Stories in Stained Glass

Stained glass master Samuel A. Hodge celebrates the movers and shakers of African-American history and culture through this extraordinary, vivid stained glass installation, which features musicians, dancers, and freedom advocates. This luminescent exhibition honors their collective efforts to raise the spirits and voices of African Americans.

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Musicians, dancers, freedom advocates: for stained glass artist Samuel A. Hodge, these figures are beacons of hope and transformation in African-American history and culture.

Vivid, colorful, and luminescent, Stories in Stained Glass: The Art of Samuel A. Hodge, carves out an intimate respite surrounding the Museum’s rotunda area., providing extraordinary imagery and stories in a medium seldom used by African American artists.

The works of art included in this long-term installation focus on three areas of African American culture and history. “The Musicians” celebrates everyday people who have exercised their right to interpret the world as they see it through songs and instruments. “Dance and Dancers” on the other hand, honors those artists who use their bodies as the medium to express non-verbal emotions, themes, and ideas. And “Freedom Advocates” is dedicated to notable African Americans who fought and died to ensure liberty and dignity for themselves and their people.

Extraordinary Craftsmanship

Stained glass is an elegant, spiritual medium. This painstakingly-created installation represents the work of a master artist at the peak of his craft.

Stories of Courage

The figures celebrated in this installation all fought for liberation using the talents they born with. Some interpret the world as they see it through music. Others do so through movement, articulating emotions and ideas through dance. Others champion dignity and freedom through their physical presence, and through their voices, speaking truth to power fearlessly, selflessly. Stories in Stained Glass celebrates their collective efforts.

"The light pouring through Hodge's work is as radiant as the stories it tells. A true treasure!" – Taylor Moore

"These vibrant pieces celebrate history with such beauty and depth. A feast for the eyes and soul." – Rachel Dixon

"Every panel is a testament to African-American ingenuity and hope. Simply stunning!" – Jamal Price

Hodge (b. 1935 – d. 2018) a retired psychology teacher and funeral director, hailed from New York state. However, he and his family now live in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where he creates stained glass art and tells stories reflecting his proud heritage. He says, “I didn’t make the history, but I can portray it,” and portray it he does.