Museum of Glass Exec Director Visits WGS

MOG @ WGS!

MOG @ WGS!

Deborah Lenk, Executive Director of the Museum of Glass (MOG) in Tacoma, Washington visited Washington Glass School last week. Ms Lenk is in the area as the MOG is looking to expand their education and programs to a national level and were meeting with some East Coast studios to see if creative networks can be formed.
After meeting with the WGS Directors, Ms Lenk toured WGS and met with the artists.

MOG Executive Director Deborah Lenk talks with WGS Co-Director Erwin Timmers about his environmental themes that are the basis for his cast glass sculptures.

MOG Executive Director Deborah Lenk talks with WGS Co-Director Erwin Timmers about his environmental themes that are the basis for his cast glass sculptures.

WGS Studio Coordinator Teri Bailey talks about her glass artwork installation with Deborah.

WGS Studio Coordinator Teri Bailey talks about her glass artwork installation with Deborah.

Tim Tate and Michael Janis describe the way the two artists collaborated on the new sculpture "All That Is Solid Melts Into Air" that will debut next month at Habatat Prime exhibit in Chicago.

Tim Tate and Michael Janis describe the way the two artists collaborated on the new sculpture “All That Is Solid Melts Into Air” that will debut next month at Habatat Prime exhibit in Chicago.

DC GlassWorks Announces Closing

DC GlassWorks – one of the glass studios integral to Washington DC’s contemporary art scene – has announced its closing.

DC GlassWorks studio held many important events. UK artists Phil Vickery and Roger Tye demonstrated at DC GlassWorks as part of an international exhibition of glass and clay artists in 2013.

DC GlassWorks studio held many important events. UK artists Phil Vickery and Roger Tye demonstrated at DC GlassWorks as part of an international exhibition of glass and clay artists in 2013.

David D’Orio, the artist-entrepreneur who founded the hotshop with four other artists (Graham Caldwell, Jesse Caldwell, Alger Dole, Wyndell Williams, David DOrio) in 2001 said that the changes in the studio’s surrounding area made it impossible to continue.

Washington Glass School considered DC GlassWorks a “sister school” and held many crossover classes and events with them. We knew what an important part DC GlassWorks was to our art community. Its closing will leave a space in our hearts and our cultural melting pot.

From DC GlassWorks:

The past few years have been challenging for the studio. Our neighboring businesses have changed and, unfortunately, the business models of these new neighbors have forced us to reduce our events and offerings. In the end, location matters. Good neighbors’ matter. It is in this context that we find we can no longer continue offering glassblowing and will be closing the studio over the next month.

It has been a great run and we would like to thank all the studio artists, visiting artists, students, bands, patrons, and everyone else who have supported DC GlassWorks over the last fifteen plus years. We have had the pleasure to teach many hundreds of students of all ages and backgrounds, have hosted movie nights and countless open houses, had the pleasure to host many national and international artists, and tried to pass on our knowledge of glassblowing and sculpture to all who came to the studio. We have had great times, made great art, and hopefully enriched the lives of all persons who we interacted with.

DC GlassWorks was founded on the idea that glassblowing should be accessible to all persons and became a place where a person could start off with no glass experience and, through training, hard work, and perseverance, could make the work they wanted to make and could give back to the greater glass community. Our goal was to foster self-sufficiency so that students were prepared to work in whatever studio they ended up at. We’ve always taught that it was important for all glass artists to make sure they are involved with assisting and teaching. It is heartwarming to see so many former students still working in glass and giving back to the community.

Our parting wish is that students find a place to learn glass that fosters their creativity and self-sufficiency; where people are taught how to blow glass without having to take perpetual ‘private lessons’ before gaining access to equipment; and a place that guides student to a level where they are free to blow glass without having to pay someone to assist/supervise them. We also hope our renters find places they can work that allows them the ability to work without having to befriend the owner, work like indentured servants, or have a specific pedigree or education just to get access to glassblowing facilities. DC GlassWorks was founded to fight against these worn-out models of glass studios. Expect more and aim high.

It has been an amazing ride and we thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for being a part of this experience.

-DC GlassWorksdc.glassworks.washington.maryland.dave.david.dorio.studio.hotshop

Class In Glass @ Goucher College

Goucher College in Towson, Maryland.

Goucher College in Towson, Maryland.

Howard Cohen – an Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass (AACG) Board member- presented a lecture series at Goucher College in Townson MD. The students in the class focused on the works of artist Dale Chihuly in the first lecture of the series.

Howard Cohen presents the history and works of artist Dale Chihuly at Goucher College.

Howard Cohen presents the history and works of artist Dale Chihuly at Goucher College.

The secont part of the Glass Class series focused on the works and history of artist Michael Janis.

Artist Michael Janis talks about his work and how the art world is changing.

Artist Michael Janis talks about his work and how the art world is changing.

Michael Janis' background as a glass artist proved to be fascinating to the audience.

Michael Janis’ background as a glass artist proved to be fascinating to the audience.

The class ended with the students seeking more information about glass and glass exhiitions. Many wanted to schedule a tour of the Washington Glass School and Studio in the fall – will post if theis comes to pass!

WGS Artist John Henderson Creates Baltimore Public Art

WGS Resident Artist, John Henderson, has been creating artwork that enriches the Baltimore area.

WGS Resident Artist, John Henderson, has been creating artwork that enriches the Baltimore area.

Holy Nativity/St. John’s Development Corporation received a competitive Neighborhood Initiative Competitive Grant from Baltimore City to install outdoor sculptures along Park Heights Avenue, in Baltimore City.

John Henderson has been creating public art as part of a beautification initiative targeting vacant lots and communities undergoing redevelopment.

John Henderson has been creating public art as part of a beautification initiative targeting vacant lots and communities undergoing redevelopment.

The Project “Arts on the Avenue” is a place-based public art beautification initiative targeting vacant lots and communities undergoing redevelopment.  Artists will design and paint Ndebele design motifs on transparent panels that will be inserted into a steel frame.  Ndebele design originates from South Africa and is still practiced today. The Ndebele technique is primarily geometric using vibrant colors and symbols.

Each sculptural steel frame will contain a solar device that will provide illumination at sunset.

Each sculptural steel frame will contain a solar device that will provide illumination at sunset.

 

John Henderson

John Henderson

John Henderson, a studio artist at the WGS and resident of Maryland, is leading this project.  John and fellow artist Sean Hennessey recently completed an outdoor obelisk titled “Inspire” through a BOPA/Lots Alive competitive grant from Baltimore City. 

Smithsonian Museum Curators Visit Washington Glass School

Smithsonian Renwick Museum Curator-In_Charge Nora Atkinson is compelled to touch the artwork by Michael Janis and Tim Tate on her visit to Washington Glass School.

Smithsonian Renwick Museum Curator-In-Charge Nora Atkinson is compelled to touch the artwork by Michael Janis and Tim Tate on her visit to Washington Glass School.

Nora Atkinson, Curator-in-Charge of the Smithsonian Renwick Museum and Robyn Kennedy, Smithsonian Renwick Chief Administrator pay a visit to the studio to have a look at the new collaborative glass installation by Tim Tate & Michael Janis.

Artist Michael Janis talks about the process and inspiration that he and artist Tim Tate used to make the stunning, collaborative artwork.

Artist Michael Janis talks about the process and inspiration that he and artist Tim Tate used to make the stunning, collaborative artwork.

The two Renwick Museum leaders wanted a preview of the work titled, “All That Is Solid Melts Into Air” before it heads up to Chicago as part of Habatat Prime pop-up exhibit that is part of SOFA Expo in a few weeks (Oct 31-Nov 3).

Artist Erwin Timmers points out the features of his thoughtful glass sculptures to SAAM Curator Nora Atkinson and Chief Administrator, Robyn Kennedy.

Artist Erwin Timmers points out the features of his thoughtful glass sculptures to SAAM Curator Nora Atkinson and Chief Administrator, Robyn Kennedy.

And a walk thru of the Washington Glass School looking at the artists work – what great way to spend a spectacular Friday in DC.

Michael Janis describes his sgraffito glass technique to Smithsonian's  Robyn Kennedy and Nora Atkinson as they tour the work on exhibit.

Michael Janis describes his sgraffito glass technique to Smithsonian’s Robyn Kennedy and Nora Atkinson as they tour the work on exhibit.

 

Glass Throwdown! Who will be GlassMaster?! Come to EXPOSED! @SOFA Expo!

Ferd Hampson Vs David Hutchausen reveal all in Mary Van Cline's EXPOSED! @SOFAExpo

Ferd Hampson Vs David Hutchausen reveal all in Mary Van Cline’s EXPOSED! @SOFAExpo

Mary Van Cline’s DOCUMENTA Project (which celebrates 3 years of photographing the community of the global Studio Glass Movement) continues to tease and generate interest in her EXPOSED event taking place at Chicago SOFA Expo opening Oct 31st! 

Come see the “out takes” and behind the scenes action of the Photo Shoots that help make the Portraits so engaging, and enjoy an informal visual historical narrative. After all, LAUGHING MATTERS!

The Documenta Project Presents: EXPOSED!
Chicago SOFA Expo
FRIDAY, November 1, 2019
3:00 – 4:00 pm

Click HERE to jump to Chicago SOFA Expo events.
#SOFAChicago

 

Washington Glass School Origins

The 9/11 anniversary always puts everyone in the Washington Glass School in a reflective mood.

Washington Glass School was originally named Meltdown

Originally named “Meltdown” an original class schedule.

Washington Glass School started in 2001 (the original name of the school was “Meltdown”) with its first class scheduled for September 13th, 2001, at the Millennium Arts Center in SW Washington, DC.

After the tragedy of 9/11, Director Tim Tate and Erwin Timmers contacted the students – sure that no-one was going to go to a glass class in Washington, DC. All the students asked that the class continue – as they wanted some sense of normalcy and wanted to work at creating something. 

Artist Diane Cooper Cabe was a student in the first class. Said Diane : "Being at Meltdown during that stressful, sad time with warm-hearted folks and creative work to do helped us all heal."

Artist Diane Cooper Cabe was a student in the first class. Said Diane : “Being at Meltdown during that stressful, sad time with warm-hearted folks and creative work to do helped us all heal.” Photo circa 2002.

 

The School started strong – with early student exhibitions covered by the Washington Post and Washington Times. Classes continued thru the years with some great glass and art instructors: Liz Mears, Lucartha Kohler, Sean HennesseyJoseph Cavalieri, Allegra Marquart, Bert Weiss and Debra Ruzinsky. Workshops by glass superstars Judith Schaechter and Therman Statom.  

Tim Tate (L), Erwin Timmers (Center L) talk with a student about glass and steel sculpture. Circa 2001.

Tim Tate (L), Erwin Timmers (Center L) talk with a student about glass and steel sculpture. Photo circa 2001.

Many of the students and teaching assistants have went on to open their own studios and become renown artists in their own right – including Cheryl Derricotte, Jeff Zimmer, Teddie Hathaway, Audrey Wilson, Laura Beth Konopinski and (later a Co-Director of WGS) Michael Janis.

In 2003, the school was reorganized and moved to the Washington Sculpture on Half Street in SE. Renamed “The Washington Glass School” remained at that location until the city used eminent domain to clear the area (and demolish the building) to make room for the new Nationals baseball stadium.

Washington Glass School circa 2004.

Washington Glass School circa 2004.

In 2006, The Washington Glass School moved to Mount Rainier, MD, and to its current facility in 2007.

We look back on the memories of the past 18 years with a bittersweet mixture of pride, sentiment, and fondness for those days and love for those who have passed on. 

And then take a deep breath and get back on to work.

A 2002 Washington Post newspaper article about the glass program - features Cheryl Derricotte and Erwin Timmers.

A 2002 Washington Post newspaper article about the glass program – features Cheryl Derricotte and Erwin Timmers.

Mary Van Cline’s Documenta Project Presents: EXPOSED!

Mary Van Cline’s “Documenta Project,” is an ongoing photographic quest to capture the images (and personalities) of the unique community of artists, dealers, and collectors who coalesced around glass as an art medium. As the Documenta Project celebrates 3 years of photographing the community of the global Studio Glass Movement, it has become an important historical archive of Portraits documenting artists, collectors, gallery owners and curators.

This year, at the arts extravaganza that is SOFA Expo – Mary will present a lecture and event, titled: Exposed!

Lecture at SOFA Chicago 2019 Friday, November 1st, 2019; 3-4pm (right after AACG sponsored lecture)

Janusz Walentynowicz

Janusz Walentynowicz

Come see the “out takes” and behind the scenes action of the Photo Shoots that help make the Portraits so engaging, and enjoy an informal visual historical narrative. After all, LAUGHING MATTERS!

aaron.schey.corey.hampson.glass.art.habatatSOFA Chicago

Festival Hall, Navy Pier
600 East Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611

Opening Night Preview
Thursday, October 31, 2019
VIP Preview  |  5 – 9 pm
Public Preview | 7 – 9 pm

Get Ready for SOFA Expo (31 OCT – 3 NOV 2019)

sofa.chicago.2018The huge art fair SOFA Chicago will be staged again at Chicago’s Navy Pier the first weekend of November. SOFA stands for “sculptural objects and functional art,” but the content of the fair has an even broader scope. On par with Art Basel and TEFAF Maastricht, SOFA is produced by Clarion Events.
Critically acclaimed and continuously running since 1993, what distinguishes SOFA from other top art events is its focus on three-dimensional artworks that cross the boundaries of fine art, decorative art and design. SOFA is noted for its exceptional presentation, with an elite selection of international dealers presenting for sale one-of-a-kind masterworks.
With a strong educational emphasis, SOFA CHICAGO includes an acclaimed lecture series and special exhibits exploring the artworks on view and surveying new trends in the art world.

WTTW video of previous SOFA Expo – watch to see works by some of your favorite glass artists and cameos of works by DC artists!

Michigan’s Habatat Gallery will again be participating in SOFA Chicago for the 33rd year. For the 2019 event the gallery will be doing something exciting and all are invited!Habatat will have a presence at the SOFA Art Fair at Navy Pier and also at Habatat Prime which is a pop up location near Chicago’s Printers Row area. There, Habatat will have 7500 square feet of display spacing and also a live auction at the space as well Friday night!  The space will open to the public Thursday morning so please join us for lunch on Thursday October 31st and preview the auction.
Habatat SOFA Navy Pier Booth: A34 & A32
Habatat Prime Location: Z Gallery 1023 S. Delano Court EastSpace F123, Chicago, IL 60605
Habatat will have tranportation to and from the space that is 3 miles from the Pier.

SOFA CHICAGO
31 OCT – 3 NOV 2019
Festival Hall, Navy Pier
600 East Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611

Opening Night Preview
Thursday, October 31, 2019
VIP Preview  |  5 – 9 pm 
Public Preview | 7 – 9 pm

Pittsburgh Glass Center Benefit Auction Art On Fire

Join the over 400 community leaders and art appreciators for a fun and unforgettable evening in support of Pittsburgh Glass Center! The Art on Fire Auction is a hot party and Pittsburgh’s ONLY glass art auction. It’s a great opportunity to buy handmade, one-of-a-kind glass art for a good value while also supporting artists and Pittsburgh Glass Center.pgc.auctionThis year’s celebration (Friday, September 13 • 6:00–11:00pm) will feature:
Over 150 works of glass art created by artists locally and from around the world. PGC’s 2019 Honorary Artist is Shelley Muzylowski Allen, a painter and glass artist based near Seattle, Washington who adorns her glass sculptures and paintings with rusted metals and organic materials, focusing on the strength and stillness of animals. Her glass sculpture, entitled “Mercury,” will be this year’s signature auction piece.

For more info: click HERE

– Live Auction 8pm | Silent Auction 6–10pm (Bid Now!)

Details
09/13/2019 | 6:00pm – 09/13/2019 | 11:00pm
Nova Place
100 South Commons, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212