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| Author | Post |
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Valerie
AGG member
| Joined: | Fri Jun 13th, 2008 |
| Location: | Colon, Michigan USA |
| Posts: | 2 |
| Status: |
Offline
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Sat Jun 14th, 2008 12:54 am |
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Dear Fellow AGG Members,
I write to you with regard to a book that was published last year; ‘The Stained Glass Appraisal Guide ~ First Edition ~ 2008 – 2009’, compiled by Gary M. Gray, Ed. D. and Carrie Crow. I believe the intent of an appraiser guide for the stewards of stained glass windows in this country was sincere. Being the avid reader/researcher that I am, I read this book in its entirety. Upon completion of the book, I had the feeling that, although this book seems supportive of SGAA accredited members, it could be detrimental to the smaller studios everywhere.
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Some of our studios, regardless of size, have strived to do what is in the best interest of the stained glass windows and have worked hard and diligently to learn and apply proper restoration techniques. Many of us are qualified, capable, and equipped to perform large scale restorations and/or commissions, some are not. Some of us take on larger scale projects, some do not. If you have purchased this book, I believe it would be in your best interest to read it. It is in many aspects informative and useful.
We are a small studio, ran by my husband and myself, some may call us a ‘Ma and Pa’ business. John and I see this as an advantage. We personally oversee all phases performed by our employees, whether the job is restoration, repair or maintenance, or new work. Our studio is capable, qualified, and equipped to perform large scale stained glass projects. Our work is high quality and our new designs are unique and quite good. Due to these facts about our studio, I was quite troubled by the following excerpts of this book.
In Chapter II “Judging Between Mom and Rembrandt’, the section beginning on page 18, ‘National firm>Local artist’, the last paragraph reads:
‘…Thus the “Ma and Pa” local stained glass company needs to focus on serving only the home, the office and the small church. It is the national, or at least regional firm that should be commissioned for the larger tasks. This is true whether the church wants quality “catalog” stained glass, truly unique and high quality custom stained glass designs, on-site restoration or studio restoration. The sophistication level of artistry and technology required is simply too complex for a small shop.’
In Chapter IV “Comparing Apples and Oranges”, I suggest that you pay special attention to this chapter, especially pages 43 through 49. (Which piece of fruit did the authors deem your studio?) On page 40 of this chapter it reads, …’Most of the ORANGE studios are family businesses passed down from one generation to the next. Traditionally, they are fully accredited members of the Stained Glass Association of America.’
This last statement may or may not be a qualifying statement on behalf of the SGAA Accredited Members. (Yes, I know this is AGG, I'm just quoting the book.) Due to the other excerpts mentioned in this correspondence, it is my fear that the damage has been done to the reputations of smaller studios based solely on our size not our accomplishments and capabilities, with regard to the confidence that future clients may have in our studios. Look into it and decide for yourself.
Respectfully,
Valerie J. McCartney
Vice President
Full Spectrum Stained Glass, Inc.
31323 Colon Road
Colon, MI 49040
ph.: (269) 432-2610
fax: (269) 432-9411
e-mail: fssgi@aol.com
http://www.churchwindows.net
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