023 and is free to view on every Third Friday, thanks to the generosity of M&T Bank. Click here to learn more.
Lead image: “Human Nature” by Judith Schaechter, 2016 | Stained Glass | 30″ x 32″ x 3″ | Courtesy the artist and Claire Oliver Gallery, New York, NY | Image courtesy of the artist and Claire Oliver Gallery