Art enthusiasts and history buffs across the Treasure Coast have a unique opportunity to witness a dazzling fusion of local history and artistic mastery at the A.E. Backus Museum. The museum recently hosted a successful Members Opening Reception for its latest exhibition, Glory in Glass – The Conrad Pickel Studio, drawing hundreds of guests to celebrate a studio that has been a cornerstone of the Vero Beach creative community for decades.
Running now through Sunday, January 4, 2026, this exhibition offers an intimate look into the intricate world of stained glass, highlighting the work of the renowned Conrad Pickel Studio. While the exhibition is hosted in Fort Pierce, its roots are deeply planted in Vero Beach soil.
A Historic Connection to Vero Beach
During the opening ceremony, J. Marshall Adams, Executive Director of the A.E. Backus Museum, highlighted the deep historical ties between the museum’s namesake and the Pickel family. The Conrad Pickel Studio, originally founded in Milwaukee in 1947, established a branch in Vero Beach in 1955. By 1975, under the leadership of Paul Pickel, the entire operation was relocated to Vero Beach, where it remains today.
Adams noted that A.E. Backus and Conrad Pickel were contemporaries who helped shape the region’s artistic identity. Research into newspaper archives revealed that the two men once served together as guest judges for a Vero Beach Art Show in the mid-1950s, solidifying the studio’s long-standing presence in the area.
The Treasure Coast has been a creative epicenter of activity for generations…and one of the really interesting pieces of that story here is an amazing nationally known studio of stained glass artists that has been here since the mid-1950s.
The Art and Science of Light
Glory in Glass is more than just a display of finished products; it is an exploration of the “art and science of light.” The exhibition features a curated selection of works created from the finest handblown antique glass. Visitors can view leaded stained glass windows designed for religious, secular, and public projects across North America, alongside displays that reveal the inner workings of the studio’s process.
The collaboration to bring this exhibit to life was spearheaded by Paul Pickel, current President of the studio and a Past President of the Stained Glass Association of America. Despite the challenges of displaying art typically designed for specific architectural sites, the studio opened its workshops to the museum team to create a presentation that showcases these treasures in the best possible light.
A Collaborative Community Effort
The exhibition’s curation features a unique backstory involving Georgina “George” Love, who identified the initial treasures for the display. Remarkably, Love had to pause her work to compete in the World Championships of Fencing, where she secured a Gold Medal for the United States. In her absence, Sean Clinton worked closely with the Pickel team to finalize the displays, ensuring the exhibit was ready for its grand opening.
Visitor Information
Residents of Vero Beach and the surrounding Indian River County area are encouraged to visit this luminous celebration of local artistry before it closes.
- Exhibit: Glory in Glass – The Conrad Pickel Studio
- Location: A.E. Backus Museum, 500 North Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, Florida 34950
- Dates: Open now through January 4, 2026
- Website: www.BackusMuseum.org
This exhibition stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Conrad Pickel Studio and its significant contribution to the cultural landscape of the Treasure Coast.
