 In modern times we are constantly flooded by sound, images and multi-sensory media. For most of us this fast-paced and often chaotic sensory overload from computers, I-Pods, videos, television and cell phones leave us exhausted and over stimulated. All but gone are the art forms of centuries past that gave viewers tranquility, peace and quite inspiration.
Stained Glass is one such art form. And though there are many talented contemporary artists to admire, it is rare to sit and admire masterwork pieces from artistic greats like Tiffany and Lamb.
Fortunately for museum goers in the Rio Grande Valley, that opportunity awaits at the International Museum of Art & Science in McAllen. "Icons" Stained Glass Windows" is a breathtaking exhibit from the private collection of Lawrence and Esperanza Gelman, avid Tiffany and Lamb Collectors. The exhibit will be on display through May 27, 2007.
The design and layout of the exhibit properly sets the mood for this fantastic display of pure beauty -- love transformed into light.
As you approach the exhibit you sense you are about to enter a sacred place. And you are. The facade is designed as an entrance to a grand catherdal, a place of quiet reflection that sets the mood for what you are about to see.
As you enter this mock catherdal your senses slowly adjust to the darkness and shadows and the soft melodic voices of medieval choruses that faintly fill the air. In the center of the room is a long row of wooden pews facing the windows for reflective viewing.
At once you are bathed in a spectrum of light that seems to put you at peace. As you carefully run your eyes from one great masterpiece to another the beauty and detail begins to sink in and you realize that each window is a saintly reflection of love; love for a brother, love for a friend, love for a child, love for a savior, love for a chaotic world, a love for pure inspired art.
The beauty and awe-inspiring master works is a direct reflection of the love of the artists who crafted this perfection in glass, an adventure in color and light.
The collection consists of 13 masterpieces, Ten are large-scale windows designed by Lamb Studios, two windows designed by Tiffany Glass & Decorating Company, and one window in the Tiffany style.
 While most are familiar with Tiffany Glass, which originated in the early 1880's, some might not know about Lamb Studios, actually the oldest continuously operating stained glass studio in the United States, founded in 1857.
The majority of this private collection came from windows designed by Lamb Studios, and the ten large scale windows that are highlighted in the exhibit were originally installed in St. Paul's Espiscopal Church in Albany, New York in 1914.
It was in the true spirit of love and appreciation for these master works of art that the Gelmans rescued these beautiful pieces.
The Gelman's explain that many churches through the years allowed great pieces of original art fall into disrepair, often not having the funds to remove them, In some cases, more contemporary pieces replaced them.
The current exhibit that graces the walls of the International Museum of Art & Science in McAllen should be high on your list of art to appreciate in person. The photographs displayed on this page can not begin to capture the beauty of these masterful works.
"Icons" Stained Glass Window Exhibit at IMAS (International Museum of Arts and Sciences) in McAllen, continues through March of 2007. Dont miss it!
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