MANCHESTER — Stained Glass Express, 966 Western Ave., is showcasing the abilities and creativity of artists of all skill levels.

The “Just for Fun Contest” has run annually since the early 1990s, and this year received a record 150 entries. Area glass artists have submitted their work in the fields of Stained Glass, Mosaic, Fused Glass, and Flameworking. There are no judges for the contest; rather, entrants and their guests attend an exclusive Invite Night and vote for their favorites in each category, according to a news release from Janet Parkhurst, owner of Stained Glass Express.

Over half the entries are from current or former students in the Glass Academy, Stained Glass Express’s education space where glass classes are offered in all the areas mentioned. Many who entered this year were inspired by last year’s display. The youngest entrant is 5 years old who took an afternoon fused glass magnet class.

For many artists, it is a chance to display their art in public that they might not have otherwise.

For Parkhurst, it is an opportunity to celebrate the people who have supported her small business since its inception in 1988.

The display takes up an entire wall. Projects include a stained glass miniature pool table, four-foot mosaic koi pond, fused glass sunflowers, and an entire family of tiny turtles created on the torch.

Entries will remain on display through April 30, and can be viewed from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.

For more information, emai [email protected], call 207-213-4126, or visit stainedglassexpress.com.

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