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Stained Glass Windows
At the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Fly-In
Convention, held annually in Oshkosh, WI, it is possible to find ANYTHING
aviation-related, from seat covers to entire airframes.. After 20
consecutive years of attendance, Mary and I thought we had seen everything.
NOT. In the Fly Market at Oshkosh 2002 -- the
aviation equivalent of a Flea Market -- waaaay in the back, we saw something
glinting in the late afternoon sun. As we approached, it soon became
apparent that this was like NOTHING we'd ever seen at Oshkosh -- or anywhere
else, for that matter.
What we were seeing were large stained glass windows, shining in
the sun. But these weren't just just any windows -- these were all
aviation-themed, beautifully scaled stained glass windows! Aircraft of all
sorts, from warbirds to Beech Staggerwings, dancing and playing in the frozen
ice of stained glass -- we stood in awe and wonder, and wondered who could have
created such masterpieces?
Within moments, we found out. Gary Elshoff was displaying
at his very first Oshkosh convention, and was being bombarded with questions and
sales inquiries from the thousands of attendees who -- like Mary and me -- had
never seen anything like the windows he had created.
Soon the wheels began to turn and churn -- could we incorporate
something like this into our new aviation-themed hotel? To make a
long story short, we were too over-burdened with purchasing at the convention to
make a decision then and there. Luckily, however, Gary and I exchanged
cards, and -- a month or so after Oshkosh -- Gary called and we were able to set
the wheels in motion. He would design and create windows especially for
the inn!
Some six months after first laying eyes on them, we had
them installed -- and what a beautiful sight they are! Custom made to
reflect our inn and what it means to us, the pictures below simply can't capture
their beauty and splendor. Gary is an amazing artist, and the care and
technique he displays is incredible. You may see much more of his work at
his website at
www.FlyingColorsGlass.com .
See our beautiful new windows, below, but please be aware that
the photos don't capture their grandeur! We are now proudly selling
examples of his work in our Pilot's Shop, and you can order custom windows
directly from Gary by contacting him at
flycoglass@wi.rr.com .
Click a thumbnail, below, to see a
larger picture:
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Sun streaming in through the bottom pane...
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The whole window, at night...
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Detail shot of our Alexis Park Inn sign...
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A close-up of the Mainliner Iowa City DC-3
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A flash shot of the whole window...
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The detail in the Beech Staggerwing is apparent...
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The window changes colors throughout the day as the sun moves...
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A P-51 Mustang window in our Pilot's Lounge...
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A Stinson Voyager for sale...
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A close-up view shows the detail...
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Another view of the Stinson...
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