Frieda Lichtner grew up pressing her nose against church windows and watching light move through colored glass. She never quite got over it. These days she can be found drifting toward any window that catches the afternoon sun — tracing the lead lines with her eyes, marveling at how a little colored glass can hold so much warmth.

She's spent a great deal of time at Franklin Art Glass, and the craftspeople there say she has opinions. Good ones. Frieda believes that stained glass is one of the few art forms that only works in community — it needs a building, a window frame, light from outside, and someone standing inside to catch it. Just like German Village itself, she'll tell you. All the pieces together.