Stained glass isn’t stuck in the past. It’s a living, luminous force that connects history, artistry, and sustainable design. Whether sacred or contemporary, these works shape how we experience space. We help communities, artists, and organizations unlock the full potential of stained glass through expert guidance in preservation, appraisal, and visionary project development. The possibilities are endless. Even the most seasoned creatives are often surprised by what’s possible.
Megan McElfresh is a creative catalyst and third-generation stained glass artisan with deep roots at the intersection of preservation trades, architectural glass art, and community service. She has spent her career championing initiatives that connect craftsmanship with community revitalization.
McElfresh uses glass, research, and deep knowledge of place to help communities reimagine what’s possible. From centuries-old windows to crystalline planes of new work, she helps people shape beloved spaces with vision and intention, championing public awareness and sustainable stewardship where bold creation and careful preservation work hand in hand.
Advocacy & Partnerships
Trade Education & Public Speaking
Guided Tours & Workshops
Advocacy & Partnerships
Stained glass is a key design material that enhances and transforms the human experience within buildings and does not have to come at the expense of energy efficiency or contemporary mission. With the most extensive network of studios and designers across the country, we can collaborate with galleries, museums, and design professionals to showcase the creative and innovative spirit of stained glass art that puts their community’s purpose front and center.
Public Speaking & Trade Education
Through lectures, presentations, and seminars, we share our passion for the transformative power of stained glass. Our engagements are designed to inspire, educate, and foster dialogue among industry professionals, cultural institutions, and community members.
“Stained glass doesn’t just decorate a space, it animates a community. It’s architecture in conversation with light, uniting us in a vibrant tapestry of shared memory and hope.”
Project Potential & Guidance
As part of a community dedicated to best practices, historical precedents, and studying the pioneering uses of stained glass in modern design, we can provide valuable insights that bridge the gap between tradition and innovation. Our research informs both preservation efforts and forward-thinking design, helping clients make informed decisions that fit their needs and honor the past while investing in the next generation of their community.
TEDxBuffalo 2025 Speaker
Stained glass isn’t dying. It’s misunderstood.
From sacred spaces to community revitalization, McElfresh explores how stained glass can be reframed as infrastructure: an act of generosity, not just a relic to be protected. Her talk confronts scarcity mindsets and survival-mode thinking, which are all too common in preservation work.
This is an invitation to reimagine the role stained glass plays in our world today and to choose growth, trust, and abundance in the face of decay.
We have barely scratched the surface of contemporary possibility in the Age of Glass, and monumental art glass is no exception.
Whether you’re exploring stained glass for the first time, seeking preservation guidance, comparing bids, requesting appraisals, or refining how you tell your story—let’s connect. Together, we’ll uncover the right insights and resources to bring your vision to life.
Blending her background in materials science, industry research, and the history of architectural glass with a lifelong commitment to community service, Megan offers expert, thoughtful support to help you design, create, and navigate your project with care.
