2018 | Washington Glass Studio

WGS Contemporary Exhibit Opens Dec 15th!

Posted on November 15, 2018 by admin |

Soon its that time of year….the annual WGS Contemporary Invitational, one of the most eagerly anticipated holiday arts events in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia)!

WGS Contemporary artists Tim Tate, Laura Beth Konopinski, Michael Janis, April Shelford, Patricia de Poel Wilberg, Max DeMulder, Debbi LoCicero and others will be exhibiting their artwork, along with Montgomery County’s “Outstanding Artist” – Erwin Timmers!

Santa plans the open house logistics on his last visit to the Glass School.

From the small child to the serious art collector, the Holiday Open House fits everyone’s taste. The event features fun gift ideas and snacks, with the artists of the Washington Glass School and the surrounding arts venues and studios. Mark your calendars (in RED) for Saturday, December 15th, from noon til 5pm.

Posted in holiday open house, max DeMulder, open studio, washington glass school, xmas

SOFA Chicago Preview : Works By Washington Glass School Artists

Posted on October 23, 2018 by admin |

SOFA 2018: Discovering New Concepts of Innovation and Design
Chicago, Illinois (November 1 – November 4, 2018) – This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Sculpture Objects Functional Art and Design (SOFA) Fair in Chicago, which takes place at the landmark Navy Pier.

Laura Beth Konopinski, "Beneath your walls the rubble exposed", mixed media glass, Alida Anderson Art Project, booth #A39. photo by Pete Duvall.

Laura Beth Konopinski, “Beneath your walls the rubble exposed”, mixed media glass, Alida Anderson Art Projects, booth #A39. (photo by Pete Duvall)

Washington Glass School artists Laura Beth Konopinski, Tim Tate and Michael Janis will have their new works featured at the critically acclaimed expo. The Chicago-based art expo is traditionally dedicated to three-dimensional art and design.

Tim Tate, Mrs. Dalloway : Morning and Mrs Dalloway : Evening, 32"dia each.

Tim Tate, Mrs. Dalloway : Morning (L) & Mrs Dalloway : Evening (R), 32″dia each. Habatat Galleries booth #A25

Michigan’s Habatat Galleries will feature new works by Tim Tate and Michael Janis, in their space #A25. Tim’s new infinity mirrors have become much more sculptural and dynamic – they must be seen in person to experience the reflected themes of empowerment and hope.

Tim Tate, “I Stand With My Sisters”, mixed media, LED, glass. Habatat Galleries booth #A25. (photo by Pete Duvall)

Michael Janis has been creating a new series that will debut at the Chicago SOFA art fair, where his realistic imagery is offset with color and abstracted forms. His work can be seen also at Habatat Galleries space, #A25. Michael’s work will also be in a special exhibit at the fair: Intersection: Art & Life that features works by artists featured in a new book by Kevin Wallace, director of California’s Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts. His book explores the historical parallels between art and life, with the arts playing a central role in exploring identity, spirituality, our relationship with the environment and developing technologies.

Michael Janis, “In My Dreams”, fused glass, 12″ x 16″, Habatat Galleries booth #A25. (photo by Pete Duvall)

Michael Janis, "Forever", "Talk to Me", "Forever", 12" x 16" each. Habatat Galleries booth #A25. (photo by Pete Duvall).

Michael Janis, “Forever”, “Talk to Me”, “Forever”, 12″ x 16″ each. Habatat Galleries booth #A25. (photos by Pete Duvall).

Laura Beth Konopinski will be showing her new narrative mixed media sculptures. After a successful exhibit at the Art Miami Fairs last year, she has been creating new works that have already received critical acclaim. Laura Beth can be found at Alida Anderson Art Projects space, #A39

Each year, SOFA Chicago opens to eager crowds!

Location: SOFA CHICAGO
Address: Navy Pier, Festival Hall
600 E. Grand, Entrance 2
Chicago, IL 60611

Posted in art fair, laura beth konopinski, michael janis, mike janis, sofa chicago, Tim Tate

MOCO Outstanding Artist Erwin Timmers Saves The Day! Mark Your Calendars!

Posted on October 21, 2018 by admin |

Erwin Timmers – artist/father/superhero. And now Montgomery County Outstanding Artist. (photo by Pete Duvall)

Next Monday – October 29, 2018, @ 7:00 pm, Maryland’s Montgomery County will honor Washington Glass School’s Erwin Timmers as MOCO’s Outstanding Artist. The County Executive’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts & Humanities are the most prestigious honors conferred by Montgomery County on individual artists, scholars, organizations and cultural patrons.

Registration to the event is Free and Open to All – CLICK HERE.

Montgomery County Executive’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts and Humanities
Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center, Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus
7995 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Posted in erwin timmers, MOCO | Tagged executive award

IWU Wakeley Gallery Features Narrative Glass in “Strata” Exhibition

Posted on October 18, 2018 by admin |

With a gallery opening that works well with the Chicago SOFA audience, Illinois Wesleyan University’s Ames School of Art will feature the work of glass artists Lindy Ihrman and Leslie Speicher.

On Thursday, Nov. 1 at 1:30 p.m., Ihrman and Speicher will visit Illinois Wesleyan for a reception and artist talk on their exhibit “Strata,” which uses kiln-formed glass to create a sense of narrative through imagery and juxtaposition.

Lindy Ihrman, ” Transcend”, digital photography, enamel and kiln cast glass; 15 x 9 x 2½ inches.

Ihrman’s distinctive art style blends layers of glass sheets and digital imagery to create three-dimensional pieces that generally seek to convey a story. A glass artist from West Michigan for over fifteen years, she has had her work featured in exhibitions throughout the U.S. and Britain. Ihrman said of her works in the show “I have always been interested in how we connect with the natural world around us. My sculptures draw the viewer in to a particular story where light and dark, now and then, time and space are all unfolding.”

Chicago-based glass artist Leslie Speicher is notable for her distinct emphasis on color, form and texture when handcrafting her pieces. She also runs her own art studio, Chicago Glass Collective, which offers workshops, lectures and studio space for both beginning and experienced artists to improve their skills within a community. Prior to opening her studio in 2012, Speicher taught 3D Design at the University of Miami and glassmaking at the Cleveland Institute of Art.

Leslie Speicher, “Districts, Demographics and Algorithms”, fused glass

Speicher’s work in this exhibit focuses on the function as well as the perception of networks grids and boundaries in everyday life. Using her hometown of Chicago as the basis of her series, she examines the system of gerrymandering (the practice of manipulating the boundaries of an area) by creating transparent layered glass maps and graphs made with fused glass and stringers. Her panels strive to examine and dissect they systems that distort and affect the concept of “one person, one vote”.

STRATA
The Merwin & Wakely Galleries at Illinois Wesleyan University Ames School of Art
6 Ames Plaza West
Bloomington, Illinois 61701
Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday: 12 – 4 pm Tuesday evening: 7 – 9 pm • Saturday and Sunday: 1 – 4 pm

Posted in wakely gallery | Tagged leslie speicher, Lindy Ihrman

More Breaking Glass News!! Eric Hess Wins A 2018 Stanislav Libenský Award!

Posted on September 21, 2018 by admin |

Proof that everything gets better with Glass – awards are piling up with all associated with the Washington Glass School! As mentioned in earlier post, Eric M. Hess – a former Resident Artist here – was just awarded a 2018 Stanislav Libenský Award in Prague! Eric was the only US citizen that was selected as a finalist. Well Done and Congratulations Eric!!

The Stanislav Libenský Award finalists and winners line up at the Prague Gallery ceremony. Eric Hess was awarded the 3rd Place Award.

The Stanislav Libenský Award (established in 2009) is the world’s only international glass exhibition with graduates call for entry. It is named for Stanislav Libenský, long considered as the most outstanding Czech glasswork artist. The competition serves as an international presentation of young glass artists. The aim of the competition is to help the development of glass art in the young scene and to compare different approaches and methods.

Eric M. Hess - First Place winner of 2018 Stanislav Libenský Award

Eric M. Hess – Winner of a 2018 Stanislav Libenský Award.

Posted in eric hess, Stanislav Libenský Award

Breaking Glass News! Erwin Timmers Honored As “Outstanding Artist”

Posted on September 20, 2018 by admin |

Maryland’s Montgomery County Executive’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts and Humanities Honors WGS’ Erwin Timmers!

The Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County (AHCMC) has announced the recipients of 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. Among this year’s award recipients of the County Executive’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts and Humanities is Washington Glass School Co-Director Erwin Timmers.

Montgomery County Executive Isiah “Ike” Leggett will present nine community leaders with awards in recognition of significant contributions to Montgomery County’s arts and cultural community during a special award ceremony held at the Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center, Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus.

“I am honored to be able to pay tribute to these fabulous artists and organizations,” said County Executive Ike Leggett. “By their work, they lift us up and educate and inspire us. They make us laugh and make us cry. They make a good Montgomery County even better.”

“It is an honor to celebrate these nine award recipients who remind us of the deep impact the arts and humanities have on our community. The arts and humanities bring grace, hope, understanding, and perspective to our world,” said Suzan Jenkins, CEO of the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County.

The 2018 County Executive’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts and Humanities will be held on Monday, October 29, 2018 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center, Takoma/Silver Spring Campus in Takoma Park, Maryland, located at 7995 Georgia Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20910. This event is free and open to the public. Ticket reservations are required and can be made online here.

Posted in erwin timmers, montgomery county, outstanding artist

Tim Tate: Finalist for DC Mayor’s Arts Award

Posted on September 12, 2018 by admin |

Finally our Tim Tate is being recognized for the genius he is! He was just named finalist for “Excellence in Visual Arts” by the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities. The Mayor’s Arts Awards are the most prestigious honors conferred by the city on individual artists, teachers, nonprofit organizations and patrons of the arts. Artists and Organizations are recognized in six categories: Excellence in Visual Arts, Excellence in Performing Arts, Excellence in Creative Industries, Excellence in Arts Education, Excellence in the Humanities and the Larry Neal Writers’ Awards. The Award Ceremony will take place Tuesday, Sept 25th @ 7pm

This event is free and open to the public!
TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 25, 2018 | 7 pm
THE LINCOLN THEATRE
1215 U Street NW, Washington DC
White Carpet Pre-Show 5:30 pm

Posted in #MayorsArtsAwardsDC, mayor's arts award, Tim Tate

Eric Hess Represents USA in Stanislav Libensky Award Competition!

Posted on September 7, 2018 by admin |

2016 Washington Glass School Artist-In-Residence, Eric Hess, has been selected as one of 30 artists from around the world to be included in the 2018 Stanislav Libensky Exhibition and Award Competition in Prague, Czech Republic. Eris is the only artist selected from the United States.

Eric Hess; “Fragile”, which is a glass fetus in a 12 inch square block of ice. When the ice melts the fetus falls to the floor below and breaks, a tearful reality.

The Stanislav Libensky Award competition serves as an international presentation of emerging glass artists. The aim of the competition is to help the development of emerging glass art and to compare different approaches and methods. The initiator and main organizer – the Prague Gallery of Czech Glass – hopes that this competition, followed by a long term exhibition, will help emerging artists enter the business world and explore the potential of glass. Past iterations of the exhibition featured many excellent works by artists from around 30 countries and 40 universities.
Stanislav Libenský Award (established in 2009) is the world’s only international glass exhibition with a call for entry to recent MFA graduates concentrating in the glass arts. Stanislav Libenský is considered as the most outstanding Czech glasswork artist. His works created in collaboration with Jaroslava Brychtová are presented in museums and galleries all over the world. Besides his work, he was teaching at Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague and he was a director of the School of Applied Arts for Glassmaking in Železný Brod, where he lived and worked for the majority of of his life.
The Exhibition begins September 20th at the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art in Poupetova, Prague and is sponsored by the Prague Gallery of Czech Glass. The exhibition will end on November 19th.
Good Luck Eric!!

Posted in eric hess

Nancy Weisser Retrospective at Artist & Makers I

Posted on August 21, 2018 by admin |

Nancy Weisser Solo Retrospective at Artists & Makers I Studio

Rockville, MD’s Artists & Makers Studios will present a solo retrospective of glass artist Nancy Weisser’s lifelong career, including 40-plus years in the art glass field. The show will cover several themes- installations, new works, and work on paper and canvas.

Nancy Weisser
Experimental: Devotion to Discovery
September 7- 26, 2018
Opening Reception
Friday, September 7, 6-9 PM

Artists & Makers I
11810 Parklawn Dr, Suite 210
Rockville, MD 20852
artistsandmakersstudios.com

Nancy Weisser is a Kensington, Maryland- based artist specializing in kiln-formed glass. She owns and operates Weisser Glass Studio.

Experimental is a thread that runs through Nancy’s diverse body of work: “My devotion to discovery is about the pursuit of creating something new and my desire to learn along the way whether it be about material, process, or self. Art making for me is about trusting my instincts, nurturing curiosity and challenging myself even when it’s uncomfortable or difficult. This approach has allowed me to move forward and keep my work fresh”.

Posted in artist & makers studios, nancy weisser

Max DeMulder Goes Wild At VisArts

Posted on August 17, 2018 by admin |

Max DeMulder gets ready to work at the Glass School.

The Glass School’s newest artist – Max DeMulder – has a solo show at VisArts Common Ground Gallery, titled “A Wild and Untamed Thing”.

Max’s new mixed media works are wild and fun and look spectacular in the space!

Max DeMulder, “Blahh”; 2016, coper formed and fabricated with found objects.

Max has recently shown his art in the VisAbility Art Lab show at VisArts January 2016, Grump, December 2016 in Crystal City, VA, Outer Limits at the Ratner Gallery in Bethesda, March 2017, Artomatic, March 2017 in Crystal City, VA., Creative Craft Council, at Strathmore, April 2017, Takoma Park Folk Festival, September 2017, and VisAbility Art Lab Holiday Show, December 2017

About the artist: Max DeMulder grew up in Silver Spring, MD and decided to pursue a career in art from a young age. At Katherine Thomas High School, Max cultivated his artistic talent, working with clay, painting, mosaics, and mixed media, with a great interest in found objects.

As a Boy Scout, Max did woodwork, leather and metalwork and became an Eagle Scout in January 2018. In addition to creating his own work and time spent at the VisAbility Art Lab, Max apprentices with Nick Barnes, metal smith, and has worked with him for ten years. Max has assisted sculptor Howard Connelly with projects. Currently, Max is interning at Washington Glass School under the tutelage of Erwin Timmers along with Tim Tate and Michael Janis.

Max DeMulder: A Wild and Untamed Thing
VisArts Common Ground Gallery
155 Gibbs Street
Rockville, MD 20850

August 15 – August 26, 2018
Common Ground Gallery
Opening Reception and Artist Talk: Sunday, August 19, 2 – 4 PM

Posted in max DeMulder, VisArts

The Washington Glass School

Yearly Archives: 2018