Art Matters.
Space matters. Remarkable environments inspire responsible, resilient communities.*
Sound, healthy creation and preservation of our historical and future structures are not possible without sharing our cumulative knowledge with the next generation of makers of all trades. To do this, our cumulative knowledge and information must be easily accessible and beautifully presented.
Those involved the historic preservation community must inspire the next generation(s). Fellows of all generations must come together face-to-face for education and exposure and also create an opportunity for mentorship and apprenticeship.
The many facets of remarkable design, both historical and present day, should be carefully cataloged so that communities need not feel the burden of justifying their preservation. Cataloged in a searchable database for future researchers to access to the provenance of their work.
Anyone that seeks to find fulfillment through working with stained glass should be able to find the education and inspiration to do so. Achieving mastery is impossible without the resources of generations before.
*CODAworx Manifesto
Until Fall 2018, I thought I was all set to happily spend my life sequestered in my glass studio creating stained glass windows. Fortunately, my addiction to caffeine and terribly loud keyboard took me down a somewhat different path. Now delightfully at work for the Stained Glass Association of America (SGAA), I am dedicated to advocacy and awareness for the architectural glass art community, the cumulative knowledge of our predecessors and lighting the way for the next generation.
I am no longer accepting new work for McElf GlassWorks, as my schedule outside of my work for the SGAA does not allow for much in the way of realistic timelines. Instead, I try to use my Buffalo-leisure time to encourage the architectural artwork of others. As artists, it can be difficult to also advocate for ourselves and our work. I find the work of advocating for others to be, in many ways, more satisfying than it is to be a creator myself.
For more on the work of the Stained Glass Association of America, check out their website at www.stainedglass.org and if you’re a lover of stained glass, I highly encourage our Stained Glass Quarterly publication.
McElf In the News & Media
The Buffalo News “In stained-glass, a scientific display of art,” by Gene Warner
New work is unveiled at Hamburg College’s McGrath Library.
Design NY 2016 “Ray of Light,” Karen Marley
An ominous space is embraced by artists bringing hope and healing to a Buffalo City Park.
Buffalo Rising “Ray of Light Mural Completed @ Masten Park” by Newell Nussbaumer
A long neglected Buffalo City Park has new artwork and new potential.
Buffalo Rising “McElf GlassWorks” by Newell Nussbaumer
A look inside a local glass studio operation and how it got liftoff in Buffalo.