Stained Glass Classes

Release Date: 8/1/2000. Expired: 12/31/2000

“Stained glass is growing in popularity for residences. It makes a statement for a home,” said Susan Allsbrooks, who, along with husband David, teaches two stained glass classes at The Renaissance Center.

David and Susan have been producing stained glass pieces for 18 years. Their art can be seen in churches throughout Middle Tennessee, such as Eastside Baptist and New Hope Baptist in Dickson County and St. Patrick’s in McEwen.

But more and more they are being commissioned to make pieces for homes and businesses. David and Susan’s work can be seen in Dickson at Taylor Funeral Home and an octagonal window featuring the scales of justice in the office of attorney Larry Ramsey.

“We work with contractors and interior designers to produce custom stained glass windows,” David said.

Susan said stained glass originally was something to do in her spare time.

“I was pursuing a hobby and it became a profession,” she said. “I just loved stained glass. I took a class and never quit.”

The Allsbrooks have been working in a studio in the Reeder House on West College Street in Dickson for the past 16 years but will be opening a private studio soon at a new location on Camp Ravine Road. The new Allsbrooks Studio will offer private classes as well as sell supplies and do commissioned work.

“We produce hundreds of windows a year,” Susan said.

David said the idea of producing stained glass windows can be intimidating to beginners who believe they might not have the artistic touch. But, he said, stained glass work is “more technical than artistic. You’ve got to start with something basic and learn from that.”

Both David and Susan said designs can be obtained from anywhere or even copied while the student is learning the technique. But, like the Allsbrookses, they believe anyone who gets bitten by the stained glass bug will become lifelong devotees who keep honing the craft with each piece produced.

“It’s something that’s in our blood now,” Susan said.

For more information or to register for the stained glass class at The Renaissance Center, call (615)740-5600

For more information on Allsbrooks Studios, call (615)446-2603.