Another year has come and gone. We appear to have learned to deal with COVID-19 and this has thankfully allowed us to host another live Symposium this year. There is something magical about spending time discussing glass with others who share our fascination. We did have some sad news this year; the Carder Gallery at CMoG was dismantled and we lost some long-time members and friends. We remember those whom we have lost and try to take comfort in happy memories. We remain grateful that we have moved forward attracting new members to our organization, which gives us the opportunity to make new friends.

Our website is beautiful, educational, and functional. We are frequently adding new examples to the Shape Gallery and we have added recordings of the Symposium presentations for all to rewatch or experience for the first time. We continue to hold member ZOOM meetings twice a year, giving us more chances to connect and share our love of glass.

I hope everyone has a safe, happy and productive New Year. I also hope you will enjoy a blast from the now past — a video of the Carder Steuben Gallery in all its glory. — Karen Beeman

One of the New Year’s Day traditions many of us enjoy is to watch the Tournament of Roses Parade on television (or if you are lucky enough to be in Pasadena, California, to watch in person).  The normally glorious weather and beautifully decorated floats provide a joyous start to the new year.

There is another gem to be found just north of the start of the parade route.  The Gamble House, located just off Orange Grove Boulevard in Pasadena, is a masterpiece of American Arts and Crafts architecture.  It was completed in 1909 and is a testament to the collaboration between architects Charles and Henry Greene and their visionary clients, David and Mary Gamble.  The iconic residence stands as a prime example of the Arts and Crafts movement, which sought to emphasize craftsmanship, simplicity, and the integration of nature into design.

David Gamble was a second-generation member of the Procter & Gamble Company, and he and his wife Mary commissioned the Greene brothers to design their home in California after deciding to move from Cincinnati, Ohio.  The result was a stunning expression of the Arts and Crafts philosophy, characterized by handcrafted details, exposed joinery, and a harmonious relationship between the home and the surrounding landscape.  

One notable aspect of the Gamble House’s architectural brilliance lies in its exquisite leaded glass windows. These windows, designed by the Greenes, showcase intricate geometric patterns and nature-inspired motifs, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail characteristic of the Arts and Crafts style. The interplay of light and color through these custom-designed windows adds a distinctive touch to the interior, creating an atmosphere that is both elegant and warm.

The entrance to the Gamble House greets visitors with a prime example of this craftsmanship.  The triple doors are decorated in layers of stained glass in the design of an old live oak tree, reflecting the landscape found outside the door.  The house faces east and at sunrise the entire entry hall is bathed in a golden hue.  The sconces and glass shades were custom made for the house, and the entry hall sconce includes the Gamble family crest of a stork with a rose in its beak.

The dining room is another favorite room of the house, with a large custom-made wood and glass chandelier hanging over the table.  Above the built-in wood cabinets across the back of the room is a stained glass window with a rose-trellis design.  The motif reflects the actual rose trellis that is just outside of the window, bringing a piece of nature inside while also creating a more private environment.  Though there is much to take in, those with an eye for Steuben will quickly note the large Gold Aurene and Blue Aurene vases that are sitting atop the cabinets.  Their iridescent glow fits in very nicely with the rest of the room.

The Gamble House was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966 and is now open to the public as a museum.  It continues to draw visitors eager to experience its architectural splendor and gain insight into the Arts and Crafts philosophy.