If you’ve visited the Martin House, you have most likely learned that the conservatory has its own unique art glass pattern, with various adaptations to fit the size of different window and door openings. Much of the original art glass was lost when the building was demolished.
In 2008, a few of our volunteers had an idea. A jar was placed in the Museum Store to collect volunteers’ loose change, and the first volunteer-funded window was installed in 2011. Today, the campaign continues, and even bottles and cans are collected by a staff member to add to the fund. The most recent result? The FIFTH replica art glass window was installed on Saturday by our friend and master carpenter Steve Oubre, funded entirely by the “volunteer fund.”
To make the installation even sweeter, New York State also funded a replica conservatory window, installed on Saturday – bringing the total to 6 windows! Saturday’s installation now means we have a pair of windows to the right of Nike as well as on the east side of the conservatory for visitors to enjoy.
Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers who continue to contribute to this initiative.
There were 57 pieces of art glass originally in the conservatory, which means lots of opportunity for supporters to fund art glass reproduction. If you’re interested, we would love to hear from you. Contact us at 716.856.3858.
