Keynote Speaker: Peter Cormack
Peter Cormack is a noted scholar of 19th- and 20th-century British and American stained glass, William Morris and the Arts and Crafts Movement. His book, Arts and Crafts Stained Glass (opens new window) was the first study of how the late-19th-century Arts and Crafts Movement transformed the aesthetics and production of stained glass in Britain and America. Gloriously illustrated, and based on more than three decades of research, it quickly sold out of its first printing and has been an invaluable resource to the entire community.
His new book, Charles J. Connick: America’s Visionary Stained Glass Artist (opens new window), is the first comprehensive account of Connick’s career, documenting his childhood in rural Pennsylvania and impoverished upbringing in industrial Pittsburgh, his early training in stained glass and his self-education as a master craftsman, leading to his
independent career in Boston where he became part of a movement committed to ‘Modern Gothic’ design and architecture.
“Charles J. Connick 1875-1945, Adventurer in Light and Color” with Peter Cormack Keynote Speaker 11:00am - 11:50am, Saturday, October 5 | General Session
Therman Statom (opens new window), Capstone Speaker
Sculptor, Glass Artist, and Painter
7:15pm - 8:00pm, Saturday, October 5 | Closing Reception
Therman Statom - sculptor, glass artist, and painter - is most notably known as a pioneer of the contemporary glass movement for his life-size glass ladders, chairs, tables, constructed box-like paintings, and small scale houses; all created through the technique of gluing glass plate together. Sandblasted surfaces become a canvas for spontaneous vibrant colors and line work, which take nuances from Abstract Expressionism and concepts of Minimalism, while simultaneously incorporating a twist by using blown-glass elements and found objects.
“Illustrious Obscuritas: History & Restoration of Prism Glass Transoms” with Neal Vogel
Restoric Enterprises (opens new window), Beverly Shores, IN
9:00am - 9:50am, Saturday, October 5 | General Session
Neal Vogel is the founding Principal of Restoric Enterprises, LLC in Beverly Shores, Indiana. He has collaborated on many significant glass projects by American masters Charles Connick, Louis Comfort Tiffany, Edgar Miller, Maitland Armstrong, Henry Willet, and G. Owen Bonawit (among lesser known and imported windows). These projects often entailed unique glazing solutions for historic homes, theaters, churches, hotels, lighthouses, and storefronts. Neal has also written numerous articles on glass, ornamental glass, glass block and other aspects of historic glazing for Old House Journal, Construction Specifier, Stained Glass Quarterly, and Traditional Building, and is the co-author of Preservation Brief #33: The Preservation and Repair of Historic Stained and Leaded glass and the Protective Glazing Study both available from the National Park Service. He has had the privilege to present to the SGAA on several occasions and revels in learning new things about stained glass from the brilliant membership.
“Opportunities & Possibilities with Mouth Blown Lamberts Glass” with Christian Baierl
Managing Director; Glashütte Lamberts Waldsassen GmbH (opens new window)
10:00am - 10:50am, Saturday, October 5 | General Session
Christian Baierl began his career at Lamberts Glass at the age of 18 after completing his training as an industrial clerk. Over his 22-year tenure with the company, he progressed to roles as export manager and sales manager, overseeing global distribution of mouth-blown and handmade glass. His work took him across many countries, engaging with architects, building owners, monument conservationists, and artists. In 2023, Baierl was appointed Managing Director of Glashütte Lamberts Waldsassen GmbH, continuing his leadership at the esteemed traditional glass manufacturer.
“Into the Tennessee Woods” with Kathy Barnard
Kathy Barnard Studio (opens new window), Kansas City, MO
4:00pm - 4:50pm, Saturday, October 5 | General Session
After years of working with glass and mastering its behavior, Kathy Barnard has become an expert in understanding how it holds and reflects light. Her works spans a wide range, from delicate etched floral glassware to expansive glass panels that adorn entire buildings. Specializing in sculptural carved art glass and deep carved windows, Kathy creates pieces that are both intricate and monumental, showcasing her exceptional technical and artistic vision.
“Insurance Basics and Beyond” with Michael S. George
Certified Insurance Counselor; AMJ Insurance Inc. (opens new window)
11:20am - 12:20pm , Friday, October 4 | Demonstration & Vendor Resource Center
“American Stained Glass Story” with Megan McElfresh
Executive Director; Stained Glass Association of America
9:00am - 9:20am, Friday, October 4 | Demonstration & Vendor Resource Center
Megan McElfresh is the Executive Director of the Stained Glass Association of America (SGAA), and a lifelong stained glass artisan. Before joining the SGAA, McElfresh served as the Operations Director and Community Liaison at a life sciences firm in Northern Virginia. Her background in operations management, social impact, and American glass art history gives her unique perspectives as the SGAA celebrates 120-years of community and seeks to propel itself into a new era of service to the industry. In her ongoing research, McElfresh focuses on how the built environment, accessible artwork, and preservation policies impact community revitalization and economic development.