Great Depth of Beauty in “Life in Layers” Exhibit

The 35th Annual Prince George’s County Juried Exhibition “Life in Layers” draws on the vast core of visual artists that live, work or maintain a studio in Prince George’s County. Juried by Philip Hutinet, Founder of East City Arts, a broad interpretation of the concept was sought, as each artist brings their unique background to the idea. Each moment layers on the previous ones and they create narratives and meaning through all media forms.

PG County’s Parks & Rec Visual Arts Specialist, Stuart Diekmeyer (Left) introduces juror Phil Hutinet (center) at opening reception of Life in Layers exhibit.

The 35th Annual Prince George’s County Juried Exhibition “Life in Layers” draws on the vast core of visual artists that live, work or maintain a studio in Prince George’s County. Juried by Philip Hutinet, Founder of East City Arts, a broad interpretation of the concept was sought, as each artist brings their unique background to the idea. Each moment layers on the previous ones and they create narratives and meaning through all media forms.

Erwin.Timmers.art from recycled glass and LED
Erwin Timmers, fused recycled glass, LED lighting, steel
Artist / Co-Director of the Washington Glass School, Erwin Timmers talks about his work in recycled glass and steel.
Michael Janis, “A Kind of Truth” kilnformed glass, sgraffito imagery, blown and silvered glass. Photo by Pete Duvall.
WGS Co-Director Michael Janis talks about his work and how it captures the mood of contemporary society.

About the Juror
Phil Hutinet, a third generation Capitol Hill resident, is the publisher of East City Art, DC’s Visual Arts publication of record, which he began in 2010. Hutinet has curated or produced over 150 group and solo exhibitions in his career. Currently, Hutinet produces the annual Capital Art Book Fair, a spring event held at Eastern Market’s North Hall that celebrates the diverse world of art books.

WGS Resident Artist – April Shelford – has a solo exhibit of her glass artwork in the “Front Window Gallery” and was also at the opening reception.

Artist April Shelford at the Opening Reception in the Brentwood Arts Center.
True to form – April Shelford adjusts her display.

Life in Layers – on exhibit thru January 6, 2024.

Brentwood Arts Exchange, An Arts Center of M-NCPPC, located at 3901 Rhode Island Avenue Brentwood, MD.

Save the Date! December Open Studios Features Special Exhibit by Military Veterans

Washington Glass School invites all to our DECEMBER Open Studios, Saturday, Dec 09, 2023, from Noon to 5PM.
In addition to our exhibit of works by our artists and instructors, Washington Glass School (WGS) hosts a special exhibition of works made by our program with military Veterans – Hot Shop Heroes. WGS has partnered with Tacoma’s Museum of Glass & DC’s Veterans Affairs to provide art therapy for Veterans diagnosed with traumatic brain injury and PTSD. This collaboration for healing and a healthy future of our community has the Veterans telling their story in glass.
The surrounding arts venues (Otis Street Arts, Brentwood Arts Exchange, Portico Gallery and Pyramid Atlantic and more) will be open too!
Washington Glass School, 3700 Otis Street, Mt Rainier, MD 20712.

M-NCPPC Arts Jobs!

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) contacted us regarding  three Arts Specialists positions they are seeking suitable candidates to fill – have a look! The application deadline is Dec 19.

The first job opening focuses on Arts on a Roll mobile activities and partnership programs, the second job opening focuses on booking concerts at parks and community sites, and the third job focuses on youth programs.

Interested candidates have to apply to each one separately. If people have questions, they can reach out to Phil Davis, Countywide Arts Coordinator, Arts and Cultural Heritage Division.

Email: phil.davis@pgparks.com

Phone: 301-446-3225

Seeking candidates for
Arts Specialist, Community Arts (#11579). https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mncppc/jobs/newprint/4279840

  • Manages the Arts on a Roll mobile activities unit and partnership events. Needs someone with strong management skills and knowledge of non traditional education.

Arts Specialist, Community Arts (focus on performing arts) (#14735). https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mncppc/jobs/newprint/4279803

  • Manages concerts and parks and around the county and the Celebrate Africa festival. We’re working on updating the title in the job posting so it looks different than the one above.

Arts Specialist, Teen Arts (#15064). https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mncppc/jobs/newprint/4279725

  • Manages youth-focused arts programs in a newly-created unit.

Life in Layers Exhibit at Brentwood Arts

Please join us at the 35th Annual Prince George’s County Juried Exhibition: Life in Layers. November 13, 2023, through January 6, 2024. Works by WGS Directors Erwin Timmers and Michael Janis are in the show! The theme of the exhibit was for artists to convey aspects of life and the current times through their work. Each moment layers on the previous ones and they create narratives and meaning through all media forms.

The Life in Layers Exhibition draws on the vast core of visual artists that live, work, or maintain a studio in Prince George’s County and fosters an inclusive spirit among the participating artists as well as showcasing their talents, skills, and diverse use of media.


Opening reception Saturday, November 18, from 5-8 pm. The juror, Phil Hutinet, will speak about the exhibition and refreshments will be served.
Brentwood Arts Exchange, 3901 Rhode Island Ave, Brentwood, MD 20722

9th Annual Glass National

Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, VA present the 9th Annual Glass National, an exhibition highlighting the depth and breadth of contemporary functional and sculptural glass artworks being created throughout the country. The Glass National is a unique opportunity to view and experience a variety of styles and techniques encompassing the glass artwork field today.

Kate Barfield, “Tribute to Ms Ms. Mailou Jones”.

Made as a tribute to the Black DC painter, Ms. Mailou Jones, Kate Barfield said…” I wanted to capture her angular shapes, curves & POW! of color into glass”.

This year’s juror, Kristina Logan, reviewed over 80 artworks and selected 34 which incorporate a combination of a contemporary spirit and technical mastery of the material. Glass National is a unique opportunity to view and experience a variety of styles and techniques encompassing the glass artwork field today.

April Shelford, “Gravity’s Loom”

Congratulations to WGS Artists Kate Barfield and April Shelford! Your works are amazing!

9th Annual Workhouse Glass National
November 4, 2023 to January 14, 2024

Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Way
Lorton, VA

Ribbon Cutting at Bladensburg Library

Bladensburg Library – Architect: Gant Brunnett Architects

The official ribbon citation ceremony of the new Prince George’s County Memorial Library Bladensburg Branch (4820 Annapolis Rd, Bladensburg, MD, at 11 am). The ceremony featured remarks from PGCMLS Interim CEO Richard AmRhein, County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks, Prince George’s County Councilwoman Jolene Ivey (District 5), Bladensburg Mayor Takisha James, PGCMLS Board of Library Trustees President Angela D. Smith, and PGCMLS Chief Operating Officer for Support Services Michael Gannon.

The glass mural, titled “Reading the Water” by Washington Glass School is the centerpiece of the new library.

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.

Kisha Mason, PG Arts & Humanities Council at the lectern enthuses about the artwork. WGS artists Erwin Timmers and Michael Janis.
recycled glass, sustainable design for public art in Maryland Bladensburg Library
View to artwork from balcony at Bladensburg Library, Bladensburg, MD.
WGS artists/Co-Directors Michael Janis and Erwin Timmers at Bladensburg Library