American Glass Guild Conference, 2010 Detroit, Photos

[Judy K]

Ok, I have received many of my, "permission to post photos" requests back. So I will begin telling the story a bit at a time.

First of all, I think any one who loves stained glass would find something here to benefit and interest you. In attendance we had historians, artists, craftsmen, product representatives, and conservators. All coming together to share their part of the stained glass world. Young and old, newbies like me and guys with 50 years experience. Very, very energizing.

It was held at the Greektown Hotel in Detroit.

The view from the other side of the hotel was the tall city buildings and Tiger Stadium. From our room on the 27th floor we could see the Detroit River that connects Lake Erie to Lake St. Clair. On the horizon we could see Lake St. Claire, and Canada on the other side of the River. Many barges use the river.

[Judy K]

We could also see many churches and the sunrise was gorgeous the last morning.

The hotel was connected via overpass to the Casino across the street, so you did not have to leave the building to go find food. The casino was HUGE, endless, but not one I liked. It had low ceilings and the noise was terrible.

We went out on the street below daily for food. It was varied and reasonably priced for a tourist area. The best was the pastry shop.

[Judy K]

I will honestly tell you I was afraid to go to Detroit. The news does not paint a good picture of safety. But everyone we met was so nice!!!!! You could tell they were genuinely happy people.

One place we ate at often was called the Pegasus . The greek waiters would bring cheese on a hot skillet and pour brandy on it, and it would ignite into a flame 3 feet high. Very impressive and nerve racking when you did not expect one to go off right by you.

We had a little rain almost everyday, but only one day was a soaker, and an hour later the sky was clear.

[Judy K]

Rebecca and I both took Kenneth Leap's Silver Stain Workshop. Wow! I love how that guy works, thinks, and shares his journey. I also love how he likes to use costums and props to make the class more fun. This time he was dressed as an old scientist and made a pretend kiln out of a styrofoam box. He's too creative!

Silver stain is different than enamels and paints, they sit on the surface. But silver stain actually stains the glass down into the molecular structure. Most stains are yellow, amber, and orange brown. But Ken had found a Red that some one is working on in Europe. It's awesome!

He taught us about the chemical reaction, the history of it's use, and how to use it. Then he let us help with his experiments to get the best colors of stain.

He took many clear glasses made by different manufacturers and tested them with all the stains he had at his disposal. Then displayed his findings. Then he tested the red at different temperatures to find the sweet spot for that wonderful stain.

[Judy K]

Some of his samples

[Kev]

Quite the variations.

[Judy K]

Yah , out of ten or so different kinds of clear the best reactions consistently took place on the tin side of float and Reactive BE.

I am going to buy a tin scope soon.

[Kev]

I've only ever tried it once, and it's been a  long time. So you get better results on the tin side?

[Judy K]

yes

[nansea121]

I will honestly tell you I was afraid to go to Detroit.

Ahhh! Sitting back to watch this story unfold:)
The rough part of Detroit is located right at the border. After you get out  of that section, it really is a nice place.

[JoanFrances]

I will honestly tell you I was afraid to go to Detroit. The news does not paint a good picture of safety. But everyone we met was so nice!!!!! You could tell they were genuinely happy people.

One place we ate at often was called the Pegasus . The greek waiters would bring cheese on a hot skillet and pour brandy on it, and it would ignite into a flame 3 feet high. Very impressive and nerve racking when you did not expect one to go off right by you.

We had a little rain almost everyday, but only one day was a soaker, and an hour later the sky was clear.

Gee Judy, rain seems to follow you when you travel LOL.  Sounds like you really enjoy the confrence though.  Thanks for sharing it wth us

[Judy K]

   That occurred to me too. Then I realized it follows Rebecca. 

[Judy K]

Another class we took was a life drawing class. Everyone was encouraged to come for free. The models were taken from the crowd. It was wonderful. I have model photos to work from for a long time to come. And everyone looked so AWESOME! Ken Leap brought his trunk full of costums.

[Judy K]

We held our first talks in St. Paul's Cathedral. It had many windows of traditional styles. And some modern glass up high .

[Rebecca]

 That occurred to me too. Then I realized it follows Rebecca.  

She realized that when a full bottle of water jumped into my lap in the middle of the presentations. We were all soaked on the first day... twice!

Rebecca

[Kev]

Rebecca,...are you a Pisces?...

[Judy K]

I really liked these rose windows. Many look like wagon wheels but these had more creative lines. And look how the tiny pieces of glass make it sparkle.

This happy little green one was in a door. I like it too.

[Rebecca]

Rebecca,...are you a Pisces?...

Taurus, I think a Pisces would handle water better.

Rebecca

[Judy K]

Yeah, well, when I saw water coming off the steps to the museum in such quantity that it looked like a water fall I thought, this is rediculous!!!!!!! I could not see through the foggy windows well. It turned out to be a waterfall,  .

But it was still raining hard enough I had to roll up my pants legs and run barefoot to the museum so my Birks cork would not get ruined, and I slip in the rain with my Birks.

Gemini , here, I am just beside myself all the time.

[Judy K]

Now where was I? 

Here are some of the styles of traditional windows from St. Pauls.