If you've ever casually roamed the streets of Ellicottville, perusingshops, restaurants and bars, you've without a doubt marveled at the distinct flavor each of these locations have - everything from colors to textures to finishing details … each place providing its own unique feel. One of these details which you may not always take an extra moment to marvel at, are the hits of stained glass pieces found in businesses like the Ellicottville Brewing Company and Balloons Restaurant.
Here at The Summer Local, we're taking a moment each monthto recognize and appreciate the creative minds who give this town its rich character. So may we present to you, the man behind the craft of stained glass: Mat Snyder.
Known affectionately around town to many as “Slugger,” Mat Snyder took root in Ellicottville at the Ellicottville Brewing Company in the mid-‘90s, as an accomplished certified chef from the Cobleskill and Buffalo State culinary programs. Despite his talent behind the line (and the talent he has shown in local woodworking and antler creations), the real passion he possessed was in the art of glass - stained glass to be exact. Taught by his mother from the early age of 9, Mat was heavily immersed in the culture, learning the ways in the former Ellicottville Glass Shop, located in the 1887 Building. Their family also had a studio in Buffalo, and you can see some of Mat's mother’s works the next time you're shopping for sponge candy at Watson's Chocolates.
Mat fell in love with this form of art, knowing that it wasa dying craft, with not many continuing to pursue its growth. Like many artforms, stained glass pieces are now being mass produced, giving people the opportunity to unfortunately attain the same look for a fraction of the cost (yet with a fraction of the character as well.)
I recently caught up with Slugger at his workshop, who was happy to reveal much about his craft. His workshop is what everyone would expect: countless hand drawn patterns and pieces adorning the walls, books from which he draws inspiration (Frank Lloyd Wright anyone?), smaller multicolored pieces he has produced, as well as some reclaimed restoration projects. You see, Slugger doesn't just dabble in this; it's his passion and livelihood, and he embraces all facets of it. Some of his favorite work is in the restoration of old pieces, a few of which are more than 100 years old. The joy he exudes in speaking of “bringing glass back to life” is immeasurable, as many of the custom/refurbished works he does have high antiquity and sentimental value. Some of Slugger's favorite pieces he has worked on, are the countless custom pieces in private residences throughout the Ellicottville area. Slugger also expressed a fondness towards some of the custom work he has done locally, pointing out there is no greater satisfaction than transforming the look and energy of a residence after working through ideas with the customer. Judging by his extensive portfolio we leafed through, Slugger is without a doubt completely reinventing the homes of those he does work for.
Artists like Mat Snyder are a rare find. To come across someone so dedicated to this lifelong passion is a true privilege, and we are fortunate to have him as a member of our community. If you'd like to see some of his work first-hand, you can meet him face to face and talk shop at the upcoming Americana Folk Art and Music Festival right here in town, taking place July 20-21. Slugger is also in the process of building out an 'Etsy' page, a popular network where artisans display their works for sale, and a traditional website. In the meantime, you can show your support by clicking “Like” on his Facebook business page: “Ellicottville Stained Glass Shop,” or simply give him a shout to discuss a project at 716-244-1960.
