New Averett Professor and Art Historian "Fired Up" about stained glass

July 27, 2009

Are you fired up for stained glass? Well, a new art professor at Averett University is - and he is dying to tell you about it.

Averett proudly hosts noted art historian and South Boston, Va. resident Lee Sandstead on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. in Pritchett Auditorium. Sandstead will discuss the history of stained glass as seen in Southern Virginia. The event is free and open to the public.

"This is an extremely exciting lecture for me," Sandstead said. "From the first Gothic cathedrals in Europe, to over 1,300 mausoleums in New York City, to the churches of Southern Virginia, I have traveled the world looking for, photographing and studying stained glass. And what I have I learned? Two things: first, that between the years of 1880 and 1930, Americans made the greatest stained glass the world has ever seen, and two - I'm fired up for stained glass."

This unique medium traces its roots to ancient Egyptian civilization, and became the dominant art form in churches starting around 1100 A.D. But as we travel up and down the streets of Danville and look at the churches that have stained glass, notes Sandstead, few know the history of this thrilling medium or how stained glass here in Southern Virginia is the product of a much-larger cultural phenomenon known as the American Stained Glass Movement.

Sandstead's illustrated presentation will detail the development of the American Stained Glass movement, from its beginnings to its climax. Fueled by the fierce competition between two New York City artists-John La Farge and L.C. Tiffany-Americans filled their homes, churches and public spaces with stained glass. Sandstead will survey some of America's greatest masterpieces, as well as some of the best glass to be seen in Pittsylvania and Halifax counties.

"When I give tours on the history of stained glass at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, these tours are usually the hardest to fill," Sanstead said. "Sadly, most people are just not fired up for stained glass. But at the end of each tour, the people are so excited, they come back to the same tour two, three and four times. I even had to comfort one grandmother, who was so deeply saddened by how much has been forgotten about stained glass-that her eyes teared up! That's a true story!"

Sandstead has a national reputation as an exciting and dramatic speaker about art, and he has gained a significant following in Southern Virginia during the past two years. From institutions such as Danville Museum of Fine Arts in History, Danville Community College, The University of Richmond and The Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, Sandstead motivates audiences to look at art.

"It's a great pleasure to welcome Lee Sandstead to Averett," said Dr. Tiffany Franks, Averett president. "We're very pleased that he will join our already exemplary faculty. His excitement for art is contagious.
We hope everyone will take advantage of the opportunity to hear from one of the most exciting personalities in the art world."

Sandstead will join Averett's distinguished art faculty this fall, teaching art history and computer art. Those who previously have taken a class at Averett may register for Sandstead's classes by calling 434-791-5891. New students should call 434-791-5607.

Host of Travel Channel's "Art Attack with Lee Sandstead," Sandstead has traveled all over the world examining stained glass. In 2003, he was given the opportunity of a lifetime to enter over 1,300 mausoleums and photograph their stained glass. This collection of photography, unlike anything else in the history of photography, is being donated to the Columbia University's architectural library. He has lectured at such notable institutions as: Harvard, Duke, Yale and New York University.

"Come on!" said Sandstead. "This talk is years in the making and will be one heck of a ride!"