The Washington Glass Studio created shop drawings for each cast glass panel based on the original sculpture forms from the US Library of Congress Adams Building.
Sean Hennessey and Marie Schneggenburger
The Library of Congress had earlier this year commissioned sculptured glass doors as the famed institution provides much needed upgrades to the entry of the historic building. As mentioned in earlier postings, the Washington Glass Studio has been creating the artwork panels, collaborating with artists and artisans across the United States, from theatrical set designers to pioneers of the American Studio Glass Movement to make artwork worthy of an icon of the United States.
Washington Glass Studio’s Sean Hennessey works with Marie Schneggenburger and Erin Cumbo to take molds from the original bronze doors. After protection to all adjacent surfaces was in place, each the door bronze sculptures were cleaned and prepped for the mold taking process.
Marie Schneggenburger cleans and masks off the original bronze door sculptures.
The original moldings were sprayed with the silicone rubber matrix. The process took place in the summer of 2012, when the East Coast of the US experienced record high temperatures, and some modifications to the silicone process took place, with a step where we brushed on the material to ensure capture of the intricate detail from the originals. The crew started early each morning, to try and minimize their time in the sweltered sun.
The doors are ready for the mold matrix.
Sean Hennessey applies the silicone rubber with what looks like a prop from the movie “Ghostbusters”.
For a short flickr video of the mold-taking process at the Library of Congress doors – click on the arrow below:
After the molds and their “mother mold” material are removed from the doors, they are brought back to the studio for evaluation.
Tahmurath – the Persian hero – had some of the most complex undercuts that required additional molds of the deepest sections.
Detail from Tahmurath bronze sculpture.
The next step of the glass casting process involves one of the early fused glass pioneers – Ray Ahlgren. Ray Ahlgren’s Fireart Glass Studio in Portland, Oregon developed specialized techniques for the final firing of the cast and laminated panels.
Ray Ahlgren
Ray Ahlgren has been working with glass for over 40 years. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Ceramics from the University of Wisconsin and a Master’s Degree in Fine Art in glass at the Art Institute of Chicago. Prior to starting Fireart Glass in 1980 he co-founded Bullseye Glass Company. In the early 1970’s the early Bullseye Glass Company made glasses for the stained glass trade. Founders Dan Schwoerer, Ray Ahlgren and Boyce Lundstrom worked on the problems that arose when melting this type of glass together in a kiln.
Ray Ahlgren and Dan Schwoerer in 1973.
That’s when they discovered incompatibility. To be successful, they then had to figure out how to test for it and get rid of it. The product they eventually developed was a glass that would be compatible with other glasses and withstand multiple firings without cracking during the cooling process. Kilnformed glass moved forward and developed glass into a leading sculpture medium. We were fortunate to be able to include Ray’s expertise and insight into the technical aspects, as well as his meticulous craftsmanship.
Using the silicone rubber molds, Ray made wax figures that were set as per the original mold, correcting any imperfections.
Tahmurath wax original is set up and dam for plaster is built around.
Plaster is then poured around the wax sculptures, and carefully brushed into voids to eliminate air pockets.
Ray Ahlgren details the plaster across the wax as Erwin Timmers looks on.
Ray fills the dam and levels the casting block.
After the plaster sets, the wax is removed from the casting mold, creating the void where the glass blanks will be melted into.
Inside the kilns, glass was fired into the plaster molds.
In November 2012, Erwin Timmers brought the Architect of the Capitol’s Library of Congress team to Fireart Glass studio to see the progress of the castings.
Ray Ahlgren removes a cast glass panel from the kiln.
Ray removes the plaster and explains process to LOC’s Yvonne Gurney.
One of the cast glass panels has the plaster rinsed off for review.
WGS’ Erwin Timmers points out details to Yvonne.
The completed panels were inspected as part of the LOC review.
The Library of Congress project continues on, with site work proceeding through the winter months. Parts of the refurbishment are not cosmetic, including installation of new electronics and security into the historic building. The install of the glass panels will happen in early 2013, and we will post new photos of that process, as well as some great process shots taken at Fireart Glass Studios.
The DC-area knows that StrathmoreHall houses the incredible Baltimore Symphony, but Strathmore is not just for the performing arts anymore – Strathmore features fine visual arts. The organization is in its second season of its Fine AIR program, where the center cultivates local visual arts talent by pairing emerging artists with established professionals in the community in its Fine Artist in Residence (Fine AIR) program and exhibition. Fine AIR residencies last six months, during which time participants expand their craft, build their audience, create a curatorial proposal, solidify their artistic voice and, ultimately, premiere a new body of work commissioned by Strathmore.
“Twisted” Drew Storm Graham
2012-2013 Strathmore class of fine artist-in-residence Drew Storm Graham expands his knowledge of artwork media by working in glass at the Washington Glass School. Multidisciplinary artist Drew Graham’s artwork references imagery steeped in the counter cultures of tattoo and graffiti art. Normally working with airbrushed laminated wood veneers, under the mentorship of writer and artist F. Lennox Campello, Drew has been exploring new artistic possibilities.
Drew Graham begins sifting crushed glass powder onto panels of glass for color samples.
Color, texture, patterns, sequence and how depth can be achieved are the goals of the glass workshop.
The culminating Fine Artists in Residence Exhibition will be on view in the Mansion at Strathmore beginning August 31, 2013.
About Strathmore
Strathmore presents and produces exemplary visual and performing arts programs for diverse audiences; creates dynamic arts education experiences; and nurtures creative ideas and conversations that advance the future of the arts. The hallmark of the arts center is the Music Center at Strathmore, a 1,976-seat concert hall and education complex. The Music Center at Strathmore, located at 5301 Tuckerman Lane in North Bethesda, MD, is immediately adjacent to the Grosvenor-Strathmore station on Metro’s Red Line. For more information, call (301) 581-5100 or visit www.strathmore.org.
>The Friday Washington Post newspaper had a couple of articles that featured Washington Glass School instructors – Mark Jenkins gives a review of Rockville’s VisArts 25th anniversary exhibit “Review, Review” that featured two of Professor Tim Tate’s glass artwork sculptures.
The Dec 21st Washington Post uses Tim Tate’s “Lexicon Primer” (inset and detail of glass) as the teaser for the VisArts exhibit review.
The Weekend Section also featured Washington Glass Artists – Sean Hennessey and his lovely wife, Rania Hassan.
Rania & Sean – together they are one of DC’s power arts couples
Sean and Rania were judges of the Washington Posts’ Holiday Wrapping paper contest for kids, and the winning design, by Carolin Vorona was featured in the section, along with a pull-out printing of the paper. From the Post article about the selection of the Carolin’s work:“Each of the entries had something I liked,” Hennessey says. “Some had a great use of patterns, others had a sophisticated use of color and many had a fun sense of imagination. The glittery snowmen had a balanced sense of all of the above.”
10 yr old Carolin Vorona’s snowman entry. The judges particularly liked the Western snowman, complete with mustache, hat and horseshoe, but the sensitive and insightful use of the glitter medium cinched the win.
Click Here to jump to the article and photo gallery of the honorable mentions.
Before we throw away the 2012 calender, we are looking thru the pages of the Washington Glass School dates and blog postings – noting that events from a few months ago seem like ages ago. The strange phenomena of time flying by is observed once again. Many of the years past events were months – or years- in planning and preparation, and seemed like they would never happen, now seem faraway, and the impact, bothgood and bad will be here for a while. Month by month – here is a quick review of Washington Glass School’s 2012: _____________________________________________
January 2012
“Facture” exhibit at Bullseye Gallery, Portland.
Michael Janis started the year out west, showing at Bullseye Gallery in Portland, OR. The show “Facture“ was centered on artists that use glass as a canvas with artistsMichael Janis, Kari Minnick, Martha Pfanschmidt, Ted Sawyer, Abi Spring, and Jeff Wallin; moderated by Michael Endo. The show ran thru February, and later traveled to Bullseye’s RCBA Gallery in Emeryville, CA. _____________________________________________
February
Rob Kincheloe gets close to the critter.
Italian flameworkerSimone Crestaniwas here teaching workshops at the new Chrysler Museum of ArtGlass Workshop.While here in the area, Simone was working at Rob Kincheloe’s newtorch studioout in Virginia.
After annealing, the bug was filled with plasma and charged.
The installed sculpture at Smith Farm
The “Science of Art Laboratory” (SOFALab) project was created to initiate the spark of communication that can bring out new understanding and develop new tools of interactions from both the sciences and arts. Developed as a collaborative effort from the Executive Director ofSmith Center for Healing and the Arts, Shanti Norris; the Director of Printmaking at George Mason University, Helen Fredrick; and the Founder of Hamiltonian Artists and physics professor of George Mason University, Paul So, a SOFAlab project was held with Dr. Caroline Wellberry and Erwin Timmers using glass diverted from the waste stream. The students were from Georgetown University and Residents from the Fort Lincoln Clinic. The resulting glass and steel sculpture was exhibited at Smith Center Gallery.
Michael & Christina Bothwell: TLF.
February is also the month of Love – with American Craft Magazine included Michael Janis in its survey on who was “Craft Crushing”. Michael was all about sculptor Christina Bothwell.
The Washington British Embassy hosted the signing of the US/UK Friendship Agreement. L-R Chief Executive of Sunderland City Council Dr David Smith and Washington, DC Mayor Vincent C. Gray
The cities of Washington, DC and Sunderland, England renewed their Friendship Agreement in February, and the formal connection between the two cities were strengthened. The unique connection has allowed for international exchanges that played out in the year and beyond. _____________________________________________
March
Professors Tate and Janis at UK’s Washington Old Hall, ancestral home of US President George Washington.
Sunderland Uni has a world class glass facility.
Fulbright Scholars Michael Janis and Tim Tate were off to England’s North East, teaching at the University of Sunderland. Joined by Michael’s wife, Kay Janis, acting as chaperone for the lads, the boys were teaching at the National Glass Centre in the expansive glass facilities at the University.
DC’s Fulbright duo teach at Creative Cohesion.
Creative Cohesion, a Sunderland, England artist collaborative was initiated by artists that had participated in one of DC’s Artomatic events. Inspired by and modeling themselves on the Washington Glass School model, the City of Sunderland helped create a non-profit organization which specializes in arts based activities, and provides space, facilities and services to local creative practitioners and the local community. Creative Cohesion’s facilities include a glass hot-shop, which was set to open, and Michael and Tim were invited to teach at the inaugural glass workshops. The gallery component of Creative Cohesion was one of the exhibitors at London’s Affordable Art Fair in March. Michael and Tim were invited to show their artwork at the huge international art fair, and the lads were off to the big city.
The artists celebrate at London’s Affordable Art Fair.
Jeffrey Sarmiento, Kevin Petrie and Michael Janis
Back to the University of Sunderland, for a big wrap up of more workshops. Professor and glass artist Jeffrey Sarmiento – showed Michael how the University’s waterjet machine worked with glass panels, creating a class demo piece.
Hugs to all as the Fulbrighters returned home to Washington, DC, determined to reinforce the connections made. Right after the boys left Sunderland, Creative Cohesion’s artist facility was damaged as the adjacent building partially collapsed during a strong windstorm, closing the artist center until later in the year.
Upon Tim’s return to DC, he appeared as one of the speakers in a TED Talk about “The Creative City”. _____________________________________________
April
“Jazz Man” tops the refurbished Howard Theater.
Sean Hennessey was in the news as Washington’s historic Howard Theater re-opened to fanfare. Working with Brower Hatcher and Mid-Ocean Studios, Sean created the concrete and glass trumpet form for the team. At the opening, Sean was interviewed by National Public Radio (NPR). Erwin Timmers was one of the 121 featured artists at the 30th Annual Smithsonian Craft Fair.
Erwin Timmers and Mick Coughlin set up at the National Building Museum.
His cast recycled glass sculptures were a strong point of the show at the National Building Museum.
Space Shuttle Discovery does a low flyover the Washington Glass School in April.
NASA’s Space Shuttle program was retired, and the shuttle “Discovery” flew over the glass school as it headed out across the country. We ate “astronaut freeze dried ice cream” in its honor.
Tim Tate’s glass and video sculptures received the “Critics Award” at Habatat Galleries 40th Annual International exhibit in Michigan.
Habatat Galleries held its 40th Annual International invitational, and exhibited Tim Tate’s video reliquaries. Tim’s work won the Critic’s Award at the show. _____________________________________________
May
May started off running with Glass Art Magazine having an article about Erwin Timmers eco-glass and a cover story about Michael Janis’ frit powder drawings – creating a publishing two-fer! The magazine also late ran a special online feature about Tim Tate & Michael Janis’ Fulbright adventures. Some great photos by Pete Duvall of Anything Photographic filled the 10 pages of articles about Erwin and Michael.
The design concept for the LOC Adams building doors.
Rubber mold from one of the LOC sculptures.
The Washington Glass Studio began working on theLibrary of Congress Adams Building doors in May, working to recreate the historic sculpted bronze doors in cast glass. The project integrates a number of artists from the Washington Glass School and connects craft artisans from FireArt Glass in Portland, OR. Sean Hennessey started the process by creating a test panel taken from the original doors. There would be a full size sample made of the cast /laminated artwork panel, submitted to the US Architect of the Capitol for approval.
Dave D’Orio’s artwork awarded by the JRA.
Artomatic 2012 – the month long, non-juried, anything-goes exhibit opened in May. This year, the setting was a soon-to-be-demolished office building in Crystal City. The James Renwick Alliance (JRA) is an independent national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing scholarship and education on contemporary American craft, to supporting activities directed toward this purpose, and to encouraging connoisseurship and collecting. At this Artomatic, the JRA sponsored activities and programs, and had reviewed the 10 floors of artwork, selecting winners in different media.
Sean Hennessey’s artwork awarded by the JRA
Dave D’Orio, Sean Hennessey and Michael Janis were each selected for their works in glass. The JRA also sponsored receptions and artist talks during the event. (FYI- The not-for-profit organization Artomatic.org has been instrumental in organizing international exhibits that brought together Sunderland artists and the Washington Glass School, and some new plans are being developed for the coming year.) _____________________________________________
June 2012 was anniversary year marking the start of the American Studio Glass Movement in 1962. A number of shows were held this summer to give some insight into how the art form has changed during the past 50 years. In the arty city of Asheville, NC, Bender Gallery showcased Erwin Timmers, and Asheville’s Blue Spiral 1 hosted a show about the next generation of glass artists (including Christina Bothwell, Thor & Jennifer Bueno, Susan Taylor Glasgow, Sean Hennessey, Michael Janis, Marc Petrovic, Tim Tate and others).
Marc Petrovic demo’s at GAS
Laura Donefer works the runway.
The Glass Arts Society (GAS) held its annual conference in the nominal birthplace of the studio glass movement – Toledo, OH. Said Tim Tate of the Toledo GAS – “ [Outgoing GAS President] Jeremy Lepisto’s gang did a spectacular job! and Laura Donefer’s fashion show blew me away!” _____________________________________________
July
Sean Hennessey gets serious at the LOC.
The panel molds are cleaned in the studio.
The month of July was a scorcher! Work continued on the US Library of Congress bronze doors in the sun with temps in the mid ’90’s F (mid 30’s C!). The “rockets red glare” refers to how hot it feels. Sean and crew worked in the brutal heat taking rubber molds from the Lee Lawrie bronze sculpted doors.
The Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Museum opened its spectacular “Craft Futures – 40 Under 40” exhibit. 40 under 40:Craft Futuresfeatures forty artists born since 1972, the year theSmithsonian AmericanArt Museum’s contemporary craft and decorative arts program was established at the Renwick.
Matt Szosz at the opening of 40 Under 40.
The show, curated by Nicholas Bell, showed how the youngsters in craft are remaking the world of craft. This show generated many discussions on how craft is no longer a part of the “apprentice to a master” world, and is one where the young students wish not to be tied to any one craft media.
Audrey Wilson models the latest in cold shop fashion.
Speaking of kids today, in July, Audrey Wilson joined the Washington Glass School as the new studio coordinator. Audrey had met Tim Tate when he was teaching a workshop at the Chrylser Museum of Glass in June, and applied for the position.
Elegance comes to the Glass School.
Audrey soon was teaching classes at the Glass School, and her accessible and welcoming teaching style won over many of the artists at the studio. ______________________________________________
August In August, the Brentwood Arts Exchange (part of Maryland’s Prince George’s Parks and Recreation) held part of its summerCreative Expressions Camp encouraging the kids to explore a variety of artistic media as well as contemporary reading and writing activities around such themes as animals, nature, and adventure.
The studio was overrun with kids, all eager to try working in glass. Some showed an intuitive knack for the craft – Who knows where these young artists will take the medium and artworld as they grow up!
Ceramic artist Novie Trump worked in the studio, working to incorporate glass into a commissioned artwork piece. Novie wanted to make an illuminated hive for an installation of ceramic bees. Novie made a number of fused glass alternates and presented to the client – a trendy restaurant in Georgetown. Ultimately, however, the architect selected a ceramic version for the installation. We will get her to glass somehow, we will not surrender.
An impressive steed. And a handsome horse too. Michael Janis as a Beltway Cowboy.
The London Olympics were celebrated here as the Washington Glass School hosted the equestrians dressage events along Otis Street. In Mt Rainier, MD. Ok, the 2012 Summer Olympics did not take place at the Washington Glass School, but the 2012 National Night Out (NNO) did. The NNO is a campaign that involves citizens, police, neighborhoods and local officials to increase crime and drug prevention and to strengthen police-community partnerships.
Then & Today Left inset: Engraving (ca. 1860) of battlefield site where Joshua Barney fell by Benson Lossing in “Field Book of the War of 1812“; Right: Washington Glass School on the same site. Over the past 200 years, the topography has been modified and changed tremendously – the creek now flows under the concrete pathway opposite the Glass School.
Connections to American history was exposed in the August post about how the Glass School’s Mount Rainier building site was part of a key battle in the War of 1812 – in theBattle of Bladensburg. With the US loss at this battle, British forces swept into Capitol Hill and burned the White House, the Capitol and the Treasury.
Penland School of Craft Auction Tent, 2012
Michael Sherrill’s incredible studio
An ardent support of the Penland School of Craft, Tim Tate took a group of collectors from the James Renwick Alliance to the annual Penland Auction and as part of the “Tim Tate Tour“. The group visited the artist studios of Hoss Haley, Michael Sherrill, Dan Essig, Christina Cordova & Pablo De Soto and Stoney Lamar.
Glass artist Beth Lipman with Susan and Fred Sanders at Penland.
The excursion also included an art tour of Asheville, NC with a visit to the Glass Secessionism show at Blue Spiral Gallery. _____________________________________________
September
Carol Trawick, David D’Orio & Catherine Leggett.Photo: Bethesda Urban Partnership
September opened big for artist Dave D’Orio, as he was one of this year’s winner of the Trawick Prize.- a visual art prize produced by the Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District that honors artists from Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia. The annual juried competition awards prize money to selected artists and features the work of the finalists in a group exhibition. Dave is the executive director ofDC GlassWorks, a glass blowing facility (and sister school to the Washington Glass School) in Hyattsville, MD. At the 2012 Artomatic, theJames Renwick Alliance gave Dave’s installation sculpture its ‘Award of Recognition’.
Toots Zynsky, William Warmus,Matthew Szösz at Smithsonian Renwick lecture.
William Warmus takes photos of Erwin Timmers’ artwork.
The 40 Under 40 exhibit at the Renwick Gallery continued its run, with author, independent curator and glass expertWilliam Warmus moderating a conversation about the past, present, and future of studio glass between veteran glass artistToots ZynskyandartistMatthew Szösz. After the talk, William visited the Glass School – of which he said: “It’s better than I thought it’d be…it’s not as bad as it could’ve been“.Hmmm.
The month of September is usually the start of the exhibition season – and this one did not disappoint.
Detail from Sean Hennessey’s “Finding The Right Key“
Based on Alice In Wonderland, Sean’s work in the show: Reimagining Alice incorporates cast glass that was painted with concrete and integrates videos, LEDs, EL panels and other media that pulls traditional glass into new realms. Tim Tate and Marc Petrovic also had openings in September – at Arizona’s Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum. Under the title “Glass Secessionism”, the show opened to record crowds.
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October
Nancy Donnelly‘s solo show at Foundry Gallery included her “Glass Bouquets” that art critic Lenny Campello described as an update to the Washington Color School saying “… [Nancy’s] new work takes the color stripes from the canvas of the 1960s giants of DMV painting and re-invents it in a fresh new approach to a 21st century dialogue in glass and concrete”.
Tim Tate teaching at Penland School of Craft
Tim Tate returned to North Carolina’s Penland School of Craft in October, this time teaching with Sean Hennessey and Robert Kincheloe.
Sean Hennessey explains the dry plaster casting process.
The class was 21st Century Reliquaries, and the students incorporated techniques that included Rubber Mold Making, Wax Casting, Plaster/Silica Mold Making, Lost wax, Dry Plaster Casting, Painting Glass, Cutting Glass, Glass etching and Flameworking. _____________________________________________
November November started with the big show in Chicago – SOFA!
SOFA Opening Night at Chicago’s Navy Pier
Allegra Marquart’s panels on exhibit at Maurine Littleton.
Michael Janis and Allegra Marquart were shown at Maurine Littleton Gallery and Tim Tate was shown thru Habatat Galleries. As the focus on both craft and art at SOFA is so high, this show is where the artists have stretched a bit to show they have game.
Michael Janis’ works were huge!
Michael’s new colorful works involved optical distortion and the resolution of the imagery.
Tim Tate’s works at Habatat Galleries space.
Tim’s new works were a larger scale – and he was thinking outside the dome. Upon return to Washington, DC – the setup of shows continued, as artists from the Washington Glass School were featured in the special exhibit on the 50th Anniversary of Studio Glass at the Washington Craft Show.
Visitors gather around Joan Falconer Byrd, author of the new book “Harvey K Littleton: A Life in Glass“. Ms Byrd was one of the show’s speakers at the event. She was one of the first students in the Toledo workshops and was Professor of Art at Western Carolina University.
Maurine Littleton Gallery’s show-within-a-show was the centerpiece to the Washington Convention Center.
Historical works by some of the Studio Glass Pioneers were featured.
Works by Tim Tate, Allegra Marquart, Sean Hennessey, Erwin Timmers, Alison Sigethy and Michael Janis were shown as where the next generation of glass artists are heading. ______________________________________________
December
Art Miami’s Aqua show brought throngs.
Miami became the focus of the art world with the Art Basel/Art Miami juggernaut as the world seems to head south for the huge art extravaganza. Washington Glass School artists were well represented, with Tim Tate, Erwin Timmers, Sean Hennessey and Audrey Wilson’s works at a number of international galleries.
Audrey did very well, selling a major work to a NYC collector and a museum has asked about having her work for an upcoming art exhibit – awesome!
Everyone at the Washington Glass School sends a big THANK-YOU to all for the love & support this past year… ______________________________________________
Whats coming up in 2013? We can divulge some news scoops for the coming year – Michael Janis will be the Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass (AACG) calender boy for the month of January, as the “Artist of the Month”. January… starts the year off right…
Artomatic is planning to host a variation of the Glass 3 (the international exhibition US & UK artists) however, this year, it will be an international Glass + Ceramics showcase at downtown DC’s Edison Gallery – the month of March is being blocked out for the opening, gallery talks, workshops, and events.
Glassweekend will take place at New Jersey’s WheatonArts this coming June 7,8,9, 2013. The international symposium of contemporary glass will have demos by Beth Lipman, Davide Salvadore, Hiroshi Yamano; the keynote speaker will be Judith Schaecter.
>Maryland’s Prince George’s County Arts and Cultural Heritage Division had made purchases of artwork for their permanent collection. Congratulations to Ric Garcia, Celestine Ranney Howes and our own Robert Kincheloe!
“Night Wave” (with detail showing texture) by Robert Kincheloe, fused glass
Robert’s work “Night Waves” is fused glass that references iconic prints in his version of ‘meta-art’
Prince George’s County has further demonstrated its commitment to high-level support for the arts.
Congratulations to Prince George’s County and the artists!
In time for a leisurely read during the holiday break – the January – April 2013 Washington Glass School class schedule! _________________________________________________ scroll down to bottom to pay deposit online via PayPal.
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Class 1350 – Beginner’s Glass Lover’s Weekend
Our most popular class, this is the fastest way to learn all aspects of warm glass in the shortest amount of time! Under the supervision of a professional glass artist you will learn the fundamentals of fusing, slumping and dimensional kiln casting. Everything from bowls and plates to sculptural objects… this is the perfect way for a beginner to learn the basics of glass… and you will leave with several very cool items! Offered 2 times in the session.
Instructors Audrey Wilson Dates Session A – Sat/Sun Feb 16 & 17 Session B – Sat/Sun Apr. 6 & 7 Time 1pm to 5pm each day _____________________________________________ Class 1351 – Bas Relief In Glass (Deep Relief Dry Plaster Casting)
Tired of working flat? Want an easy way to get some real depth into your glass? Here’s a fun class where you will learn one of the easiest methods of kilncasting sheet glass to achieve bas-relief sculpture. This incredibly versatile method has endless fine art and architectural applications. In this two day class, we will discuss different types of glass and their firing schedules. Working with color and how it can affect dimensional casting will also be explored. Bring items you may want to cast with this method or choose from our image library. All materials and firings included.
Instructor: Michael Janis
Dates : Sat afternoons Feb 2, 9
Time : 2pm to 5pm
Tuition : $350 per student (all materials included)
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Class 1352 - MIG Welding for Dummies!
Ever wondered about learning to weld? Want to impress your friends, your older brother and that cute bartender? It's easier than you think! In three evenings you will learn how to lay a bead, and handle all sorts of sharp and dangerous tools. You will be able to complete a small project and leave with lots of ideas and know-how for other projects. This class will teach you the basics of welding, metal work and design, joining, bending and finishing. And you will get dirty!
Instructor : Erwin Timmers Dates : Session A : Wed. eves in January (9, 16, 23)
Session B : Wed. eves in April (10, 17, 24)
Time : 7pm to 9:30 pm Tuition : $350 per student
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Class 1353 - Architectural and Industrial Lighting Design
The transmission of light is one of the most compelling features of glass. Using recycled found metal objects and architectural elements, this class will highlight several glass techniques including kiln casting and fusing/slumping sheet glass. You will also learn the basics of safe wiring and electricity. Some glass experience is helpful, but not necessary. Electrical experience is not required. This will be a fun class with lots of hands on projects. As part of this class, we will discuss LED's, light panels, fluorescent and incandescent sources.
Instructor: Erwin Timmers / Tim Tate
Dates: Sunday afternoons in March (3, 10, 17)
with open studios on Wed. eves in March (3, 13, 20).
Time: Class : Sundays - 1pm to 4pm
Open Studios : Wed. 7pm to 9:30pm
Tuition: $450
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Class 1354 - More Welding!
Now that you've tried your hand at MIG welding, the hot glue gun of the metal shop, why not expand your horizons? We will offer a truck load of new techniques. You can compare welding stainless steel vs. aluminum, and pit the plasma cutter vs. oxy-acetylene. You will also improve your MIG skills, and spend more time on grinding, polishing, finishing and patinas. Bring ideas for a small project and you'll walk home with it. Remember--this is a real, live, active, working shop. You will get dirty. Wear closed toed shoes and long pants.
Pre-requisite: At least one MIG welding class or equivalent.
Instructor Erwin Timmers
Dates Wed. evenings in Feb (6, 13, 20)
Time 7pm - 9:30pm
Tuition $350 (all materials provided)
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Class 1355 - Pate De Verre with Audrey Wilson
This is a rare opportunity to learn Audrey's own unique style of pate de verre, which is described as alive with energy and effervescent shapes that evoke emotion - just like Audrey herself!
Pate de verre is an ancient and widely varied art form using glass powders and frits melted, fused, and cast at different and specific temperatures to achieve a variety of results in glass. Although her own style is to work intuitively, Audrey will provide a solid base of technical information and a straightforward approach that can easily be accomplished in the studio. Students will learn how to create two open faced bowl forms.
Well, yes, but Tim’s feeling much better…Playing With Fire @ NY MAD Museum
Tim Tate, “I Want To Run Away and Join the Circus“, 2009, blown and cast glass, electronic components. Photo: Anything Photographic.
This year, New York’s Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) celebrates the 50th anniversary of the American Studio Glass movement with an exhibit titled “Playing with Fire: 50 Years of Contemporary Glass” – which featured more than 100 works of glass from the MAD collection, and additional contemporary works on loan.Ever since 1962, when a legendary workshop led by renowned glass artist Harvey Littleton demonstrated the potential of glassblowing as a medium available to individual artists, artists and designers have continually pushed the material in new directions and used the complex, fragile, and highly versatile nature of the material to create an astonishing diversity of works.
“Playing with Fire” looks at the breadth of innovative processes and artistry in contemporary glass, from pieces by early adaptors such as Dale Chihuly to installations by Israeli designer Ayala Serfaty. The exhibit is organized by the Museum of Arts and Design and is curated by Jennifer Scanlan, Associate Curator. “As a sculptural material, glass has unique properties: its ability to hold, emit and reflect light renders color more brilliant and animates figures and forms,”says Jennifer Scanlan. “In ‘Playing With Fire,’ we wanted to show how artists and designers play with the properties of this fluid medium — often in extraordinary, and sometimes unexpected ways.”
The exhibition is made possible, in part, by the Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass.
Playing with Fire: 50 Years of Contemporary Glass.
Boyce Lundstrom, a true iconic legend in glass fusing history, passed away this week of brain cancer. This is a huge loss to the fusing world. Boyce was an innovator, author and glass craftsman and a founding member of modern fusing.He had written many books on glass – his book “Kiln Firing Glass, Glass Fusing Book One” is referred to by many fusers as the “bible” for fusing process. In 1974, three self-described “hippie glassblowers” (Dan Schwoerer and Ray Ahlgren and Boyce Lundstrom) started the Bullseye Glass Company. Boyce later sold his interest in that company to his partner in 1985, then created a glass school called Camp Colton, outside of Portland, Oregon.
Boyce at the Fusing Ranch
In 2004, Boyce said of his work in the late 1970’s as he was developing the technology and practice of fused glass: “My enthusiasm for fusing demanded endless experimentation and my endeavors soon caught the attention of a number of glass artists who became, along with me, pioneers of a sort. Our work, our workshop, and the push to spread the word about glass fusing somehow became known as the Fusing Ranch.”
In recent years Boyce has continued to experiment with new and rewarding ways to play with glass. He has published three new books (2010-2012), each covering one area of exploration and providing several projects to assist the reader in undertaking a new method or material.
He also taught classes as a guest teacher in studios across America and hosted seminars in his Oceanside, California studio.
In his passing, we celebrate the craftsman, pioneer, educator, scientist, artist, man.
The serious art contenders have set up in Miami for the extravaganza that is Art Basel/Art Miami Art Fairs. Some consider this fair to be most prestigious art show in the Americas, 1,087 galleries will be trekking down to Miami this week to participate in more than 20 art fairs around the city. Expect celebrities, glitz, glamor, hype, good taste, bad taste, shock art, schlock art, and showstopping wonderful art.
So Much Art and So Little Time
If you are going to the shows – be sure to stop in and visit Washington Glass School artists: Tim Tate is showing his work at Art Miami at Dublin, Ireland’s Blue Leaf Gallery (C-9) Erwin Timmers, Sean Hennessey and Audrey Wilson’s artworks are at Aqua, exhibiting at Alida Anderson Art Projects (Room 116).
Which fair should one not miss? The Huffington Post has a rundown of each of the Miami Art Fairs – as if coded into high school stereotype cliques – * Art Basel Miami Beach: The Golden Boy The football player with whom most want to be in good graces, Art Basel Miami Beach is the biggest, most well-known fair of them all. As in high school, there is no shortage of people who think the popular kid is overrated and maintain they have no interest in gaining his approval. That may be true. But its status as prom king is hard to dispute. 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, December 6-9. * Pulse: Teacher’s Pet Never one to step too far outside the lines, Pulse is nothing if not reliable. You know you’ll find strong paintings, photographs, and drawings in an efficiently laid-out space at reasonable prices. The fair organizes its own installation, performance, and video programs, but you won’t see too many galleries giving over their booths to such impracticalities. Most are more interested in making money than in making a statement. Still, that’s no reason to skip over it: Like Brian Johnson in the Breakfast Club, Pulse might surprise you. The Ice Palace, 1400 North Miami Avenue, Miami, December 6-9. * Art Miami: The Super Senior As the super senior is to the football star, so Art Miami is to Art Basel Miami Beach. It is the only player to rival the golden boy in size and know-how. Plus, it’s been around since before Miami was cool, and doesn’t need to try particularly hard to draw visitors or exhibitors. (It was founded 12 years before Art Basel Miami Beach arrived.) Its old school attitude can border on stodgy, but Art Miami undoubtedly fills a niche: It is one of the few fairs outside ABMB where you can find secondary market material like Picassos, Matisses, and Pisarros. 3101 NE 1st Avenue, Wynwood, December 5-9. * Scope: The Frat Boy The frat boy may not technically be a high school archetype, but high schools are filled with future Greeks. Those rowdy, sometimes macho, always devil-may-care personalities are a good analogy for Scope. Plus, in a bizarre example of analogy collapsing into reality, some real live frat boys made an appearance at the fair two years ago in New York. (Artists Richie Budd and Will Robinson invited four New Jersey Greeks into a glassed-in cube to drink beer for hours on end and generally make mischief as part of an art installation called “Come on Guy.”) We can’t imagine that kind of stunt would fly at any other fair. 100 NE 36 Street at Midtown Boulevard, Miami, December 4-9. * Aqua Art Miami: The Girl With Glasses At first glance, Seattle-born Aqua Art Miami might not look like anything special. Like many small fairs, it is based in a hotel. But if you look past its modest exterior (think Rachel Leigh Cook in “She’s All That”), you’ll see it has a great bone structure. You may even spot the beginnings of a very promising career or two. Aqua Hotel, 1530 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, December 6-9.
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