SGAA & Trinity Episcopal Church - Corporate and Private Events - Downloadable Media Files (opens new window)
Join us for an insider’s exploration of Buffalo’s historic Trinity Episcopal campus. Buffalo was once America’s innovation lab, and Trinity’s windows prove it. They’re more than just local curiosities; they’re the prototype runs that propelled opalescent glass from cautious tradition into full-throttle experimentation.
Your time at Trinity unfolds through the eyes of a maker: third-generation artisan and SGAA Executive Director Megan McElfresh will lead you on a personal walkthrough of the sanctuary and chapel. You’ll see each window as she does—understanding the hands-on decisions, the trial-and-error tweaks, and the creative leaps that transformed raw materials into revolutionary works of art.
As you move across campus and back into the sanctuary, we'll get into the weeds with a trades-focused brief that traces the evolution of American glassmaking—from the 19th-century studio practices that birthed iconic Tiffany and La Farge effects, to today’s complex preservation challenges and opportunities.
Then roll up your sleeves for a hands-on glass project: contribute directly to Trinity’s next restoration phase while honing skills alongside fellow enthusiasts.
Finally, unwind at our optional curated happy hour—light bites, local brews, and lively conversation—knowing every program fee you’ve invested fuels both this campus restoration and our stained-glass scholarship fund. It’s a nerdy, educational, and downright fun way to champion Buffalo’s luminous legacy.
Deep Dive into Craft: Learn the material science and artistry that make Trinity’s windows last more than a century.
Hands-On Connection: Contribute directly to a community-sourced restoration project.
Networking & Celebration: Mingle with preservation professionals, artisans, and fellow glass enthusiasts over drinks.
Impact-Driven: Program fees fund Trinity’s next window restoration phase and our stained-glass scholarship fund—so every ticket empowers future tradespeople.
If interested in booking a private event with us, please reach out to info@stainedglass.org. Please include your group size and desired date in the inquiry.
Facet & Forge 2024
The Stained Glass Association of America Foundation
April 27th, 2024
5:00pm - 9:00pm
Trinity Buffalo, 371 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202
Admission: $75 ($65 for SGAA members)
Embark on an exploration of stained glass creation at Facet & Forge 2024. This event is the perfect way to spend an evening immersed in the artistry and craftsmanship inherent in architectural glass art, mosaics, and other building trades. Explore Trinity campus as it can rarely be seen: from the perspective of the skilled artisans and tradespeople that built and continue to maintain our city’s fantastic buildings.
Engage with artisans in live demonstrations of stained glass and mosaic art, metalworking, and sculpture. Gain insights into the meticulous craftwork involved in creating and preserving the cultural and artistic significance of architectural stained glass. The event is a commitment to the enduring nature of this timeless art form, highlighting the delicate interplay between tradition and contemporary methods.
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The Stained Glass Association of America Foundation's (SGAAF) mission is to inspire a new generation of artisans and stewards in all that stained glass can be. Our work focuses on supporting emerging artists and fostering new, diverse voices for the industry. Our work with the 120-year-old Stained Glass Association of America supports the education of stewards and caretakers who are tasked with maintaining and restoring our nation’s living museum of architectural art glass treasures.
Through curated lectures from designers, in our stained glass-making workshops, and with the help of our scholarships, the Stained Glass Foundation works to empower the mentors and artisans of today, lighting the way for a new generation of tradespeople and makers in our craft!
The SGAAF & SGAA national headquarters are in Buffalo, NY, in Trinity Buffalo.
Stained Glass Association of America Presents: Judith Schaechter
The Buffalo History Museum Happy Hour History
November 8th, 2023
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
1 Museum Ct, Buffalo, NY 14216
Admission: $5 (Free for TBHM Members)
Event Details:
The Stained Glass Association (SGAA) is delighted to present an engaging evening with renowned stained glass artist Judith Schaechter, in partnership with The Buffalo History Museum (TBHM).
Schaechter will share insights into her work, discussing the innovative techniques and artistic perspectives she employs in the creation of her pieces. This will be an illuminating experience for art enthusiasts and aspiring artists alike.
Thanks to this partnership, the SGAA is able to bring the history and vitalization of the stained glass industry to the community in a new light through The Buffalo History Museum. Their collaborative exhibition "On the Shoulders of Giants: Innovation in Stained Glass" is on display in their Portico Gallery until January 14th, 2024. This exhibition is in conjunction with The Judson Studios and the SGAA’s 120th anniversary celebration, and features Schaechter's work titled Human Nature.
About Judith Schaechter:
Judith Schaechter, a distinguished award-winning artist, and graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, has carved her niche as a professional stained glass artist. With her unique approach, both technically and artistically, Schaechter has garnered recognition worldwide for her innovative creations.
Judith Schaechter is not only a celebrated artist but also a dedicated educator. She has conducted workshops at esteemed institutions, including the Pilchuck Glass School in Seattle, the Penland School of Crafts, Toyama Institute of Glass (Toyama, Japan), and the Australia National University in Canberra, Australia.
Her work is housed in distinguished collections worldwide, such as the Metropolitan Museum in New York, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Hermitage in Russia, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Corning Museum of Glass, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum, among many others.
On the Shoulders of Giants: Innovation in Stained Glass
The Buffalo History Museum, Portico Gallery
1 Museum Ct, Buffalo, NY 14216
September 15, 2023 - January 14, 2024
Buffalo a living museum of the works created by the most notable studios forging the American Stained Glass Industry. This anniversary exhibit pays homage to skills honed over generations that have facilitated innovation in the past and present-day Buffalo. Just as LaFarge and Tiffany pushed the boundaries of the medium in the 1880s, today's community continues to move forward, fostering innovation and creativity.
This exhibit is in celebration of the SGAA’s 120th anniversary and of the master crafspeople who came before us and who challenge us today to continue to push the medium. The show features work by Indre Bileris, Quentin Blackman, Shay Bredimus, Amir H. Fallah, James Jean, El Mac, Narcissus Quagliata, Judith Schaechter, and Dani Tull.
“The world of stained glass is constantly evolving with the advancements in technology. Despite being an ancient craft, new and innovative methods are being discovered every day. These advancements present exciting opportunities for the future of this beautiful medium. We are thrilled to witness the endless possibilities that lie ahead.” -- David Judson
VIP reception: Thursday evening September 14th
M&T Third Friday opening: Friday, September 15th
120th anniversary celebration with the SGAA at The Buffalo History Museum: Sunday, October 1st, 6pm - 9pm
Mosaic & Glass Arts International 2023
CEPA Gallery, 2nd & 3rd floor passageway galleries
September 1 - September 30, 2023
The Society of American Mosaic Artists Annual International Juried Member Exhibition in collaboration with The Stained Glass Association of America Presented at the CEPA Gallery, Buffalo, New York
See the full press release with labeled image galleries here (opens new window)
Gallery Hours:
Wednesday: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Thursday: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Other times available by appointment.
Contacts:
Dawnmarie Zimmerman
dawnmarie@americanmosaics.org
Megan McElfresh
megan@stainedglass.org
View Full Gallery (opens new window)
View Award Winning Works (opens new window)
Mosaic and Glass Arts International 2023 Featured Artists (opens new window)
The Mosaic Marathon Project
Hyatt Regency Buffalo Hotel and Conference Center: Genesee Room
Community build dates:
Wednesday, September 27 - Sunday, October 1st, 8am - 8pm each day
Consecutively with the educational program, the Mosaic Marathon is an around-the-clock collaborative mosaic-making project that will run throughout the week. Participants have the opportunity to work together to create a beautiful and unique mosaic that has been designed in collaboration with a lead artist and a non-profit local to that year’s conference site.
The 2023 Mosaic Marathon will be created for and installed to be exhibited at the Care Management Coalition (CMC) at 1021 Broadway in Buffalo, NY.
The Care Management Coalition (CMC), situated in the culturally rich and diverse East Buffalo neighborhood, serves as a network of 11 nonprofit agencies working together to create a community of health and well-being
The Mosaic Marathon Project is an incredibly exciting way to engage the public, get hands of any age involved with a major art project for their city, and enrich the lives of others. The lead artist is Dianne Sonnenberg, an internationally recognized artist with experience in similar successful community projects.
Numerous media opportunities are available to interview the lead artist, interview the community and artists as the work is created, be a part of the installation, participate in the dedication events, or highlight positive stories about creating art for the city of Buffalo!
Contacts:
Dawnmarie Zimmerman
dawnmarie@americanmosaics.orgMegan McElfresh
megan@stainedglass.org
More about Conference 2023: Forging New Paths
The Hyatt Regency, Downtown Buffalo
Thursday, September 28, 2023 - Sunday, October 1, 2023
When our community comes together, it's truly a confluence of energy and inspiration and excitement. There are 25 workshops, 5 tours, auctions and art salons and art openings all happening in conjunction with the General Session, our Vendor Showcase, the Mosaic Marathon, and major networking events.
The core of the conference is happening between Thursday, September 28 and Sunday October 1st.
- The Welcome reception and Vendor Marketplace Opening kicks off the core conference schedule on Thursday evening, September 28.
- We'll be at CEPA gallery Friday evening September 29th celebrating MGAI as a community and presenting artists and awards.
- General Session opens Saturday morning, September 30th.
- We have our annual scholarship auction the evening of September 30th. The public is welcome to join us, you can find tickets here.
- And the 120th anniversary celebration at the Buffalo History Museum on Sunday October 1st.
For more information, check out the section of our website for speakers, a full schedule of events, and more about individual facets of every part of the event on our conference homepage.
Numerous media opportunities are available to interview international artists, participate in notable events, or highlight positive stories about bringing art to our host city to enrich the city of Buffalo.
Contacts:
Dawnmarie Zimmerman
dawnmarie@americanmosaics.orgMegan McElfresh
megan@stainedglass.org