Designing Abundance: Evolving Our Programs Between National Gatherings
Buffalo is more than just SGAA’s headquarters — it’s a proving ground for public education, partnership, and creative experimentation that connects stained glass to broader civic life.
From classroom projects to architectural tours to gala fundraisers, we’ve continued to build partnerships that bring the language of stained glass into new spaces — showing its power not just as a craft, but as a tool for learning, storytelling, and neighborhood vitality.
Through the SGAA Foundation, we’re expanding the reach of stained glass education, supporting stewardship, and investing in the next generation of artists and advocates.
From hands-on workshops to high-profile preservation initiatives, the Foundation continues to serve as a platform for long-term public benefit — supporting our shared mission through outreach, partnerships, and community-rooted events.
A Transformation Partnership with SAMA
Our growing partnership with the Society of American Mosaic Artists (SAMA) has opened doors to new audiences, new platforms, and new opportunities for SGAA members to exhibit, collaborate, and grow.
This collaboration isn’t just logistical — it’s transformational. By working together, we help support one another through shared systems that expand access to national and international exhibition opportunities, deepen interdisciplinary connections, and create new spaces for public engagement.
Mosaic Marathon 2023
Held during our 2023 Conference, this 5-day, around-the-clock community build brought together SGAA and SAMA members to create a 3’ x 11’ glass mosaic mural from over 6,000 fragments. After the conference, our team installed the work at its forever home. Now permanently installed at the Care Management Coalition in East Buffalo, it stands as a symbol of collaboration, craftsmanship, and public service.
Facet & Forge
The Stained Glass Association of America Foundation
Celebrating Art and Craftsmanship
After the success of our pilot fundraising and community awareness event in 2023, we decided to do it all over again!
On April 27th, 2024, the SGAA Foundation hosted the second annual Facet & Forge fundraising event at Trinity Buffalo, an iconic venue with a rich history. Trinity Buffalo is one of only three locations in the world to feature original stained glass windows created by masters Louis Comfort Tiffany and John LaFarge. In addition to being home to the Trinity Episcopal Church congregation, Trinity also serves as the headquarters for several nonprofit organizations and community advocates. Through the Facet & Forge event, these partners were showcased for their profound impact that extends well beyond the church’s historic walls.
Facet & Forge 2024
Saturday, April 27th, 5:00pm - 9:00pm
Trinity Buffalo, Buffalo NY
2023 Recap Video (opens new window) 2024 Recap Video (opens new window)
The event offered attendees the unique opportunity to witness live demonstrations by skilled artisans in stained glass, mosaic art, metalworking, sculpture, and more, celebrating the enduring beauty of these craft forms while supporting SGAA’s mission.
We are grateful to the following demonstrators for their contributions: The Vitrigraph Community Project, led by Deb and Katie Hurd, which showcased this kiln process and allowed attendees to use the glass pieces created during the demonstration to collaboratively design a fused glass panel; Blacksmithing by Arc Iron Creations; Restoration by Ralph Mills & David Olshinsky, Pittsburgh Stained Glass Studios; Zinc and Came by Matt Smith, Unified Vision Studios; Tiffany Copper Foil Method by Madison Whitesell; Glass Mosaics by Dawnmarie Zimmerman, The Society of American Mosaic Artists (SAMA); and Architectural Casting & Plastering by Buffalo Architectural Casting.
Thank you to our sponsors: M&T Bank, Rigidized Metals Corp., Botanicus, Hale Northeastern, Heritage Resources LLC, Paul Wissmach Glass Co., Youghiogheny Opalescent Glass Co., Hodgon Russ, Sunshine Glassworks Ltd., Gates Circle Wine & Liquor, Indigo Productions, Fat Bob's Smokehouse