Inspired by the architectural history and former utility of the retired Fire Dispatch Building at Albert Winn Park, our current climate crisis, and the houseless population that occupies the park, Ellie Gainey has created a set of faux stained glass windows. She has pulled inspiration from motifs of the 1930s in conversation with the design of this building. Her work also touches on symbols of hope, encouraging viewers to spend a few moments reflecting on our current circumstances and how we can move forward together. What is at stake with climbing rates of wildfires in California? How could we be a part of the solution to empower the houseless community? In essence: are we good stewards to the land we inhabit, the life it supports and humanity at large? When we hold these things in high regard, it enables us to take action with joy.

 

The windows are created with washes of transparent interior latex paint. Each wash gets a treatment of multiple colors and is applied in a single coat to maintain transparency. Application is done with regular house paintbrushes. This process allows the light to pass through the paint and be enjoyed from both sides of the glass. The black lines that hug the “stained glass” are a matte interior latex paint which mimic the soldered copper tape of real stained glass windows. She discovered this process recently and encourages all artists and DIYers to try it out themselves.