AdammsGallery

Valley Beth Shalom Synagogue Encino, CA, Stained Glass Restoration

   

                                                                                                                       

 

  Valley Beth Shalom Synagogue is the beautiful synagogue in Encino, California. The synagogue dates back to 1950 when three small congregations joined together and moved an old schoolhouse from Long Beach to the San Fernando Valley on Sepulveda Blvd. However, this rapidly became too small so the congregation moved to a small motel in the area. The end of the 1950's and beginning of the 1960's saw the congregation expand and build a permanent home. on the corner of Densmore and Ventura Blvd. The expansion of the synagogue saw tremendous increases in community participation including the Jewish youth. 

                                              
   

     As the 1960-'s came to a close a search for a new rabbi would see the congregation grow beyond anyone's wildest dreams. The construction of the main sanctuary included two contemporary stained-glass windows. One on either side of the Bima. The synagogue was truly off and running. Everything looked bright until on the evening of May 7th, 2003, a firebombing of the synagogue destroyed a large section of the Westerly stained glass window. As disturbing and frightful as this was there was overwhelming comfort when the valley community came together. "Where do you find the sparks of decency in tragedy? In the response of men and women of all faiths who, on the very next evening, gathered together in a prayer of solidarity at St. Cyril’s Catholic Church just two days after the fire-bombing. Men and women, Muslims, Christians, Jews, Baha’i, Armenian clergy, who sang and prayed and heard each other’s anguish and each other’s resolve to stand together to offer each other their houses of worship to those sanctuaries which were violated."

     Temporary repairs were made to the window, but it would be nearly 20 years before a total restoration would be completed. The restoration of the windows was a small part of a major expansion and remodel of the sanctuary and building itself. We were contacted at the end of 2023 to make a proposal for the repairs to the window. The temporary repair was in fact a hand painted reproduction of the stained glass done with acrylics on two sheets of 1/4" acrylic glass. There were still numerous broken pieces and smoke and burn marks on the adjacent areas. The windows were approximately 4' wide and 25' tall. They were made up in sections that were about 3 feet tall. After a thorough inspection we determined that the horizontal supports were far too weak to be reused. Each section was held in place by 1 1/2" aluminum H bar, we would replace these with 1" steel T bar. We removed both sets of windows, boarded up the openings with 1/2" plywood and brought them to out studio in Santa Monica. Once in the studio we soaked them in water, disassembled, and cleaned the pierces. Of course, we recycle all the old lead came.

                                                                                                           

     The glass was colorful cathedral glass manufactured by The Kokomo Opalescent Glass Company in Kokomo, Indiana. We have a wonderful relationship with Kokomo and use their glass often in restoration projects. Most of the glass was available from the local distributor (Hollander Glass Company in Stanton, CA.). The design was rectilinear with images of Hebrew letters and symbols as well at menorahs, Shabot candles, and other Jewish themes. All the paint was black creating a subtle feeling against the colorful background. The leading was a mixture of flat H ranging in width from 5/8" to 1".

                                                                                                       

      Therre were no images of the 3' x 12' section that had been destroyed so we used our imagination adding similar line work and colored glass. The restoration process took about 2 1/2 months including removal, acquiring the replacement glass, painting the images, fabrication and installation. We finished just in time for the reopening celebration.

                                                                                                      

 I have said many times that the joy in restoring religious windows cannot be matched. The wonderful feedback and love we get from the administration and members of the congregation are a payment that cannot be equaled. The windows are now ready to be inspiring and appreciated by many future generations. 

                * Thanks to Alberto Marquez(Chief Glazer), Jose Ceja, Armondo Colon, Mary Orrell our magnificent painter, and Bart Pachino of Valley Beth Shalom(Executive Director)

19th Century European Stained Glass Window Restoration

 

   

I acquired this window along with an identical one about 30 years ago. The designer who brought them in couldn't afford to have us restore both of them, so I kept this one and restored the other which she gladly took in exchange. For this one we replaced about 35 broken or missing painted pieces and totally restored it. The red glass is all antique (mouth blown) German glass. The painted gold colors are achieved with silver stain paints. All the painting is fired in a kiln which fuses the paint to the glass. The paint is actually composed of dyes and finely ground glass. The center medallion of the cavalier on horseback may not be original with the window. When we acquired the window the medallion's leading showed signs of being replaced at some point. However, since the state of the window was p[opopr it could have just been loose and was reworked to fit back in. the leading. We disassembled the window, thoroughly cleaned it and releaded it with all new lead. I happened to have an old oak sash that we were able to cut down a bit and make it fit. The window is about 72" x 30" and has a dramatic effect.

After all these years I have decided to retire it to my home. I love it when a beautiful window gets a nice home DON'T YOU?

The Riviera Country Club, Pacific Palisades, Stained Glass Repair

                                                                                                        
                          

 

In November of 2022 we were asked to inspect the stained glass windows in the Club House restaurant at The Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades.  The Riviera Golf and Tennis Club is a historic club. It was founded in 1926 by members of the Los Angeles Athletic Club. The club was an immediate success with many celebrities and prominent businessmen signing up as members. Over the years the club had been the home of the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, U.S. Amateur, U.S. Senior Open and the NCAA Championships.  In 2028, it will host the men’s and women’s golf competitions when the Olympic Games come to Los Angeles.

There are five sets of hemisphere windows approximately 8 feet wide and 44" tall. They are comprised of two panels each being 1/4 of the window. The windows had many broken pieces, but the main problem is that they were very loose.In actuality, the windows themselves were not installed properly. While there is wood molding around the perimeter the two sections of the window are supported in the center with a steel T bar and putty. The problem is that in a normal T bar installation there are steel clips that fasten the windows to the T bar before the putty is applied. In this case there were none., and the glazing putty was nonexistent.

                                          

On the initial inspection of the windows, I also noticed that there was a considerable number of broken pieces, and there were areas that needed reglazing. After explaining the problem, and submitting a proposal, we were asked to do what was necessary to restore the windows to their original condition. The Club also wanted us the finish the restoration before the beginning of the Genisis Open which is scheduled for February 16th, 2023. 

We removed all the windows at the beginning of December and the Club installed clear acrylic in their place. We then transported the windows to our studio in Santa Monica. Once in the studio we began work on them. With samples of the glass, we were able to order the pale green background glass directly from Kokomo Opalescent Glass. Surprisingly they are able to get it to us in about one week. The rest of the glass (old Desag hand blown antique glass from the 1970's and 80's) we fortunately had in stock. The repairs went very well. All the glass was a perfect match and there were no surprises in the procedure. We let the windows sit for a few weeks allowing the putty to cure. We also had to wait for the surprising deluge of rain to let up.

Finally, we were able to install the beginning of the third week of January well in advance of the open.

                                          

Filip Vogelpohl Glass Artist

“I have found my calling in the world of glass.”

Filip Vogelpohl was born in Prague, Czech Republic in 1976. He immigrated to the US in 1987 after living 11 years under communist rule. He grew up in Boise, Idaho where his love of art led him to take many classes throughout his high school years. After high school he traveled throughout the Northwest, eventually landing is Eugene, Oregon where his introduction to glass began. Once hooked on glass he continued his travels throughout the world. His teachers in the glass world included Robert Mickelson, Kevin O'Grady, Milon Townsend, and Casare Toffolo. Filip's work contains a broad array of products ranging from lighting and chandeliers to marbles, paperweights, and sculptural works. As an internationally recognized artist, Vogelpohl's work largely consists of commissions created over the years for art collectors, local businesses and interior designers out of his studio and gallery in Boise, Idaho. Boise Art Glass.

   

                     Wavy Bowls                                         Pen Holders                                   Wine Bottle Stoppers                                Fish Shot Glasses

                                                                           

                                          Cosmic Marbles                                                              Galaxy Marbles                                              Vortex Marbles

Joining Filip is his Boise Art Glass team, Austin Grill, Kevin Gray, Natasha Benedetti, Grayson Bailey, Caleb Feaster, and Hunter. Each of these skilled artisans brings a personal perspective to the art of creating with glass. In addition to their regular line of collectables, they are also available for custom work, and teach glass blowing classes as well as rent space out for the private glass blower.

We are very proud to represent Filip and his team at our Santa Monica Gallery.

Paul Willsea and Carol O'Brien Hand Blown Art Glass

                                          
                                                                 Primrose Round Bowl

Paul and Carol have been blowing magnificent art glass since 1983. It was shortly after that that I met them and began representing their work in my Santa Monica gallery. Their work has always been first class. I cannot remember once having to return a piece because of bad design or craftmanship. 

                               

                                                               Ocean Oblong Bowl 

                                                                             Round Wall Sculptures
   

     Their work has certainly evolved over the years, but they still produce some of the vintage style pieces that gave them a name so many years ago. Today they are using vibrant colors and endearing shapes that captures the feeling of the nature that surrounds them in their Upstate New York home and studio. They create large bowls that have an easy flow to them. They offer these in platters also and make wall designs which incorporate these vivid colors and diverse movement that the glass allows them to create.

                                

                                Ruby Candle Holders                         Jade Crackle Pyramid Bowl

   They also create candle sticks, and a crackle glass series that has endured their nearly 40 years of glass blowing. Their work has always been refreshing, uplifting, and engaging. When you see their work, it is difficult to take your eyes off of it. When customers buy their work, they tend to keep it forever.                                                                                      Canyon Square Cradle Bowl

Daniel Salazar Art Glass Vases and Paper Weights

                              

Pink Moth Orchid                    Fumed Wisteria w/Butterfly                         Pink Sweet Pea on Dark Green

In June of 1974, Daniel Salazar was hired as a glass grinder by Nouveau Glass, later to become Lundberg Studios. By 1975, he was working with hot glass, along side James and Steven Lundberg, as a helper or pontilman there. It soon became evident that he had a unique flair for design. By 1978, he had begun producing and designing his own paperweights. He was also influential in developing certain techniques in the California-style paperweight lampworking process.  Daniel has earned a fine reputation for his delicate and natural look in floral paperweights, as well as birds, underwater scenes and abstract glass works. These same designs have also been produced in beautiful assembly on perfume bottles, vases and jewelry jars. Much of Daniel's work has taken inspiration from his interest in botany and the collecting Asian art and antiques. Since childhood, a passion for sketching and watercolor has been the source for his unique artistic development. In addition, he has attended art classes at Cabrillo College in color and design and life drawing. His work has been exhibited at the following museums and has become part of their permanent collections. De Young Museum, San Francisco, CA Los Angeles County Museum, Los Angeles, CA Art Museum of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA Villa Terrace Museum of Decorative Arts, Milwaukee, WI Bergstrom-Mahler Museum, Neenah, WI The Smithsonian Institute, Washington, DC Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, NY Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL Muscatine Art Center, Muscatine, IA Jones Museum of Glass & Ceramics, Douglas Hill, ME Museum of American Glass, Wheaton Village, Millville, NJ Scone Palace, Perth, Scotland MSC Center Galleries, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.

Daniel left Lundberg studios around 2008 to explore other opportunities. Rebecca Lundberg still has a number of Daniels pieces stashed away and has made them available to our gallery. Continue to check from time to time for additional work from this master artist.

 

Adamm's Stained Glass & Gallery Santa Monica, CA 90401  310 451 9390

Sher Berman Glass Jewelry Artist

       

Crochet lariat with glass beads  Apatite and silver bead necklace Glass and silver crochet necklace

In a world where so many artists and designers use production pieces fabricated in China it is refreshing to see an American artist who creates 100% on her own. When you hold and look at a Sher Berman crochet bracelet, necklace, or earrings you immediately feel and see quality. Sher's use of color is miraculous!

                      
Lampwork Rasberry Beads           Long Orange Bead    Lampwork Black Glass Bead  Slver and Apatite bead Earrings

She combines colored glass, semi-precious stones, and silver beads in dramatic, tasteful, and pleasing color combinations. Her work is exceptionally comfortable to wear. It is light, smooth on the body, and very easy to put on and take off. Simply put her work is a joy to wear and blast to look at. There is no doubt, you will be the LIFE OF THE PARTY!

In Sher's words:

    I have a passion for beads in all its many forms. I create my own lampwork glass beads in my home studio in Illinois. I also do all the bead crochet from start to finish.
I grew up in Highland Park, Illinois attending Highland Park High School. Every year they would have something called "Focus on the Arts" and I just loved that special time. The school would bring in professionals in all different fields of the arts. You could learn to use a camera, solder a ring or write a short story. I took all jewelry classes and was completely fascinated. That is when I knew I would use my creativity to create something unique.
I went on to achieve a BFA in Graphic Design from the University of Iowa and worked many years in Chicago as a graphic designer.
I got married, had two wonderful children and then it was, well, now what? I took a lampworking class in Highland Park and absolutely fell in love with it. The minute the torch was lit, I knew it would be my calling.
I now make glass beads and create bead crochet pieces in my home studio.

When  outdoor art shows are again allowed Sher will be displaying in them. Her work is also available at the gallery. www.adammsgallery.com

 

 

The University of Southern California -Doheny Library- Leaded Glass Window Restoration

    

Two years ago we restored the front windows of the Doheny Library at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. The Doheny library was built in 1931 by Edward Doheny. Edward Doheny was the first person to discover and produce oil in Los Angeles. At one point he was the richest man in America. The library was built to memorialize his son Edward (Ned) L. Doheny Jr. who was killed in 1929. The library was built at a cost of $ 1.1 million.

                                             
     A major portion of this years project is The Los Angeles Times reference Room. The room as 23 leaded glass windows that are approximately 3' wide and 16' tall. They are comprised of 4 section each in a steel frame. The glass as all hand blown German glass.Originally the glass was a pale amber color, but over time the glass changed color because of a magnesium imbalance. This causes the glass to turn a rose color which with the underlying amber shows as beige. It is actually a very pretty color.

                                            
   This same effect of color change can be seen in what has been called "Desert Glass". Desert glass refers to clear glass bottles that when stored on roof tops in the desert (typically Arizona, or Southern California) turns rose or purple over time. It is sometimes called "sun colored amethyst glass".

                    
     The windows are in poor condition with cracks in the lead came, dried up glazing, broken pieces, and sagging. They needed total restoration. We worked with K.C. Restoration on this project just as we did two years ago when we restored the front windows. We have also worked with K.C. on the Bob Hope Patriotic Hall, Wilshire Boulevard Temple, and the Tower Theater among others. K.C. removed, and installed the windows. We soaked the windows in vats of water to loosen the old putty, and contain the old putty dust(which contains asbestos). In this case it also made removing the old solar/UV film that had been applied to the glass much easier.

                                                       
         After the bath we disassembled the windows, cleaned the glass, and leaded them up with new lead came. Staying with the original lead choice, we used 5/8" H flat lead on the border and 1/2" H flat lead in the body. We added them up, soldered the joints and used Atlas "Wonder"putty to glaze.

                                
          The reinforcing bars are solid brass rods with a flared end the flared ends are set behind the steel sash styles to lock in the windows. As with most pre 1930's windows the bars are attached to the windows with copper wire. We used 16 gauge bare copper wire that was soldered to the joints of the windows and then twisted around the bars.

                                        

                                             The windows are installed in steel frames with screw in steel moldings.

                                                                      
                                                                   Exterior sealant still needs some cleaning up
                                                                       Now on to the rest of the windows

 

Ebenezer Baptist Church Stained Glass Restoration

     Back in February of 2020 we received a call from Bishop Little of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Los Angeles. Ebenezer Baptist Church was built in 1938, in South Los Angeles.The Bishop inquired if we would come out to take a look at the church stained glass windows. The windows were sagging and pieces were cracking. We made an appointment for the following week.

             
                                                                     Windows with exterior acrylic before
There are four stained glass windows two are 42" wide and 10 feet tall , and the other two are 42" wide and 12 feet tall. The  windows are composed of 4 sections each. All the windows had very crazed and hazy acrylic on the exterior for protective glazing. On the interior there was obvious slipping of the window. The bottom panels had cracks, and the lower borders had folded. Two of the bottom panels had gaps on top of up to 1". The panels three panels above the bottom panels were in fairly good condition.
     The Church wanted to conserve money(not unheard of), so I proposed that we remove and restore the four bottom panels  and leave the upper panels. We would remove the exterior acrylic and replace it with clear 1/4" tempered glass. It was also obvious that all the exterior woodwork would need to be replaced as it was severely weather beaten and had obvious rot. I presented a proposal to replace, and paint all the exterior wood(leaving the sash and frames), restore the four lower panels, and install the tempered glass. The proposal was accepted, and we scheduled the work. Unfortunately, the Cocid-19 pandemic struck at this time. It wasn't until late July that we were able to begin work.

          

                                                         Deterioration of frame and sash, sagging of window

     We removed the exterior acrylic  and observed just how bad the  frames and sash really were. There was extensive dry rot, and total deterioration of most of the frames. The steel T bars that were supporting the windows were tearing away from the sash. The sill was almost totally useless. We now proposed that we replace the entire set of four window frames and sash. We opened up the wall of the inside and saw that the studs were rotted and the entire wall was like jelly. We would have to rebuild the entire wall. With my friend and contractor Don Van Cura we proceeded. We ordered the frames and sash, and removed all the stained glass panels, and deteriorated frames and sash. Then we boarded up the opening with plywood for four weeks while we waited for the new frames and sash to arrive.

     

Wall with old frame and studs removed           Wall with old studs                        Exterior showing frame removed

                                                                                             
                                                                                              Wall with dry wall and frame installed                         
                  With the frames due to arrive we began rebuilding the walls. Don Van Cura was able to cut the old studs away from the exterior stucco with a Sawzall, and set in new 2 x 4's. He then miraculously screwed the existing stucco to the new 2 x 4's setting in flashing paper and caulking. With the new frames and sash in hand he began installation continuing with the fascia trim, and caulking the complete set of windows. He patched up the stucco, and Ron Benveniste of R.B Painting Company, primed all the woodwork interior and exterior.and we were ready to install the stained glass panels.

                                                    

                                                 Installing T bar                                                Windows installed

    The first step was to set all the original steel T bars in place. We previously cleaned them up and painted them. The bars had a 90 degree bend at each end, and we screwed them in place into the sash. Each bar was spaced to allow for the stacking of glass panels , but each would support their panel separately. With the T bars installed to set the panels in place securing them with steel sash clips, and wood molding. We completed the window installation, and came back after the painters painted the stucco, and interior and exterior of the woodwork. They did a fabulous job in color matching the stucco and frame color. The original color was from 1938.

                                            
                         Exterior with Tempered Glass                                                                     Finished Restoration from inside

     When the final painting was completed we went back and installed the tempered glass exterior glazing. We decided to cover each window with a single piece of glass rather than 4 separate pieces as was originally there. The final result met with many thanks, and much love. It is always such a wonderful feeling to restore beautiful windows and bring them to life once again. The spiritual feeling from the congregation, Bishop, and ourselves is a tremendous reward. During the whole process we feel a kinship with the original artisans that created these windows to so long ago. It's a nice way to honor them as well. Now the church will have these beautiful windows for many generations to come.

  

Custom Angel Seraphim Stained Glass Window

     We love all the work we do, especially when we have a customer that really strikes us as being a wonderful human being. In this case we also found that the subject matter was very interesting. We were asked to make a window based on a Tarot card of the angel Seraphim. This led us to do some research on angels.

Seraphim

These are the highest order or choir of angels. They are the angels who are attendants or guardians before God's throne. They praise God, calling, "Holy Holy Holy is the Lord of Hosts". the only Bible reference is Isaiah 6:1-7. One of them touched Isaiah's lips with a live coal from the altar, cleansing him from sin. Seraphim have six wings, two cover their faces, two cover their feet, and two are for flying.

To start, our customer sent us an image of a Tarot card.

    

The window was planned to go in a bathroom. After discussing the various types of glass, the need for privacy, light, and color, we decided to use Lambert hand blown German (antique) glass. The medallions were painted on a pale amber antique

 and the center circle was etched using a flashed red on clear antique glass.  

After we etched out the red with sand blasting our expert painter(Mary Orrell) hand painted the blue and purple interior which was then fired in our kiln. We leaded the window up using solid brass came,   


 which we antiqued with a patina. It was then framed ion a pine frame and shipped up to our customer in Seattle.

I think it is a pretty cool window. It is about 30" x 45".

Craig Zweifel Master Glass Artist 1944-2020

     The pandemic has made 2020 a very trying year for all of us. Adding to the sadness brought on by Covid 19 is the passing of one of America's best glass artist. Craig Zweifel succumbed to Parkinson's disease earlier this month.

 

Craig Zweifel  1944-2020             It is with deep sadness that I am informing you of the passing of Craig  Zweifel. Most of you know of Craig's work. His golden tones with deep red patterns were classics for close to 50 years. His heart & Vine pattern were favorites. His glass had a uniform thickness that made it instantly recognizable  as work from a master artisan.He was the perfect blend of craftsman, and artist, but what I will remember most about  Craig is his attitude toward life. He loved life, and people.whenever you were with him you were sure to have fun.      I first met Craig in 1971. He was working on his Masters at UCLA, and I was starting out doing craft shows. Every  Friday and Saturday night we would set up in the Warehouse Records alcove in Westwood Village. along  with about 20 other artists.We had potters, jewelers, candle makers,  clothing artists, painters, macrame, weavers, leather artists, and of   course glass artists. We would set up at 6 PM and stay until 11 or sometimes 12. Often we would go out for a late dinner and  drinks afterward. It was a good  group of people.       Being in Westwood, we would regularly have celebrities as customers. Nobody would bother them so they loved coming down, talking, and buying a piece to take home or give as a gift.      After UCLA Craig moved to Ketchum, Idaho  with his  wife Anny. They had a great life. Craig  blew his glass, Anny helped out and kept after her garden.After many years in Ketchum they moved to Williams, Oregon to get away from the severe winters. Craig was diagnosed with Parkinson's a few years ago, and had to put down his blow pipe. It was a sad time, and today even sadder.      If you feel inclined the family would appreciate it if you would donate to the Parkinson's Foundation to help find a cure for this terrible disease.   Adamm Gritlefeld Adamm's Stained Glass & Gallery 1426 4th St. Santa Monica, CA 90401