In May 2025, Dutch John Adventure Outpost welcomed a truly extraordinary addition: a two-pane stained glass window designed and handmade by Maryann Birkel, aunt of our own Andy. This custom piece captures the life and color of the Green River through two stunning trout scenes—brought to life in glowing glass.
Now installed in the main lodge, this masterpiece doesn’t just decorate the space—it elevates it. It honors nature, reflects family legacy, and invites guests to pause and soak in its beauty.
Meet the Artist
Maryann Birkel is a lifelong stained glass artist known for her vibrant nature-inspired work. For Dutch John, she created two vivid panels—a rainbow trout and a brown trout—swimming among driftwood and river stone.
“It’s all about light and life,” Maryanne says. “The way a trout flashes just under the surface—that’s what I tried to capture.”
Her meticulous process included hand-selecting each sheet of glass, cutting every piece by hand, foiling, soldering, polishing, and finally applying fine dotted details to bring the fish to life.
The Creative Journey (Photo Timeline)
Step 1: Inspiration & Glass Selection
Hand-selected marbled glass chosen for its rich tone and texture.
Testing glass tones in natural light for vibrancy and clarity.
Color planning on the worktable with various glass sheets.
Step 2: Template & Layout
Initial layout of the brown trout panel, piece by piece.
Rainbow trout panel taking shape over a full-scale sketch.
Close-up of precise glass placement during layout phase.
Step 3: Assembly & Detail Work
Every edge wrapped with copper foil in preparation for soldering.
The rainbow trout panel as it begins to take form.
Close-up of the brown trout mid-process.
Step 4: Bringing the Fish to Life
Final dotted details give each trout its signature shimmer.
Step 5: The Artist & Her Work
Maryann with the completed brown trout panel.
Maryann with the vibrant rainbow trout panel.
🏡 Installation at Dutch John
Installed above the lodge windows—shining with daylight.
Even at night, the panels glow with cabin warmth.
A view of the panels at dusk—lit from within.
More Than a Window
This is more than a beautiful piece of art. It’s a tribute to:
- The legendary trout of the Green River
- The natural world of Dutch John
- The legacy of one talented artist
- The care and character that define our Outpost
Plan Your Visit
Book a stay with us and come see this one-of-a-kind window in person. Whether you’re here for fly fishing, hiking, or a quiet cabin retreat, we can’t wait to welcome you in.
Book your cabin at Dutch John Adventure Outpost today—and let the light in.
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