The Stained Glass Association of America (SGAA), in partnership with The Glass Art Society (GAS), and the International Society of Glass Beadmakers (ISGB), presented GAS 2026: Celebrating Community | Expanding Futures hosted by the Corning Museum of Glass.
Wednesday, June 3 – Saturday, June 6, 2026 in Corning, NY
The theme of the 2026 Conference, Celebrating Community | Expanding Futures, focused on the diversity of the global glass community and the way our collective futures are improved when we work together. By coming together, our communities highlighted the richness and range of the glass arts- and the extraordinary potential that emerges when we share space, ideas, and vision.
This multi-faceted conference experience opened doors to new perspectives, spark innovation, deepen material exploration, and create exciting opportunities for all members. Together, we gathered at the renowned Corning Museum of Glass and explore the cutting-edge spaces at The Studio - home to North America's largest glass casting center - for a vibrant celebration of the art and craft we all cherish.
GAS 2026: Thank you to Our Program Sponsors
Paul Wissmach Glass Company
Youghiogheny Opalescent Glass Company
Bendheim Architectural Glass & Glass Systems
Glashütte Lamberts Waldsassen GmbH
Glass Accessories International
Morton Glass Works
“This has been a dream for us for years: to engage with the wider glass community, not only to share our own resources, but to share all of the joy that is all of the glass! Celebrating stained glass in collaboration with the rest of the glass art world highlights how we all continue to work together to transform and bring vibrancy into our daily spaces.”
– Megan McElfresh, Executive Director of SGAA
“Our community is stronger when we combine our forces. This new collaboration allows us to reach more members of the global glass community and use our combined resources and expertise to expand the possibilities available within the glass world. We are excited to welcome ISGB and SGAA members into the GAS community and for the opportunities that will arise as we work together.”
- Brandi P. Clark, Executive Director of GAS
SPECIAL EVENTS, TOURS, WORKSHOPS
Firestarter | Tuesday, June 2, 6-9 pm
Grist Iron Brewing Company, Burdett, NY
Join us before the official conference festivities for a fun evening at Grist Iron Brewing Company and enjoy the gorgeous sunset over Seneca Lake. Reunite with glassy friends from around the world and put your opening bids in for our Glass Class Auction!
Consideration of Sacred Spaces for Site Evaluation (Field Session) | Wednesday, June 3, 9 am – 1 pm
Presented by Bryant J. Stanton, Stanton Studios & David Bleckman, J&R Lamb Studios; Christ Episcopal Church, 33 E. First Street, Corning, NY, 14830
This afternoon seminar will delve into the nuanced and respectful approach to stained glass restoration in sacred spaces. Too often, these cherished sites receive unsolicited bids and proposals hastily declaring “urgent” issues. This seminar aims to shift that narrative by providing a crash course in honest restoration sales.
Sacred spaces deserve more than a quick fix. Stained glass restoration is rarely a matter of life or death; instead, it involves a slow, incremental process. Thoughtful consideration and careful evaluation often yield better results, allowing communities the time to strategically prepare for preservation efforts that align with their financial capabilities and long-term goals.
Key topics of discussion will include:
•Honest assessments versus urgent scare tactics
•The incremental nature of stained glass deterioration
•Practical stop-gap repairs to buy time
•Small, manageable efforts that support preservation goals
This seminar emphasizes the importance of patience and strategic planning in preservation, reinforcing that there is no immediate crisis demanding hasty action. By attending, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how great restoration work takes time and how we can contribute to building a solid foundation for future efforts. Join us to learn how to be a better part of the preservation process, ensuring that sacred spaces continue to be cherished for generations to come.
Stained Glass, Grapes, and the Finger Lakes | Tuesday, June 2, 9 am – 4 pm
Shuttle pickup at the Corning Museum of Glass
Our journey begins at Garrett Memorial Chapel, where light and artistry merge in one of the Finger Lakes’ most serene settings. Built in the early 1930s, the chapel’s stained-glass windows are among its most treasured features- crafted by the renowned Judson Studios of Los Angeles. These luminous designs include the final works of Frederick Wilson, completed in 1929, marking the close of an extraordinary stained-glass career.
We’ll conclude the day at Bully Hill Vineyards, nestled in the heart of Finger Lakes Wine Country. Established nearly 150 years ago by master cooper Walter Taylor, Bully Hill continues the area’s winemaking legacy with a warm, welcoming spirit. Enjoy a tasting of their signature wines and a relaxing meal overlooking the vineyards- a perfect finish to a day celebrating art, architecture, and the beauty of the Finger Lakes.