On Friday, November 3rd at 1pm eastern, the Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass (AACG) features artist, Cedric Mitchell, as the Fired Up! speaker.
Cedric is also very involved with the BIPOC organization Crafting the Future , whose mission is “…to increase access to creative enrichment by connecting BIPOC artists with opportunities that will help them thrive.” https://www.craftingthefuture.org
Talking with the AACG organizers- I understand that the talk will be very interesting!
Talking with the AACG organizers- I understand that the talk will be very interesting!
Artist and designer, Cedric Mitchell enjoys creating both functional and decorative works in glass. He brings many years of teaching experience from Tulsa Glassblowing School, a nonprofit organization in the mid-west. Working within the community teaching underserved youth and veterans the art of glassblowing in Tulsa. Other teaching experience; Pittsburgh Glass Center, Toledo Glass Museum, and Los Angeles Glass Center.
The official ribbon cutting ceremony takes place Nov 1st, 2023 at 11 am.
Join the official ribbon citation ceremony of the new Prince George’s County Memorial Library Bladensburg Branch (4820 Annapolis Rd, Bladensburg, MD) on Wednesday, Nov 1st at 11 AM.
The best part of the new library is the public art – in the form of the large (12’H x 6’W) glass mural titled “Reading the Waters” made the artists of the Washington Glass Studio.
Artist Michael Janis works on one of the glass panels that make up “Reading the Water” public art commission.Layout of glass art work in the Washington Glass Studio.
Washington Glass Studio’s “Reading The Water” is an artwork that explores the interconnection between water and human life, and the critical role that water plays in shaping our environment and sustaining our communities. As a glass mural created for the Bladensburg library, this artwork is an invitation for viewers to pause and contemplate the beauty and complexity of water.
Rhonda Dallas, Exec Director Prince George’s County Arts and Humanities Council and Michael Gannon, Chief Operating Officer for Support Services at PG County’s Memorial Library System review the artwork.
Inspired by the natural patterns and movements of water, “Reading The Water” incorporates organic shapes and flowing lines that evoke the rhythm and flow of rivers, lakes, and oceans. As artists, our aim was to capture the fluidity and dynamic movement of water, while also showcasing the intricate patterns and textures that emerge from its currents. The use of translucent and transparent glass further creates a dynamic visual experience that changes with the shifting light and angles of the sun.
Artist Erwin Timmers gives the installed artwork special attention.
At the heart of this artwork is a message about the importance of environmental stewardship and the need to protect our natural resources. Much of the glass mural is made using recycled glass and components. By drawing attention to the beauty and fragility of water, “Reading The Water” encourages viewers to reflect on their own relationship with the natural world and to consider how they can contribute to a more sustainable future.
Michael Janis and Erwin Timmers talk about the artwork with construction worker fan.
Ultimately, “Reading The Water” is a celebration of the elemental power and beauty of water, and a tribute to the vital role that it plays in shaping our lives and our world. As viewers engage with this glass mural, they are invited to immerse themselves in the flow of water and to discover the many stories that it has to tell. Just like the books on shelves in the new Bladensburg Library, the individual panels of kilnfired glass are separate stories awaiting the viewer to discover and find themselves transported to another place. Our hope is that this glass mural will inspire library visitors to reflect on the wonders of nature, and to appreciate the important role that water plays in our lives. By bringing together art and science, “Reading The Water” invites us to explore and appreciate the world around us, and to find joy in the simple pleasures of life.
One last look at the work inside the kiln – before firing.
Is it true that all octopuses are born in Octo-ber? Well, here is the ultimate proof! Artist Tana just completed her spectacular 36′ round octopus/sea life themed glass panel at the Washington Glass School! The finished glass panel will octo-py our hearts!!
This past week’s Hot Shop Heroes™ workshop was great fun! Our military veterans had the incredible opportunity to connect with the talented glass artist and fellow veteran, Geoffrey Bowton, in a fascinating video meeting.
Geoffrey shared his unique glass art techniques and took us on a remarkable journey of healing through the mesmerizing world of glass art.
Geoffrey Bowton (top left) talks about his work and journey to the veterans at the Washington Glass School.
And that was just the beginning! After the inspiring conversation, we dove into hands-on workshops in fused glass and welding. The energy and creativity in the room were truly remarkable.
Instructors Tim Tate (L) and Jennifer Lindstrom (R) work with the Hot Shop Heroes vets in making their first glass piece.
The 8 week program continues, where the veterans will continue to explore their artistic talents and healing through art.
Lead glass instructor, Patricia De Poel Wilberg, takes the vets thru their first fused glass workshop.
Mark your calendars for the grand finale! On December 9th, we’ll be showcasing the incredible artwork created by our talented students at the Open Studios exhibit. You won’t want to miss it!
Stay tuned for more updates and be part of this inspiring journey with us.
About DC’s Hot Shop Heroes:
DC’s Veteran’s Affairs has partnered with the Washington Glass School (WGS) and the Museum of Glass (MOG) in Tacoma, WA. to bring the restorative power of art to active duty patients and Veterans diagnosed with traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorders.
Started in 2013 at Takoma’s MOG, the Hot Shop Heroes program has been dedicated to teaching glass safety procedures, fundamental glassmaking techniques and team building skills. In one of the first partnerships with the MOG, WGS will add metal working and special glass casting techniques to the intensive arts encounter.
L-R Wilfried Zeisler, chief curator and deputy director of Hillwood with artists Joyce J. Scott and Tim Tate.
Some photos from the last night’s talk at DC’s Hillwood Museum – ‘A Conversation with Joyce J. Scott and Tim Tate’.
Tim Tate, Christina Waddler and Joyce Scott
Artists Joyce J. Scott and Tim Tate had an engaging and insightful conversation moderated by Wilfried Zeisler, chief curator and deputy director of Hillwood.
Joyce and Tim talked about their artistic practices and inspiration for their work, including the stories and process behind “Him” by Scott and A Century of Longing by Tate, both featured in the current Glass: Art. Beauty. Design. exhibition. https://hillwoodmuseum.org/exhibitions/glass
Joyce and Tim talked about their current projects, including the process of working collaboratively on a monumental glass project.
Dinner with the artists at the Hillwood Museum.
Glass: Art. Beauty. Design. is on display thru January 14, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. and TACOMA, WASHINGTON — The Washington Glass School in Mount Rainier, MD is proud to announce a groundbreaking collaboration with the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, Washington, aimed at enhancing the lives of military personnel and veterans through the transformative power of Hot Shop Heroes™. As one of the first collaborations of its kind for the Museum of Glass, this partnership underscores their dedication to expanding the horizons of glass artistry. By combining the Washington Glass School’s expertise in glass art instruction with the Museum of Glass’s world-class facilities and resources, this alliance of the two Washingtons (State and District of Columbia) promises to create a nurturing and enriching environment where veterans can discover the healing potential of working with glass.
Hot Shop Heroes is a pioneering program that has been instrumental in aiding military personnel and veterans in their journey to heal from traumatic experiences and injuries sustained during combat. The program creates a supportive environment where participants work collaboratively, forging bonds with one another while exploring the captivating art of molten glass. The blend of social interaction, shared goals, and creative expression within the Hot Shop Heroes program offers a unique and therapeutic experience that has been proven to promote healing and personal growth.
According to the American Art Therapy Association, the debilitating effects of post-traumatic stress can affect up to 18-percent of soldiers deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. For many, the use of medication, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) can be helpful in treating this condition, but the addition of art therapy has shown to be invaluable to an individual’s recovery.
This remarkable initiative started as a Museum of Glass created opportunity for military members and their families to engage in hands-on art activities, glassblowing demonstrations, and gallery exhibitions, has evolved into a program specially designed to assist active-duty and retired service men and women in their transition to civilian life. The program has demonstrated that the concentration and camaraderie required for glassblowing can be profoundly therapeutic, particularly for individuals with traumas and injuries stemming from their military service.
Since its inception in the fall of 2013, the Hot Shop Heroes program has been dedicated to teaching kiln formed glass safety procedures, fundamental glassmaking techniques, welding experience, and team building skills.The program’s objectives are to provide participants with improved dexterity, fine motor coordination, and core strength, all while fostering self-esteem, nurturing creativity, and stimulating imagination through artistic participation. Today, Hot Shop Heroes remains a cornerstone educational program at the Museum of Glass, transforming lives through art.
The Hot Shop Heroes program offers glassmaking and metal shop courses to participating soldiers and veterans, catering to introductory and intermediate skill levels. With classes tailored to different levels of glassmaking experience, Hot Shop Heroes empowers participants to refine their abilities, extending the reach of their skill sets beyond the walls of the Glass Studio and into new job opportunities.
To sustain and expand this life-changing program, Hot Shop Heroes relies on external funding to provide classes at no cost to participating students. As of 2023, over 750 soldiers and veterans have benefited from the Hot Shop Heroes program, and this collaboration between the Washington Glass School and the Museum of Glass aims to extend the reach of this transformative initiative to even more individuals in need.
For more information about the Hot Shop Heroes program and this exciting collaboration between the Washington Glass School and the Museum of Glass, please visit http://washingtonglassschool.com/school
The Washington Glass School, located in Mt Rainier, MD is a renowned educational program in the Nation’s Capital area, operating as the sculptural glass education and resource center for the mid-Atlantic region, serving students, artists and the general public. Founded in 2001 by passionate glass artists, the school offers a wide range of classes, workshops, and educational programs aimed at fostering creativity and innovation in the world of glass sculpture.
About Museum of Glass:
The Museum of Glass, situated in Tacoma, Washington, is a premier institution dedicated to the appreciation and exploration of glass art. With a world-class collection and a mission to engage and inspire a broad and diverse audience, the Museum of Glass is a hub for creativity, education, and artistic expression.
