Annual Summer Conference

Conferences offer a unique opportunity to learn both beginning and advanced techniques and are often geared toward the unique strengths of that year’s conference host.

At many conferences, we do try to offer classes that consistently fill no matter our location such as Introduction to Glass Painting, Introduction to Lamination Techniques, and Restoration 101. In addition, we tailor the workshops at each conference to nearby facilities and studio resources that are unique to that year's location. We have offered classes in sandblasting, engraving, stained glass design, dragonfly software, advanced studio techniques, beginning and advanced kilnforming, fusing techniques, screenprinting, lamination, acid etching, angel gilding, drone technology and restoration photography, advanced restoration painting and glass painting basics, rondel-making and more.

We have been very fortunate to work with incredible teachers from all over the globe at our conferences - leaders in the field who have often generously donated their time to share their knowledge with our members and attendees. Past instructors include Steven Cowan (UK), Sylvia Laks (Costa Rica), Jim Berberich (USA), Narcissus Quagliata, Tim Carey, Hallie Monroe, Ralph Mills, Bryant Stanton, Rich Lamothe, and more.

Manufacturers, suppliers and wholesalers come together at our conferences to keep our community up to date with developments in the stained glass world. 

It is due to the generosity and support of our conference sponsors that we can stay focused on the education and professional training of our members and studios. Feedback every year mentions that our members genuinely appreciate getting face-to-face time with their manufacturers and the ability to broaden their knowledge about the technical aspects of the products they use every day.

Glass manufacturers from the United States and Europe join us to network with artists and studios about upcoming work, suppliers bring products in development, samples are available to see and touch, and table demonstrations are common throughout the conference.

The history and appreciation of stained glass is inseparable from both its setting as an architectural element and of the very nature of the material itself. For craftsmen and artists in the field to gain exposure to the vast living museums of stained glass, they must visit stained glass all over the world whenever they can. Installations all over the world are our museums, our laboratorys, and our classrooms.

Thus, when we come together as a group, we must take advantage of our travel and our companions to go and experience installations, to discuss them with our peers, and to investigate ongoing care and restoration concerns that affect us all. This is one of the most useful ways we can learn as a group. 

Nearly every conference includes at least one full day of site visits and installation tours. In addition, our community has been known to schedule and participate in special travel opportunities both in the United States and abroad to experience as much stained glass as possible. 

The tours are almost always stand-alone events which can be attended outside of General Session participation and are often open to the public.

At each convention, members have the opportunity to browse through tables laden with books, sample sets, vendor products, tools, and artwork from members. Our annual silent and live auction at the summer conference is a major source of funding for scholarship assistance. Donations directly fund scholarships for professional stained glass instruction all over the country and beyond. 

On exhibition years, work is donated to our live auction, which is an opportunity to collect autonomous work by any number of our talented members.

"I have been attending conferences for decades and I have collected all of these panels made by these incredible artists that inspire me. They are hanging in my breakfast nook. Now, I feel like I am eating breakfast with my friends even between conferences and it is fabulous."
                                   - S.G., New York

The highlight of each year is the Annual Convention. Business is discussed, motions made and voted on, officers and executive committee members elected, reports read and exhibitions displayed. But the key reason for coming back year after year is the magic of the unplanned intermingling of artist, craftsmen, business people and suppliers. They exchange ideas, have seminars and socialize, but it is the chemistry generated by these diverse people that make the Association unique and the focal point of the stained glass craft.

At our business meetings, we not only attend to the business of the day, we recognize those who have achieved professional recognition in the field. 

Each annual conference ends with an award banquet where we celebrate Lifetime Achievements as well as up and coming voices. We have been extremely fortunate over the years to hear from a number of distinguished speakers at our banquets who have given luscious, inspiring presentations to send us energetically on our way.