The main publication of the National Trust for Historic Preservation examines the major roles women currently play in maintaining and restoring America's historic places. Ariana Makau, one of the preservation professionals highlighted in the magazine, shares stories about her early introduction to the field, some of the challenges she has overcome as a woman, and her passion for witnessing the transformation of a building through her own contributions.

Artist Statement explaining the background, creation and intent of panel comprised exclusively of  shards salvaged during the preservation of the Old and New Testament windows at Grace Cathedral. The Fillet Panel is now on display at Grace as part of its permanent collection.

We collaborate with high-end metal and woodworkers, engineers, and general contractors to solve unique problems, often with creative solutions that pair “old-school” fabrication with modern techniques. Nzilani is also dedicated to making our profession more equitable by being accessible to underserved communities, challenging the notion of who is qualified to work in our profession.

Stained glass windows are often the crowning glory of a sacred space. Serving the dual purpose of art and architecture, they augment and enhance a space like few other architectural assets. Yet, for all their beauty, their primary purpose is to protect people from the elements. When windows start to bend or leak due to broken joints or cracked glass, most people notice the damage and call a specialist for help. What many people often miss is another key element—lead.

One of the world’s most venerable decorative forms, stained glass has been experiencing something of a renaissance thanks to a growing community of popular Instagram artists. The Built Blog sat down with Makau to talk about the future of this historical medium and how restoration work can help bring the designs of the past to light.

Makau is every bit dynamic and nuanced as her chosen craft. She is passionate about leaving, in her words, “a legacy of creating a more diverse group of people who can preserve and create stained glass.” After perfecting her skills in glass conservation in museums around the world, Ariana knew there was a need to continue its legacy. She wanted to do so in a respectful, enjoyable, and safe way. “We make and preserve monumental artistic works…with our hands!” she remarks, “It’s thought-provoking and labor-intensive. Our work will physically survive for generations and contributes to the cityscape in which it’s located.”

Industrial hygienist David R. Hicks met Ariana Makau, the founder of a company that conserves historical glass works, in October 2019 at an event focused on the control of health and safety hazards in museums, historic sites, conservation treatment, and collection care. The Fourth Annual Safety and Cultural Heritage Summit was presented by the Potomac Local Section of AIHA; the Washington Conservation Guild; the Smithsonian Institution’s Office of Safety, Health and Environmental Management; and the Smithsonian National Collections Program in collaboration with the Lunder Conservation Center. At the event, Makau introduced Hicks to issues related to lead exposure in stained glass conservation, and the two began discussing how safety professionals, art conservators, and artists can work together while preserving stained glass as an art form.

An Oakland newspaper features Nzilani’s work, as well as Ariana’s roots, inspiration, artistic and entrepreneurial vision, and continuous involvement in the community. The article describes Nzilani’s stained glass restoration projects at San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral, St. Albert’s Priory, and Resurrection Oakland Church.

So, you’re serious about lead safety in your (single-bench/bustling business) stained glass studio. You’ve implemented the first “3-for-Free” steps in safety, you: (1) have shoes designated specifically for your work area, (2) wash your hands during and after working, and (3) don’t eat where you work. What else can you do that is relatively easy and cheap to increase being safe?

A growing number of San Francisco homeowners are choosing to restore historic properties—in particular the Victorians that are so synonymous with the city. When a young couple bought a 1900 Victorian in Haight Ashbury, they immediately moved in and began planning restorations and updates, starting with preserving an elaborate but disintegrating stained-glass window at the front of the house. The four-month process, overseen by local specialist Nzilani Glass Conservation, involved removing the panels and taking them apart, salvaging all of the original broken pieces and rebuilding the missing glass.

A typical day at Nzilani Glass Conservation could involve anything from photographing windows to restoring glass. As the only BIPOC-owned stained glass studio in the country, according to the Stained Glass Association of America, they’re providing employment for a diverse group of artists in a traditionally heavily white industry.

“When I was pursuing [glass conservation] as an interest, as an art, and then as a career, I didn’t see myself reflected in it,” says Ariana Makau, the founder of Nzilani. That’s part of the reason why Makau is deliberate about making sure her team is diverse not only racially, but in terms of life experiences as well.

Destination Crenshaw, which organizers have called the “largest commissioning project ever undertaken for Black artists,” is growing.

The $100-million, 1.3-mile public art corridor on Crenshaw Boulevard — reflecting and celebrating Black Los Angeles — has added four art commissions to its roster.

The project — permanent, outdoor sculptures and murals as well as 4 acres of new green space— now includes new works by sculptor Gerard Basil Stripling as well as muralists Patrick Henry Johnson, Anthony “Toons One” Martin and Kisasi Ramsess.

Repairing failing residential windows means ensuring personal safety. In fact, what is often referred to as “stained glass” is in truth leaded-art glass (individual pieces of clear or colored glass set into lead cames to create an artistic design). Addressing lead safety while preserving old windows can be tricky when your beloved pet’s favorite sunny grooming spot happens to be under a deteriorating leaded window actively releasing lead dust.⁠

Of course, leaded-glass windows add great value to your home, both historically and monetarily. Effective preservation of older windows is preferable, under correct health and safety precautions. Site work must always be undertaken by a leaded-glass specialist who also has certified lead-worker training.

The stained glass windows that adorn the Mount Zion Baptist Church in Athens are covered in paper thin cracks.

They’re so fragile, one shattered earlier this year, when March rushed in like a lion.

Still, the intricate design and striking size of the windows offer a glimpse into another time — a time when the Black community in Athens was booming and when Ada Woodson Adams was just a child.

“In 1939, when I was born, segregation existed in Ohio and surrounding areas of Athens County. And so the Black church was the center of Black life,” Woodson Adams remembered.