Community Event to Feature Stained Glass Windows and the Artists Who Created Them

On Thursday, May 21, Central United Methodist Church invites the community to a special evening celebrating one of the most radiant and enduring art forms in sacred spaces: stained glass.

Funds raised at the event will help support our Stained Glass Preservation Fund at Central. One of Paul Welch’s works at Central will be removed, stored and replaced during upcoming construction of a new welcoming entrance to the back of the building at Central. You can make a donation by designating Stained Glass on the dropdown menu on our giving page by clicking here.

“Divine Light: A Brief Exploration of Stained Glass Windows and the Artists Who Created Them” begins at 7:00 pm at 222 Cass Street, Traverse City.

This program offers a rare opportunity to step inside the centuries‑long story of stained glass—an art form that has shaped worship, architecture, and spiritual imagination for more than a thousand years.

Stained glass has illuminated sacred spaces since at least the 7th century, reaching its height in the great Gothic cathedrals of Europe. More than decoration, these windows served as visual storytelling, teaching biblical narratives and spiritual themes to communities long before widespread literacy.

Over time, stained glass evolved through distinct artistic eras:

•       Medieval and Gothic windows emphasized bold color, thick lead lines, and narrative scenes.
•       Renaissance and Baroque artists introduced realism, shading, and painterly techniques.
•       19th‑century revivals brought renewed interest in medieval craftsmanship, especially in England and France.
•       American studios of the 20th century—including Tiffany, Lamb, and Willet—developed new methods, opalescent glass, and modernist styles that blended tradition with innovation.

Today, stained glass continues to be a living art form, combining ancient techniques with contemporary design and symbolism.

Two distinguished presenters will guide the evening:

Tim Hudson, Willet Stained Glass Studios — representing one of the nation’s most respected studios, known for its historic restorations and contemporary ecclesiastical work.

Craig Hadley, Dennos Museum Center — offering an art historian’s perspective on the evolution of stained glass styles across cultures and centuries.

Together, they will explore the artists, craftsmanship, and spiritual imagination behind stained glass windows found in churches, chapels, and cathedrals around the world.

As part of the evening’s exploration, the program will also highlight the work of Paul Welch, an influential Michigan artist whose stained glass designs appear in churches throughout the region.

Welch founded the Northwestern Michigan College Art Department. His work is known for:

•       Strong, modernist lines paired with traditional religious symbolism
•       Vibrant color palettes that create movement and emotional depth
•       A distinctive blend of abstraction and narrative, making his windows instantly recognizable

Welch’s stained glass can be found in numerous Michigan congregations, including notable installations in Methodist, Presbyterian, and Catholic churches. His designs reflect a mid‑century American approach to sacred art—rooted in tradition yet unmistakably contemporary.

For many communities, including here in northern Michigan, Welch’s windows are cherished not only as works of art but as spiritual landmarks that shape the atmosphere of worship.

Guests are invited to a guided tour of Central United Methodist Church’s own stained glass windows beginning at 6:15 pm.

The tour offers a close look at the stories, craftsmanship, and hidden details within the church’s historic collection.

(Please note: the tour may include some stairs.)

This event is free and open to the public. Whether you love art, history, architecture, or simply the quiet beauty of stained glass, this evening promises to be both inspiring and illuminating.

Join us for a night of color, craft, and community as we explore the divine light that has shaped sacred spaces for generations. Please consider making a gift to Central’s Stained Glass Preservation Fund by designed “Stained Glass” as your choice of fund in the dropdown menu on our giving page by clicking here.