ROBERT SOWERS

“One of the most prolific architectural glass artists of our time.”

— Jessica Shaykett, American Craft Council

Born in Milwaukee, WI, Robert Sowers (1923-1990) established himself as one of the premier stained glass artists working in the mid-20th century. Through his extensive studies and travels around the world he developed a “vision of stained glass as a full-blown architectural art form” (Stained Glass Quarterly, 1990, p. 89). Among his notable stained glass window projects are the windows at St. George’s Church, Durham, NH; Temple Beth Emeth, Albany, NY; and the glass facade of the American Airlines Terminal at JFK Airport in New York. Measuring 317’ long and 22.5’ high, the American Airlines facade was one of the largest stained glass windows ever commissioned.

Sowers designed the Great Cross window in the former sanctuary of 20 Pine Street. Placed high on the west wall, it is illuminated every evening by the setting sun.

Sowers’ papers are held by the Corning Museum of Glass. For more information about his work, please visit the American Craft Council.