Stained Glass in America: Part 2- The Art

This richly colored forest scene is a classic representation of American stained glass art.

Stained Glass – The Art

Dedicated artists and designers who were not afraid to “think out of the box” have been crucial to the development of stained glass art in America, which has flourished in any number of applications across the nation.  No longer just for windows in churches, the art of stained glass in America is embraced today for every venue.  Still a staple in church décor, and even different denominations feature their unique style of stained glass art.  However, venue decorators of every kind are commissioning their own special stained glass designs as expert artists, such as those from Stained Glass, Inc. from Greenville, Texas excel in customizing style and art to suit individual needs.

Stained Glass art in early America was used principally as windows depicting coats of arms and glass bottles. The art continued to evolve as stained glass artist immigrants arrived in America, bringing their art and establishing studios throughout the country, adapting glass art to specifically American purposes.  One of the earliest techniques produced sandwich glass, pressed and molded in various designs set in the molds, resulting in an affordable version of decorative glass.

By the early 1800s, commonly known “crown” stained glass was generally created by blowing a bubble of glass that was spun flat and used principally for windows.  Soon, plate glass for use as mirrors and flat panels was designed, as cylinder glass, created by molten glass that was shaped into a cylinder as it was blown.  Cooled, sliced, reheated and polished, the result was high quality flat glass. As the decades rolled by, stained glass processes were fueled by wood, then coal and finally gas.  Today, Stained Glass, Inc. in Greenville, Texas produces stunning works of stained glass art by using polymers for superior durability with heat fused mineral pigments to ensure intensity in color, resulting in a much less expensive, yet high quality product. This cutting edge technology further refines the art without eroding the old world artistry.

The Masters

New twists in stained glass art in America are the result of innovative designers such as John LaFarge, father of the American mural, Louis Comfort Tiffany, renowned glass master and architect Frank Lloyd Wright, all innovative, forward thinking stained glass designers.  Rose windows, gothic, renaissance, Romanesque and modern styles, replicas of old world classic windows, famous religious depictions, residential, artistic or avant garde, stained glass has come into its own. Stained Glass, Inc. is the world’s leading stained glass manufacturer, with works of stained glass art on display at the Smithsonian, the U.S. Capitol, the White House, Pentagon and numerous other venues.  For clients who have their own ideas about stained glass, artisans at Stained Glass, Inc. can make those ideas a reality.

Begin Your Journey to Perfect Stained Glass

No team of experts is better equipped than those at Stained Glass, Inc., who stand at the ready to provide guidance and support as you browse our extensive online gallery of superior works of stained glass art, deciding what type you prefer for your project.  Check us out at http://stainedglassinc.com/ and contact our professionals to get started on your project today.