This Renaissance-inspired stained glass window project was created in collaboration with students’ history class to deepen their understanding of Renaissance art, symbolism, and storytelling. Students first explored key characteristics of Renaissance stained glass, including narrative scenes, religious and historical symbolism, balance, and the use of bold outlines with luminous color. In history class, they examined the cultural and historical context of the Renaissance, while in art class they translated that knowledge into visual form by designing their own stained glass panels. This cross-curricular approach helped students see how art reflects the values, beliefs, and innovations of a specific time period.

To construct their stained glass windows, students used a combination of paper and transparent plastic to simulate the look of traditional leaded glass. Black paper was used to create bold outlines, while colored tissue paper and plastic allowed light to pass through, emphasizing color and composition. Throughout the process, students practiced planning, craftsmanship, and problem-solving as they refined their designs and made connections between historical content and artistic choices. The final pieces showcased both creative expression and historical understanding, reinforcing the idea that art and history are deeply interconnected.