Tour in Winona

 Just a half hour away from my home is the worlds largest stained glass studio and one of the oldest. For over a century their craftsman's hands have created, restored and conserved thousands of pieces of glass art from all over the world.

Conservation at Work

And I got a tour!

As luck would have it, the sale one of my paintings connected me to an artist named Melissa who works at this amazing place in Winona, Minnesota call Associated Crafts & Willet Hauser Architectural Glass. She told me about her work and said they offer tours.

Melissa-opened our eyes, explaining the process

It was like stepping into history, is the best way I can describe it. I can share with you some of the things they were working on through the photos I took. If you are ever in this area it's a must for any one who appreciates the arts. You can see more at https://stain-glass-window.us

Reassembling Old Windows with New Lead Came

Creating More History

Attention to Detail

Projects at Work

Saving a La Farge Stained Glass

Introducing New Styles

A Blast from the Past-1970's

My personal take away -making art connects us all, to peoples beliefs through the ages and individuals today who share a love for art. It was inspiring talking with Melissa, who went to Milwaukee  Institute of Art and Design. She has for the past 30 years been working with glass, expressing herself through her own designs  as well as learning and preserving a part of the past through her current employment. It's nice to know it’s possible, artists find those careers outside of teaching.