RUTLAND — A window normally lets in light. The window at the Rutland Free Public Library lets in a story.
The stained glass image now installed at the library emerged from an iconic scene after stained glass artist Nick Mazzamurro met with library director Kerry Remington and children’s librarian Aislinn Lewis.
“They had many thoughts and ideas of what would best represent the town and its history,” Mazzamurro said. “We ultimately decided to focus on a photograph in Kerry’s office: a black and white of the, I believe original, central tree with cows and a dirt road.”
The project started with that inspiration and design work.
“There were many, many hours at the drawing table, and lots of artistic license. It started with a small colored sketch with the basic idea, and after many mutations, became a full-scale design,” he said.
The existing windows, and framing between them, span about 11.5 feet. The design flows through four panels.
“I worked on it two sections at a time and eventually taped the four panels to the outside of a building. That allowed me to get the ‘bird’s-eye view’ that I was unable to get in my studio.”
The design process was ongoing, with Mazzamurro significantly altering the fourth panel during fabrication, he said.
“If I have an idea that I think will improve it, I’ll make the change.”
One thing that can affect a design choice is the glass needed to bring the project to fruition.
“I’m very particular when choosing glass for a project. The challenge was not only finding the right glass, but in the quantity I needed,” he said.
The librarians chipped in to support the project by spreading the word and seeking funding.
“We are enhancing the area with the beautiful changing colors of the window in the children’s area of the library,” Remington said.
Lewis wrote a cultural council grant to offset the cost of the window.
“The Friends contributed half of the cost, as they can see the added value the window gives the library,” Remington said. Any remaining cost will come from the library gift account. “The library gift account is where we place donations made to the library, ensuring the funds stay at the library,” she said.
“The reaction from the community has been great. Everyone loves the new addition to the Children’s area,” Lewis added.
She said they found Mazzamurro through the Worcester Center for Crafts.
“He has previously taught a class there. He was local, and came to look at the project. He really liked the idea of it, and what Kerry and I were suggesting,” Lewis said.
Delay resulted from supply chain issues last year. Mazzamurro worked really hard to make sure the center panel was done by the time the Smithsonian exhibit was at the library, Lewis said.
“Since this window was also part of the 300th celebration, we wanted it installed in tandem with the exhibit,” with the installation completed at the end of February.
“It’s so great to see this iconic part of Rutland be captured in stained glass,” Lewis said.
“I have been a glass artisan in the Central Mass. area since 1994,” Mazzamurro said. “I took my first class at the Worcester Center for Crafts and continued at the Salt Box Studio in Northborough and Westborough. I specialize in creating custom designs as well as Tiffany reproduction lamps and windows.”
