Tucked between Glenbrook and Springdale, The Stained Glass Apple stands as a luminous testament to craftsmanship, creativity, and community. Founded in 1984 by the late Marilyn Gehring, the beloved studio began with a simple gift: a stained-glass lesson certificate given by her daughter. What started as Marilyn’s desire to create a chandelier for her dining room quickly blossomed into a lifelong passion. Over four decades—and five different Stamford locations—Marilyn built a thriving hub for stained-glass enthusiasts. She continued creating in her studio until age 94.
Today, her daughters, Sally and Christine, honor her legacy by continuing to operate the shop, keeping alive the vibrant artistic community Marilyn nurtured. “Stamford is where Mom lived and raised her family,” they share. “It felt only natural to keep the studio right here.”
What sets The Stained Glass Apple apart is its dual identity as both a retail store and a fully functioning stained-glass studio. Visitors will find handcrafted treasures, specialty supplies, custom designs, and, most famously, repairs—one of their most requested services. Their lead artist, who also happens to be a certified electrician, oversees both repair work and instruction. The studio offers workshops for all levels, from beginners to advanced artists, and even hosts private events for small groups.
Beyond the studio walls, the owners cherish their deep ties to Stamford. They’ve supported local schools, Scouts, sports teams, and the Glenbrook Fire Department, and collaborate with area businesses including Teddy’s Custom Metal Works, Connecticut Glass and Mirror, and Bullseye Glass. They also proudly feature the work of local artists “Delphinium” and “Designs by Bonnie,” who teach and create within the studio’s creative ecosystem.
Their philosophy is simple: “One day at a time.”
Four decades later, The Stained Glass Apple continues to shine—both as an artistic haven and as a cherished piece of Stamford’s creative soul.