Stained Glass by Shenandoah – Protection and Insulation

There each project is moved from station to station, where one person or a group hovers over what is laid out, every so often stepping back for a contemplative inspection of their progress. Each person of that crew will tell you about the important balance between skill and creativity, and to watch them work is to see their inner worlds fuse together as thoughtfully as the pieces of a window being placed edge to edge.

Priest and Brown approach the nature of the stained glass craft with a sense of responsibility and seriousness and believe in a balance between pleasing aesthetics, maintaining historical value, and precision. They credit their three artists, who draw and paint, with making such a great impression with their work. Priest and Brown maintain complete creative control over most of the projects, which often entails extensive Bible reading and historic research.

Says Brown, “The pictures are a visual aid as well as something that beautifies the sanctuary.” When the preacher talks about Christ on the cross, the children can actually see Christ on the cross.

It is this devotion to the Biblical and historical value of stained glass along with its obvious aesthetic appeal, which drew Shenandoah to the hearts and skills of Al Priest, Brad Brown and their crew.

AL PRIEST:

Jokingly referring to himself as a “Baptist Priest”, Al has enjoyed looking at Church windows since growing up in churches pastored by his father. An associate member of the Stained Glass Association of America, Al’s interest in glass has grown over the years and he has now helped in the design and creation of some of the finest glass projects for churches in the country. Now based in North Carolina, Al has over 20 years experience in the design, fabrication, and installation of stained glass wind
Al works with the local church in one of two ways. First, if desired, he will work with the congregation to create a custom design specifically for their needs. Or, for the church desiring beautiful, biblical, yet economical windows, Al has created the “Life of Christ” series (in 12 circles, larger medallions, or the entire window). One of Al’s greatest strengths is his ability to work with local church building committees as they consider the theme, artistic style, shape, colors, and budget for their stained glass. you that he thinks of himself more as a blue collar worker than a stained glass artist. Don’t let that fool you.

BRAD BROWN:

In typical “aw shucks” fashion, Brad Brown will tell you that he thinks of himself more as a blue collar worker than a stained glass artist. Don’t let that fool you.

In the field of stained glass since1978, Brad is proud of the thousands of panels he has helped create, and the hundreds of pleased clients he has worked with.

His humble beginnings as a waterproofer for a small studio grew to include design, window building, glass cutting, installation, and business ownership. Today he continues to enjoy the daily hands on experiences of producing high quality glass work for places of worship.

MARY ANN CAMPBELL – Stained Glass Artist

With speed, precision, and a trained eye, Mary Ann Campbell transforms a clear piece of glass into an object of beauty. Being a Christian and having attended church all her life, Mary Ann derives great satisfaction from enhancing church sanctuaries and hopes her work uplifts those who view the windows she helps to create. Now with some 15 years experience, Mary Ann brings a wealth of experience to any stained glass project.

GREG McCORMICK – Artisan

Greg has been involved with fine art and drafting since 1983, working as a sculptor, visual effects artist, sign artist, restorer, graphic artist, portrait artist, art director, production manager, and finally as a stained-glass artist.

He notes: “Even though I am self-taught, I know my talent is God-given, and it brings me great joy to know that I’ve dedicated my life as an artist to recreating God’s creations, and I ask that He guides my hand. ”

DEREK McCUISTON – Artist

Derek first came to use glass as a medium with Jon Kuhn, a glass sculptor. That experience helped Derek determine to continue working with glass, but with the additional use of his painting and drawing skills. Holding a degree in studio art from the University of North Carolina, and with experience painting murals for furniture showrooms, local churches, and residential homes, the combination was a natural. Now, Derek has designed and painted windows for many churches along the east coast.

The 42 windows he designed and fully painted depicting the life of Christ at the boys and girl’s home chapel in Lake Waccamaw, NC features some of Derek’s finest work. This project gave him the opportunity to work with renowned glass artist Rowan Le'Compt on the chapel’s rose window.

Derek notes: “I pride myself in my ability to assess and satisfy my client's needs. This often involves meeting with committees and determining the wants of the group and the resources to make it happen. I have done portrait pieces, realistic religious scenes and contemporary or abstract designs to the specifications of church committee members and, thankfully, I believe I’ve been able to exceed their expectations.”


					Glass Everlasting


				To help serve churches and synagogues throughout the United States, Stained Glass by Shenandoah has partnered with Al Priest and Brad Brown of North Carolina, and their 15-person crew of artists, glass cutters, panel builders, and installers. There each project is moved from station to station, where one person or a group hovers over what is laid out, every so often stepping back for a contemplative inspection of their progress. Each person of that crew will tell you about the important balance between skill and creativity, and to watch them work is to see their inner worlds fuse together as thoughtfully as the pieces of a window being placed edge to edge. Priest and Brown approach the nature of the stained glass craft with a sense of responsibility and seriousness and believe in a balance between pleasing aesthetics, maintaining historical value, and precision. They credit their three artists, who draw and paint, with making such a great impression with their work. Priest and Brown maintain complete creative control over most of the projects, which often entails extensive Bible reading and historic research. Says Brown, “The pictures are a visual aid as well as something that beautifies the sanctuary.” When the preacher talks about Christ on the cross, the children can actually see Christ on the cross. It is this devotion to the Biblical and historical value of stained glass along with its obvious aesthetic appeal, which drew Shenandoah to the hearts and skills of Al Priest, Brad Brown and their crew. *Adapted from an article by Deanna Abrams* AL PRIEST: Jokingly referring to himself as a “Baptist Priest”, Al has enjoyed looking at Church windows since growing up in churches pastored by his father. An associate member of the Stained Glass Association of America, Al’s interest in glass has grown over the years and he has now helped in the design and creation of some of the finest glass projects for churches in the country. Now based in North Carolina, Al has over 20 years experience in the design, fabrication, and installation of stained glass wind Al works with the local church in one of two ways. First, if desired, he will work with the congregation to create a custom design specifically for their needs. Or, for the church desiring beautiful, biblical, yet economical windows, Al has created the “Life of Christ” series (in 12 circles, larger medallions, or the entire window). One of Al’s greatest strengths is his ability to work with local church building committees as they consider the theme, artistic style, shape, colors, and budget for their stained glass. you that he thinks of himself more as a blue collar worker than a stained glass artist. Don’t let that fool you. BRAD BROWN: In typical “aw shucks” fashion, Brad Brown will tell you that he thinks of himself more as a blue collar worker than a stained glass artist. Don’t let that fool you. In the field of stained glass since1978, Brad is proud of the thousands of panels he has helped create, and the hundreds of pleased clients he has worked with. His humble beginnings as a waterproofer for a small studio grew to include design, window building, glass cutting, installation, and business ownership. Today he continues to enjoy the daily hands on experiences of producing high quality glass work for places of worship. MARY ANN CAMPBELL – Stained Glass Artist With speed, precision, and a trained eye, Mary Ann Campbell transforms a clear piece of glass into an object of beauty. Being a Christian and having attended church all her life, Mary Ann derives great satisfaction from enhancing church sanctuaries and hopes her work uplifts those who view the windows she helps to create. Now with some 15 years experience, Mary Ann brings a wealth of experience to any stained glass project. GREG McCORMICK – Artisan Greg has been involved with fine art and drafting since 1983, working as a sculptor, visual effects artist, sign artist, restorer, graphic artist, portrait artist, art director, production manager, and finally as a stained-glass artist. He notes: “Even though I am self-taught, I know my talent is God-given, and it brings me great joy to know that I’ve dedicated my life as an artist to recreating God’s creations, and I ask that He guides my hand. ” DEREK McCUISTON – Artist Derek first came to use glass as a medium with Jon Kuhn, a glass sculptor. That experience helped Derek determine to continue working with glass, but with the additional use of his painting and drawing skills. Holding a degree in studio art from the University of North Carolina, and with experience painting murals for furniture showrooms, local churches, and residential homes, the combination was a natural. Now, Derek has designed and painted windows for many churches along the east coast. The 42 windows he designed and fully painted depicting the life of Christ at the boys and girl’s home chapel in Lake Waccamaw, NC features some of Derek’s finest work. This project gave him the opportunity to work with renowned glass artist Rowan Le'Compt on the chapel’s rose window. Derek notes: “I pride myself in my ability to assess and satisfy my client's needs. This often involves meeting with committees and determining the wants of the group and the resources to make it happen. I have done portrait pieces, realistic religious scenes and contemporary or abstract designs to the specifications of church committee members and, thankfully, I believe I’ve been able to exceed their expectations.”