Glory in Glass: The Conrad Pickel studio illuminates a tradition of excellence in stained glass
The A.E. Backus Museum and Gallery is delighted to present Glory in Glass: The Conrad Pickel Studio. Since 1947, the Conrad Pickel Studio has fused old-world craftsmanship with new-world innovation, contributing to the dramatic and enduring traditions of stained glass. Crafted from the finest mouth-blown glass, their leaded stained-glass windows—created for religious, secular, and public spaces across North America—embody both the art and science of light. This new exhibition of luminous studio work presents examples of process and pièces de résistance, and highlights a shining artistic treasure of the region. The exhibition is on view through January 4, 2026. The Museum is located at 500 N. Indian River Drive in Historic Downtown Fort Pierce.
The art of stained glass has been around for more than a thousand years, with artists employing a range of techniques. Among them, mouth-blown glass stands apart for its texture and artistry, profoundly shaping the character and quality of the final work. Tiny bubbles, gentle ripples, and slight variations—traits of the mouth-blown method—are not flaws but features, appreciated for their beauty and the vitality they bring to each pane.
Conrad Lawrence Pickel (1906-1994) began his stained-glass career at age fourteen in Munich as an apprentice at the well-regarded Franz Mayer Studio. He emigrated to the United States in 1928 and spent two decades gaining experience and a reputation in America before founding the Pickel Studio in Wisconsin in 1947.
In 1955, Pickel opened a second studio in Vero Beach, Florida, eventually consolidating all operations there. Following his passing in 1994, his son Paul Pickel—alongside wife Rosie and a team of master artisans—has continued the studio’s legacy. Today, the Conrad Pickel Studio remains a leader in stained and faceted glass, mosaics, and sculptural works, sustaining a 75-year tradition of excellence and innovation.
The Members’ Opening Reception is Friday, December 5, from 6:00-8:00 pm, with remarks at 6:30 pm. Members are free, and not-yet members are $20 or you can join at the door. The Museum will offer Free Admission to the public on Sunday, December 7 and Sunday, January 4.
The Conrad Pickel Studio Installations in St. Lucie and Indian River Counties include the following:
Fort Pierce
- Andrew Episcopal Church – Chancel window, early 1960s
- Trinity Methodist Church – Hallway window, early 1960s
- Anastasia Catholic Church – Nave window, 2008
- First United Methodist Church – Stained glass windows, early 1960s
- Indian River Presbyterian Church – Faceted glass windows, 1984
- Notre Dame Catholic Church – Stained glass nave windows, 2017
- Simeon Episcopal Church – Faceted glass, 2015
- Mark Catholic Church – New entrance window, 2024
- Lakewood Park Methodist Church -Fresh Wind Fresh Fire, Stained glass windows and mosaic
- Friendship United Methodist Church, Faceted glass
- John United Methodist Church – Stained glass
Port St. Lucie
- Lucie Catholic Church – Stained glass windows, 1990
- Church of the Nativity Episcopal Church – Stained glass windows, 2011
Indian River County
- Royal Palm Pointe Park
- Indian River Medical Center
- Temple Beth Shalom
- Gifford Youth Achievement Center
All dates and programming subject to change; please check the website for any updates or cancellations.
About the A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery
Since its founding in 1960 and the first day the doors opened in 1961, the A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery has been a center and catalyst for creativity and culture in our region. The Museum houses the nation’s largest public presentation of artwork by Florida’s preeminent painter, A.E. “Bean” Backus (1906-1990), and also continues its more than sixty-year tradition of exhibiting and celebrating the paintings of the original Florida Highwaymen, who got their start here. In addition, the Museum organizes and hosts changing exhibitions from artists of regional, national and international acclaim. The Backus Museum was recognized as the 2025 & 2022 Best of the Best Community Choice Award for Best Art Gallery; 2024 Best Art Gallery by Hometown News; and the 2021 Best Tourist Attraction – 2018 Best Museum / Best of the Treasure Coast by the readers of Indian River Magazine.
Hours:
Wednesday – Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM; Sunday, 12 Noon to 4 PM. Admission is $5 per person; AARP, AAA, and Veterans with appropriate ID receive a $2 discount. Students with school ID, children under 18, active duty military, and current members are always free. Visitors are asked to follow the latest public health guidance for the safety and comfort of guests, staff, and volunteers.
Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email news@indianrivermedia.com