A 109-year-old Tiffany stained-glass window that survived a devastating fire at a former Akron church is getting a second life, and will be unveiled Friday, Sept. 18, at Peg's Gallery in Hudson as a part of its newest exhibit, "Higher Ground."

The window was rescued from the former St. Paul's Episcopal Church after a 2018 fire and restored by preservationist Tony Troppe and supporters from the St. Paul's Revival Group. It had been on display earlier this year at the Akron Art Museum.

Now, it's the centerpiece of "Higher Ground," a new exhibit using its story of survival and restoration to explore resilience, recovery and new beginnings.

A 109-year-old Tiffany stained-glass window that survived a devastating Akron church fire can be seen at Peg’s Gallery in Hudson as a part of its newest exhibit, "Higher Ground."

Originally installed at the Akron church at at 354 E. Market St. in 1917, the Tiffany window was nearly lost when fire tore through the building in 2018. Troppe and supporters from the St. Paul's Revival Group worked to save the window, which was later restored by Cleveland-based Whitney Stained Glass Studio.

The window's story of being rescued, restored and given new life inspired "Higher Ground." Peg's Gallery is part of Peg's Foundation, which focuses on advancing mental health systems change.

"At Peg's, we believe recovery from serious mental illness is possible, and that people can heal, grow and build meaningful lives with the right support," said Rick Kellar, president and CEO of Peg's. "The story of this window is such a powerful reminder that experiencing damage or hardship does not have to be the end of the story. Our past remains part of us, but it does not have to define what comes next."

Joan Colbert, one of the featured artists for "Higher Ground" at Peg's Gallery, will highlight her prints exploring plants, nature, healing, and renewal.

The Tiffany window is joined by works from other Northeast Ohio artists and creators exploring similar themes of resilience, renewal and transformation, including:

● Jill Troppe: Stained-glass works inspired by the elegant maiden figures and botanical motifs of the Art Nouveau movement.

● Joan Colbert: Prints exploring plants, nature, healing, and renewal.

● Suzanne Morgan, American Institute of Architects emerita: Architectural models of sacred spaces representing different faith traditions.

● Eric S. Vaughan: Filmmaker premiering The Luminaires, a documentary media project following the effort to rescue and restore the Tiffany window and the Northeast Ohio community that came together to preserve it.

"Higher Ground" will be on view through Jan. 30, 2027.

The works of Jill Troppe, who created stained-glass works such as this one, called "Maiden with Wildflowers," can be seen at Peg's Gallery.

Public programs include:

● Oct. 15, 5:30 – 7 p.m.: The Art of Impermanence: A Nature Mandala Workshop.

● Nov. 5, 5:30 – 7 p.m.: Whitney Stained Glass Studio | Presentation of Color and Skill.

● Dec. 11, 5:30 – 7 p.m.: Connected Through Song: Celebrating Community in Music.

The models of Suzanne Morgan, American Institute of Architects Emerita, are part of the "Higher Ground" exhibit at Peg's Gallery. These are architectural models of sacred spaces representing different faith traditions.More

Gallery information

Peg's Gallery is at 53 First St. in Hudson. Gallery hours are Mondays through Wednesdays from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Thursdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. through 7 p.m. Closed Sunday and holidays. The gallery is closed through Sept. 17 for the exhibit change.

For details, visit Peg's Gallery at visit www.pegs.org and follow @pegsgalleryhudson on social media.

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