ABINGDON, VA.- William King Museum of Art will present “Sanctuaries in Stained Glass,” opening April 30, 2026 and on view through November 29, 2026.

The history of stained glass in Southwestern Virginia is inseparable from the movement of people through the Appalachian region. Beginning in the early 18th century, settlers traveled southward along the Great Wagon Road, a vital migration corridor stretching from Pennsylvania through the Shenandoah Valley and into the backcountry of Virginia and the Carolinas. By the late 19th century, churches began adopting Gothic Revival styles, characterized by pointed arches, tall windows, and decorative stained glass. Today, stained glass in Southwestern Virginia remains a scattered but powerful legacy. From the wagon ruts of early migration to the glowing windows of late 19th-century sanctuaries, stained glass in Southwestern Virginia stand as quiet witnesses to the people who traveled the Great Wagon Road and to the communities they built when the road finally ended, signalling home.

This exhibition was conceptualized, designed, and curated by Joshua Blane Huffman, Curator of SWVA and NETN Decorative Art & Material Culture at William King Museum of Art. When asked about his inspiration Huffman said, “As I explored the region, immediately the presence of countless historical churches became obvious to me. While our institution has exhibited multitudes of unique representations of artistry- a dedicated and specified stained glass showcase had not yet been explored. My goal became clear: to create a never before seen exhibit that highlights the artisan-made glass within some of our many historic churches, and hopefully encourage local communities to make plans to visit and tour local churches with a newfound appreciation of the art that lives inside of these hallowed halls that might not be seen unless you are a member of the congregation.”

This exhibition is a William King Museum of Art original exhibition and is part of the museum’s McGlothlin Exhibition Series.