In this Gazelle Gazette we share previews of two wonderful presentations that will be a part of the program at the upcoming CSGA Symposium (September 18-19, 2026).  More Symposium details and registration information are available on the CSGA website here.  We hope to see you in Corning in September!

BEFORE STEUBEN, THERE WAS STEVENS & WILLIAMS

Frederick Carder was inspired by the Portland Vase. At this year’s Symposium, Dr. Kenneth Braunstein will discuss the history and making of the Portland Vase, followed by the progression that led to the founding of Stevens & Williams. He will describe Frederick Carder’s involvement with the company and his accomplishments there. Finally, Dr. Braunstein will show the techniques used at Stevens & Williams, including which ones Frederick Carder developed and brought to the United States.  

Dr. Kenneth Braunstein grew up in South Carolina. He attended Johns Hopkins University and the Medical University of South Carolina. His internship and residency in internal medicine were at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, Texas. While there, he collected many stories about the John F. Kennedy assassination which, decades later, he turned into a novel. Dr. Braunstein practiced hematology in Atlanta, Georgia, until his recent retirement in November 2025. 

Kenneth has been collecting glass since 1990, with an emphasis on Brilliant Period cut glass. He has many notable pieces on loan to CMOG, including the Fry Liberty Bell; an original piece of glass made by Arthur Nash as his masterwork and presented to Lewis Comfort Tiffany to join Tiffany Studios; Mt. Washington rainbow cut glass; and a Sinclaire salesman’s sample of monogram engravings. Kenneth has also authored numerous articles for the American Cut Glass Association. 

STEUBEN GLASS TODAY

Connecting Frederick Carder’s Steuben with its future, Steve Bender, Steuben Senior Business Manager, will share what’s new with Steuben Glass along with his thoughts for the coming years. Steve has presented to the CSGA group before, and his deep knowledge and insights into Steuben Glass give us a rare glimpse of some of what is happening behind the scenes.

Steve Bender is a native of the Corning area.  After schooling in Boston, Steve returned to Corning and was hired in 1999 as Ecommerce Manager for Corning Incorporated’s Steuben division. Over the next twelve years, he held various roles at Steuben in sales, marketing and product development.  In 2012, Steve joined The Corning Museum of Glass to assist with new business development and lead the re-launch of Steuben. His efforts to re-focus the luxury brand have resulted in a revitalized Steuben, positively impacting the museum and local economy. Steve also serves on the Board of Directors of The International Crystal Federation, an organization of the world’s leading crystal manufacturers and distributors that advocates for the crystal industry in the areas of governmental relations, trade relations and consumer education.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN

The *25th* Annual Carder Steuben Glass Association Symposium is now open for registration!

The annual Carder Steuben Glass Association Symposium will take place September 18-19, 2026 at the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York. This milestone anniversary features an outstanding lineup of speakers, special presentations, and activities celebrating 25 years of the CSGA. We look forward to sharing this memorable weekend with you!

The schedule of events, information on hotel accommodations, and the link to register can all be found on the CSGA website here. Please note that Symposium registrations must be received no later than September 8th. We also have blocks of hotel rooms with special negotiated rates; make your hotel reservation today!

SEEKING DONATIONS

We are collecting items for our annual fundraising auction that will be held during the Symposium Banquet in September.  All proceeds from the auction benefit the Carder Steuben Glass Association and help to support our mission.

You can help support the CSGA by donating or consigning Carder Steuben glass, post-Carder Steuben glass, glass from the same era, or glass with relevance to Corning.  Other items like books, New York state wine, event tickets, or Frederick Carder items also make great auction entries.  If you are interested in supporting our organization in this way, please send item descriptions to Karen Beeman at symposium@steubenglass.org. You can bring your donations to the Symposium or ship them in advance to: CSGA c/o S. Coots, 14681 Lakeshore Rd., Kent, NY 14477.

The Carder Steuben Glass Association is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and you will receive a tax receipt for your donation.  Thank you in advance for your support!