WGS 2018 Year In Review


glass.year.in.review.2018

Join us for a look back at 2018’s biggest moments at the Washington Glass School … and we try our best to see what’s ahead in 2019.

January

The year started out with a glass gala – as Florida’s St. Petersburg welcomed the opening of the new Imagine Museumimagine.museum.fl_.glass_.art_.new_.usa_-1024x575The new museum’s primary collection focuses on the explosive growth and diversification of the studio glass movement in America since the 1960’s, and extends to new directions in contemporary glass. In 2019, as the Glass Arts Society (GAS) conference is in St Pete, the museum is to be one of the main venues. Look for the featured talks about glass at the world’s main art fairs with William Warmus and Tim Tate! tim.tate_.imagine.museum.glass_.art_.future(Tim Tate was named Imagine Museum’s “Artist of the Future” in January as well!)

February

The American Craft Council (ACC) named Sarah Schultz as its new executive director, introducing her at the Baltimore ACC Show. Sarah, who has more than 25 years’ experience in arts leadership, fundraising, and education, succeeds Chris Amundsen, who left the organization in September, 2017. Kent State Universitykent.state_.super_.bowl_.2018.ad_.audrey.wilson.glass_.art_.bowls_ had our Miss Wilson doing a walk-on in their Super Bowl ad! Kent State University created a 30-second spot that touts the “boundless innovation” on the Ohio campus and features shots of students participating in science, fashion and art programs during the 2018 Super Bowl game.

March

The Chrysler Museum appointed Robin Rogers as the Perry Glass Studio Manager and Program Director.

Chrysler Museum named Robin Rogers the new Glass Studio Manager and Program Director

In March, Norfolk’s Chrysler Museum named Robin Rogers the new Glass Studio Manager and Program Director

April

Erwin Timmers was one of the feature artists in Foggy Bottom’s sixth Outdoor Sculpture Biennial. His artwork “Glimpse of Possibilities”, made from recycled glass, aluminum, LED lights, was one fo the highlights of the outdoor sculpture exhibit. His work and that of Sean Hennessey were some of the standout works. 

Erwin Timmers captivates the sculpture aficionados during the Foggy Bottom artist talks.

Erwin Timmers captivates the sculpture aficionados during the Foggy Bottom artist talks.

Michigan’s Habatat Galleries held their 46th Annual International Invitational at the beautiful Royal Oak, MI gallery, and works by Tim Tate and Laura Beth Konopinski were selected by the jurors for upcoming museum exhibits.

Works by WGS artists Tim Tate and Laura Beth Konopinski were selected for future museum exhibits.

Works by WGS artists Tim Tate and Laura Beth Konopinski were selected for future museum exhibits.

May

One of our Badass Women of Glass – DC Rollergirl supastar Jennifer Lindstrom was featured in the Washington Post Express. She outlined one of her dreams is to be working at the Washington Glass School. Natch!

Jennifer Lindstrom - President of DC Rollergirls

Jennifer Lindstrom – President of DC Rollergirls

July

Laura Beth Konopinski’s new sculpture artwork for her show “Building Worlds” at Reston’s GRACE Arts. LBK’s elegant and enigmatic narrative sculptures were reviewed in the Fairfax Times

Laura Beth Konopinski installs her work at GRACE Arts in Reston, VA.

Laura Beth Konopinski installs her work at GRACE Arts in Reston, VA.

August

August had some tragedy -a devastating fire destroyed artists Christina Bothwell and Robert Bender’s studio in rural Pennsylvania. The family is ok – but the barn that made their shop and studio, along with all their works have been destroyed. Last year, glass artist Clifford Raineys studio and work were lost in California’s “Atlas fire”. To help the artists, Austin Art Projects, Habatat Galleries and Heller Gallery worked together to create an on-line exhibition from surviving artworks from the three galleries. Christina and Robert still need new equipment before they can begin working again. In this spirit, we thought it would be best for any donations to be made directly to them at the address below:

Christina Bothwell and Robert Bender
148 Karns Rd., Stillwater, PA 17878

Remnants of Christina Bothwell’s sculpture lie in the charred remains of her studio.

Remnants of Christina Bothwell’s sculpture lie in the charred remains of her studio.

September

Eric M. Hess – a former Resident Artist here at WGS – was awarded 3rd place in 2018 Stanislav Libenský Awards in Prague! Eric was the only US citizen that was selected as a finalist. Well Done and Congratulations Eric!

Eric Hess won third place in the Stanislav Libenský Award competition for "Fragile," a glass sculpted fetus encased in a 1-foot square ice cube.

Eric Hess won third place in the Stanislav Libenský Award competition for “Fragile,” a glass sculpted fetus encased in a 1-foot square ice cube.

 

October

October was a big month for awards and honors. First, our Tim Tate was honored as the James Renwick Alliance “Distinguished Artist” for his work in the Glass Medium. Tim lectured about his work and history to a standing room only crowd at the American University Museum. 

Dean Allison was awarded the JRA Chrysalis Award for glass. The James Renwick Alliance’s $5,000 Chrysalis Award, designed to recognize and encourage emerging artists, was presented at American University Museum’s Katzen Arts Center on October 7, followed by a lecture given by Tim Tate as part of the JRA Distinguished Artist Series. 

Big Day @ American University Museum. l-R: Dean Allison, Susan Sanders, Tim Tate, Cicie Sattarnilasskorn, Donovan Lessard, Michael Janis, Fred Sanders

Big Day @ American University Museum. l-R: Dean Allison, Susan Sanders, Tim Tate, Cicie Sattarnilasskorn, Donovan Lessard, Michael Janis, Fred Sanders

The Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County (AHCMC) honored our Erwin Timmers by awarding him the 2018 County Executive’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts and Humanities. Established in 2002, these awards honor community leaders whose work in the cultural sector has made an impact in Montgomery County, MD.  Erwin was named Montgomery County’s 2018 “Outstanding Artist” for his work in both environmental art as well work as mentor/educator. “I find it very rewarding in itself to work in art, with students, with communities, or by myself, and it has become an avenue for me to speak out for our environment and what we as a society can do to preserve it,” Erwin said. “I hope to continue to inspire people of all ages to use their hands to express themselves and not just their thumbs.”

Erwin Timmers (center) award flanked with Catherine Leggett and Montgomery County Executive Isiah “Ike” Leggett.

Erwin Timmers (center) receives the MoCo award flanked by Catherine Leggett and Montgomery County Executive Isiah “Ike” Leggett.

WGS artist John Henderson and Otis Street Arts Project Founder, Sean Hennessey collaborated together to create new public art for Baltimore, MD. The site specific artwork is an internally illuminated, four-sided obelisk with panels mounted into the framework. Their narrative concept for the artwork story was to have the bottom panels on the sculpture represent a wanting or dream, with the upper panels represent fulfillment. 

"Inspire" ; cast glass and steel public art sculpture by Sean Hennessey and John Henderson for Baltimore’s Lots Alive Outdoor Community Art Program.

“Inspire” ; cast glass and steel public art sculpture by Sean Hennessey and John Henderson for Baltimore’s Lots Alive Outdoor Community Art Program.

The public art sculpture by Sean Hennessey was also a bit of a farewell love letter to Baltimore as he and his family move West to Seattle, WA.

A teary farewell to one of the area's best artists - Sean Hennessey.

A teary farewell to one of the area’s best artists – Sean Hennessey.

 

December

Galas, glitz and glorious opening nights was the mantra for December. Washington Glass School was represented very well at the Art Basel/Art Miami fairs! Works by Tim Tate could be seen all over Miami, and DC’s Alida Anderson Art Projects exhibited works by Erwin Timmers, Audrey Wilson, Laura Beth Konopinski and Michael Janis.  

Opening night of Art Miami/Context

Opening night of Art Miami/Context

Tim Tate's work at Art Miami / Context Art Fair

Tim Tate’s work at Art Miami / Context Art Fair

DC's Alida Anderson Art Projects space at Context / Art Miami featured works by artists of the Washington Glass School.

DC’s Alida Anderson Art Projects space at Context / Art Miami featured works by artists of the Washington Glass School.

What’s coming in 2019?

Looking ahead there are some great things coming up! Kerri Sheehan comes back to teach at WGS starting in January! Laurie Brown opens a gallery in Memphis, TN. Tim Tate and William Warmus will be speaking at the Glass Art Society 2019 Conference being held in Saint Petersburg at the end of March! The Habatat International in May is always a must-see! Some new public art projects are just being commissioned – more info in 2019!

We know 2018 was full of ups and downs, but remember that underneath it all, love is our constant. It’s what unites us. ― Happy New Year 2019!

May the fortune and renewed creativity help us all to make the right decisions in our professional and personal life.

Love! Peace! & Soul!

from the artists, educators, staff and all at the Washington Glass School & Studio!

Kerri Sheehan Returns! And She’s Ready To Rumble!

She’s BAAAACK!

Kerri Sheehan returns to kick some glass butt!

Kerri is looking to kick some glass butt!

Kerri Sheehan was there with Tim Tate and Erwin Timmers at the birth of the Washington Glass School and taught classes with us for many years. After a long hiatus, has come back to us to help students find and grow their passion for warm glass.

Kerri Sheehan

Kerri Sheehan

When she’s not in the studio, she’s a video producer, helping clients all over the country tell their stories. She’s also a playwright, and has been active in DC’s creative community for more years than she’d like to admit.

Kerri will be back teaching at the Washington Glass School starting in January 2019! Look at the new class listings to see whats coming up in the new year!

Farewell to Washington Glass School Resident Artist Laurie Brown

WGS outing at "The BEACH" 2015 installation at the National Building Museum. L to R: Audrey Wilson, Laurie Brown, Erwin Timmers.

WGS outing at “The BEACH” 2015 installation at the National Building Museum. L to R: Audrey Wilson, Laurie Brown, Erwin Timmers.

Artist/Entrepreneur and now Gallerist Laurie Brown will be leaving the DMV, moving to the Birthplace of Rock’n’Roll, Memphis, Tennessee.

The 2007 WGS Bead Club.

The 2007 WGS Bead Club.

Vital to our metal classes, Laurie has been working at the Washington Glass School for many years, including being a charter member of our bead-making club, and one of the studio artists we relied on for the success of many Public Art commissions. laurie.brown.art.washington.glass school.studio

Laurie’s artwork was part of the strength of the how glass dominated the Artomatic art fairs in the DMV. 

L to R: Tim Tate, Audrey Wilson, Sean, Atlas & Jess Hennessey, Lauire Brown, Erwin Timmers

L to R: Tim Tate, Audrey Wilson, Sean, Atlas & Jess Hennessey, Laurie Brown, Erwin Timmers

Laurie is the new owner of L Ross Gallery in Memphis, TN, and will be bringing her unique background to the Home of the Blues. 

Starting January, Laurie will be in Memphis, TN at her gallery L Ross Gallery.

Starting January, Laurie will be in Memphis, TN at her gallery L Ross Gallery. photo by Matthew Hasty.

Best Wishes to Laurie Brown and Matthew Hasty in Memphis, TN! We will keep an eye out for you!laurie.brown.2013.open.studio.wgs

Report from Art Basel/Miami Art Fairs: Washington Glass School Crushes It!

The Art Basel/Miami Art Fairs presents artworks from across the globe.

The Art Basel/Miami Art Fairs presents artworks from across the globe.

Each December, Miami and Miami Beach becomes the epicenter of the art world with approximately 1200 art galleries from around the world showing thousands of artists in the Art Basel/Miami Art Week extravaganza.
Around 50,000 people visit the area for this incredible week, and they come from all parts of the world. It’s also a week of fashion with gala openings and celebrity studded events that fill the warm nights.
Perhaps due its inherent glitz and glamor, or the vibrancy, lux and drama of the medium, glass is SO much part of the fair. Maybe because its has a strong relationship to sand – in any case, Washington Glass School artists were showing at Art Miami this year in force! And there was a lot of glass to look at in the Miami Fairs. Said WGS Co-Director Tim Tate, ” It never ceases to amaze me how many blue-chip artists use glass in their artwork”. Tim Tate and William Warmus will together present a lecture on glass medium at the Miami Art fairs at the 2019 Glass Art Society conference to be held in St. Petersburg, FL in March.

Artists of Washington Glass School install at Art Miami/Context fair with Alida Anderson Art Projects Gallery.

Artists of Washington Glass School install at Art Miami/Context fair with Alida Anderson Art Projects Gallery.

Tim Tate's infinity mirror sculptures dominated Habatat Galleries space on the beach at Scope Miami.

Tim Tate’s infinity mirror sculptures dominated Habatat Galleries space on the beach at Scope Miami.

When it comes to Contemporary Art, the Art Miami is all about More, More, More. And that is what the Washington Glass School artists brought to the champagne-fueled cultural extravaganza.

Michael Janis was part of the Washington artists featured at Aldia Anderson Art Projects CONTEXT show.

Michael Janis was part of the stable of Washington, DC artists featured at Alida Anderson Art Projects CONTEXT show.

WGS Alum and Kent Stat MFA student Audrey Wilson dazzled the fair again this year with neon, plasma and cast glass sculptures.

WGS Alum and Kent Stat MFA student Audrey Wilson dazzled the fair again this year with neon, plasma and cast glass sculptures.

Laura Beth Konopinski's sculptures were at the center of the CONTEXT Miami fair.

Laura Beth Konopinski’s sculptures were at the center of the CONTEXT Miami fair.

Tim Tate's new endless mirror sculptures also were the draw at CONTEXT's Momentum Gallery space.

Tim Tate’s new endless mirror sculptures also were the draw at CONTEXT’s Momentum Gallery space.

The glass art drew aficionados of the medium - like Kari Rinn, Executice Director at North Carolina Glass Center and NYC's ubercollecter Susan Sanders.

The glass art drew aficionados of the medium – like Kari Rinn, Executice Director at North Carolina Glass Center and NYC’s ubercollecter Susan Sanders.

William Warmus, art critic, author and former curator of & Fellow of Corning Museum of Glass wrote about Michael Janis’ work “…Michael Janis showed stunning new work at Alida Anderson at Art Miami/Context. The large four part panel “Stasis in the Darkness” made an impact on two levels: from across the aisle, and close up in the quality of the details. Do not overlook the small kiln formed panels and the expert way he introduces and plays with subtle variations of thicknesses of the stacked layers of glass. They are “The Truth of Dreams.”

Michael Janis' new large scale glass sgraffito artwork debuted at Art Miami Context Art Fair.

Michael Janis’ new large scale glass sgraffito artwork debuted at Art Miami Context Art Fair.

DMV Artists by the Tracks: Holiday Open Studios This Saturday!

gateway.dc.artist.by.the.tracks.open.studioswashington.craft.center.sale.holidayThis Saturday, December 15th, from Noon til 5pm – The largest cluster of studios in the Gateway Arts District open their doors to the public for our Winter Open Studios.
Participating Artists:

WGS Contemporary : 3700 Otis Street, Mt Rainier
Erwin Timmers, Tim Tate, Michael Janis, Laura Beth Konopinski, April Shelford, Patricia de Poel Wilberg, Max DeMulder, Debbi LoCicero,
John Henderson, Trish Kent
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OTIS STREET ARTS PROJECT: 3706/ 3708 Otis Street, Mt Rainier
David Mordini, Lorenzo Cardim, Gloria Chapa, Chris Bohner, Art Drauglis, Kirsty Little, Melissa Allen, CeCi Cole McInturff, Elizabeth Curren, Eric Gordon, Nick Alberti, Shelley Lowenstein, Liz Lescault, Lisa Rosenstein, SPECIAL GUEST: East City Arts, Jenna North, Zofie King, Sean Hennessey, Gareth Branwyn.
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3700 WELLS & BLUE FIRE STUDIOS: Mt Rainier
Arlette Jassel, Roberto Devers, Margaret Flaherty, Patrecia de Poel Wilbert
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WHITE POINT STUDIO: 3708 Wells Avenue, Mt Rainier
Laurel Lukaszewski, Kate Kretz, Tamara Laird, Julia Walther, Jo Ellen Walker
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ORANGE DOOR STUDIOS: 3706 Wells Ave, Mt Rainier
Ellyn Weiss, Ellen Sinel, Sally Kauffman, Veronica Szalus
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3706 Otis (rear), Mt Rainier
Valerie Theberge, Shahin Talishkhan, Sharon Robinson
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BLUE DOOR STUDIOS: 3704 Otis St (Rear), Mt Rainier
Alonzo Davis, Alec Simpson
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TANGLEWOOD STUDIOS: 3613 Oak Lane, Mt Rainier
Tanglewood Sue, Peter McClintock
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JANIS GOODMAN: 3702 Otis (rear)
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Joe Hicks Ceramics
3709 37th Street
Mount Rainierartist.by.tracks.dmv.space.glass.school.gateway.district

Art Basel Miami Features Washington Glass School Artists!

In December - Art Basel Miami will be the center the the art universe.

In December – Art Basel Miami will be the center the the art universe.

Some of the world’s top galleries and art museums will be showing at the annual contemporary art bonanza, Art Basel Miami Beach 2018. Art Basel and the satellite fairs host visitors from all over the globe each Miami Art Week, so expect amazing contemporary paintings, films and videos, sculptures, drawings, photography, digital art and installations – including works from artists of the Washington Glass School.

Art Miami and Context Art Fair on the Downtown side of Miami.

Art Miami and Context Art Fair on the Downtown side of Miami.

Habatat Galleries Michigan will have a booth at SCOPE Art Fair (booth F39) on Miami Beach will again feature works by Tim Tate. This year his new works will be teamed with works by Chicago artist Joseph Ivacic.

Tim Tate, "Vortex" at Habatat Gallery booth F39.

Tim Tate, “Vortex” at Habatat Gallery booth F39.

Washington, DC’s Alida Anderson Art Project (AAAP) will fbe at CONTEXT Art Miami, featuring works by WGS artists Erwin Timmers, Michael Janis and Laura Beth Konopinski. WGS alum Audrey Wilson will also be exhibiting her newest works with AAAP (booths C321 & C322).

Laura Beth Konopinski with Alida Anderson Art Projects Booth C322

Laura Beth Konopinski with Alida Anderson Art Projects Booth C322

Erwin Timmers, "Spoils", cast recycled glass, with Alida Anderson Art Projects @ CONTEXT Art Miami

Erwin Timmers, “Spoils”, cast recycled glass, with Alida Anderson Art Projects @ CONTEXT Art Miami

Michael Janis, "Stasis in the Darkness", kiln formed glass sgraffito imagery powder frit

Michael Janis, “Stasis in the Darkness”, Alida Anderson Art Projects, booth C322.

Asheville’s new Momentum Gallery will be at CONTEXT Art Miami. They will also feature our Tim Tate’s new work (booth C130). 

Tim Tate, "Hashtag / Identity in the 21st Century" at Momentum Gallery

Tim Tate, “Hashtag / Identity in the 21st Century” at Momentum Gallery