Author Archives: admin

Glass 48 Opens May 8!

Posted on by |

Glass 48 opens Friday May 8 @ 1:00 pm ( Eastern time).

Glass 48 opens Friday May 8 @ 1:00 pm ( Eastern time).

The pandemic has changed many planned arts events across the world. Habatat Galleries has adapted their planned Glass48 International event to an online presentation so the exhibition can be viewed from anywhere. This monumental experience will allow all visitors to view presentation from anywhere in the world. This experience includes personalized videos of each artists work and will also feature studio tours.

WGS Artists Tim Tate and Michael Janis are featured in the International exhibit – and they each have video presentations of their individual work and of their collaborative work.

Posted in american studio glass, art glass, collaborative glass, covid, covid-19, fine art, glass sculpture, glass show, Glass48, habatat galleries, international, michael janis, mike janis, Tim Tate

In Memoriam: Carol Cohen

Posted on by |

carol.cohen.glass.art.3

Artist/sculptor Carol Cohen, 81, passed away at her home in Cambridge, MA, on April 12, of lung cancer. In 1970, she began her career as an artist, working first with paint, then clay, paper, vinyl, and steel before developing innovative techniques in painting stacked glass, which led to her work being placed in many prestigious collections including the Boston Museum of Fine Arts; Renwick Gallery, National Museum of American Art, Washington, DC; and Mint Museum of Art, Charlotte, NC.

carol.cohen.1

Carol described her signature layered imagery process:

Ordinary window glass is the best surface to take paint and allow the most light to go through. When I first figured out the technique (1982) I tried acrylic sheet/Plexiglas; but it sagged in the middle, scratched easily, was a dust magnet, and the edges had to be sawed and sanded.Glass was a practical choice: it costs less than plexi, is harder so that cleaning it doesn’t create scratches, is more rigid so it doesn’t sag when supported by its corners, is less electrostatic, and is easier to cut by simple scoring-and-breaking. It is also beautifully green when assembled in layers — that was an unexpected plus.

carol.cohen.glass.2She retired from making art in 2008.

“Though the mystery contained in these non-boxes is easily explained, it continues to intrigue the eye. You can view the work from any angle but one: if your eye parallels the edges of the glass sheets the internal image vanishes, and all you see is a stack of green-edged glass sheets. Now-you-see-it, now-you-don’t. Prestidigitation with glass.”

–Paul Hollister, “Exploration of Inner Space”, Neues Glas magazine, 4/88.

Posted in in memoriam

“How We Take Care of Each Other” Artwork in the Time of Corona – Installation by Michael Janis

Posted on by |

We are social creatures. Every relationship has been built and held together by complicated nonverbal language, beginning with parent and child. It’s part of our social fabric. Individual, family, and interpersonal relationships have all changed as a result of the COVID-19 emergency. What is the characteristic of a pandemic? Emptiness. The unusual quiet in what was normally noisy, bustling neighborhood. Silence – where the silence isn’t merely the absence of noise. It’s judgement, longing and paranoia.The fear the we may be ourselves a transmitter of the virus as we seek the comfort of others.

How people are psychologically affected by and coping with the COVID-19 emergency is the basis of the installation of kiln cast glass by WGS artist Michael Janis. Over 20 individual glass panels make up the large wall-mounted work.

Janis’ signature “sgraffito” imagery – where he manipulates fine crushed glass powder  into highly detailed imagery and portraiture, fires the images into layers of colored glass is used to strong effect in this new work. Images of that convey the sense of how we are connected and yet are contained into separate worlds is the essence of the work. Working in the isolation of the lock downed studio, Janis says he will continue to add to the installation as the virus continues to work thru the world. “Working on artwork keeps me sane” says the artist.

Partial view of Michael Janis’ “How We Take Care Of Each Other” glass art installation. Kilnformed glass; glass powder imagery; varying dimensions; 2020.

Partial view of Michael Janis’ “How We Take Care Of Each Other” glass art installation. Kilnformed glass; glass powder imagery; varying dimensions; 2020.

 

Michael Janis covid theme artwork installation

Partial view of Michael Janis’ “How We Take Care Of Each Other” glass art installation. Larger panels approx. 18″ (45cm) dia.

glass craft art made during coronavirus 2020

Detail of one of the fused glass panels in Michael Janis’ installation. Imagery made from glass powder in Janis’ signature sgraffito technique.

Michael Janis covid coronavirus art craft glass artwork 2020

Detail of Michael Janis’ glass art installation “How We Take Care Of Each Other”

Detail of works by Michael Janis.

Detail of works by Michael Janis. The translucent glass panels are mounted off the wall in varying dimensions, with light and shadow highlighting each panel edge.

glass craft american art fused kilnformed covid coronavirus 2020

Detail of one of Michael Janis’ kilnformed works. COVID-19 cases are heavily concentrated in the African American population.

covid.19.usa.art.glass.new.corona virus

The fabric of society is held together by even the smallest physical contact. Touch is as important a social condition as anything. It reduces stress. It makes people trust one another. It allows for cooperation. When you look at people in solitary confinement suffering from touch deprivation, you see that people lose a sense that someone’s got their back, that they’re part of a community and connected to others.

Posted in american craft, american glass, coronavirus, covid, covid-19, michael janis, mike janis, narrative, narrative glass

Glass Work is Essential!

Posted on by |

Washington DC’s University has been tasked with 3D printing personal protective equipment (PPE) for the city hospitals and UDC’s largest printer had gone down with a cracked print plate. UDC contacted Washington Glass School looking to replace it – stat!

Erwin Timmers works with Essential Glass!

Erwin Timmers works with Essential Glass!

WGS Director Erwin Timmers set about getting the UDC PPE up and running! As a good neighbor – WGS is there!

Go! Erwin – Go!

Posted in covid, covid-19

COVID 19 Restrictions

Posted on by |

covid.19

We want to take this opportunity to update you on what’s happening at Washington Glass School. WGS has made the difficult decision to temporarily close our educational facility.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has ordered all nonessential companies to close. And though we view glass as essential, we have been closely following the advice of public health authorities, and the time has come for us to take this step.

Gov. Hogan said the closure of additional businesses was necessary to “slow the spread” of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state.

We are committed to the well-being and learning of our arts community. We truly hope we will be able to return our operations as soon as possible. We will keep you informed about any updates we might have. 

We hope that you and your loved ones are healthy during this global health crisis.

Stay Healthy – Stay Creative – Stay in Touch!

Posted in covid-19 | Tagged

Glass Love In the Time Of COVID

Posted on by |

covid.19.usa.art.glass.new.corona.virus.2We are watching the evolving news and recommendations regarding COVID-19 carefully. At this time, we are not canceling any scheduled programs. However, to help keep our glass community healthy, we are implementing the following procedures and policies immediately:

  • Increased cleaning of common areas and tools.
  • All artists are to wash hands upon entry to the studio. Soap and water are our new best friends. Washing your hands to 2 renditions of “Happy Birthday” is a good time pacer for washing (& everyone loves a birthday party!)
  • Eye contact, smiles, nods and words will be used instead of our usual high fives and big hugs.
  • If you are feeling “under the weather” or cough-y or sneeze-y …stay at home. Do not come into the studio.
  • Please use your best judgment on whether or not to attend a workshop, event, etc. at Washington Glass School. We urge you to err on the side of caution!

Below is an infographic about ways to prevent COVID-19, and a few links to other resources from people who have expertise in the areas of public health (we’ll stick to our expertise in art).

We are sending out lots of love to you, all our community, and the whole world for good health.

covid
CDC COVID-19 Guidelines

Posted in covid

Material Matters @ CA’s Seager Gray Gallery

Posted on by |

California’s Seager Gray Gallery specializes in contemporary fine art with a focus on works that combine content with a mastery of materials. Opening March 3rd, Seager Gray presents their 7th annual Material Matters exhibition – featuring works by WGS artists Tim Tate and Michael Janis.

Michael Janis and Tim Tate bas relief cast glass art sculpture

Michael Janis and Tim Tate; “To the Ends of the Earth”; 2020; 36 x 36 in; cast glass, mixed media

This year’s exhibition features 23 artists working in wood, cast glass, pastel, clay, encaustic, oil, aluminum, weaving, resin, stainless steel, graphite, glass powder, steel, shredded money, paper, glass beads, mica, wire, hand blown glass, beeswax, limestone, photography, thread, cardboard, latex iridescent watercolor and ceramic. Artists include Robert Adams, Dean Allison, Gale Antokal, Adrian Arleo, Kay Bradner, Joe Brubaker, Lia Cook, Stephen Paul Day, Daniella Dooling, Jane Hambleton, Michael Janis, Lisa Kokin, Dana Lynn Louis, Jann Nunn, Emily Payne, Sibylle Peretti, Ross Richmond, Jane Rosen, Liz Stekettee, Susan Stover, Tim Tate, Jessica Williams and Aggie Zed.

Material Matters
March 3 – March 31, 2020
Reception for the artists: Saturday, March 7 from 5:30 – 7:30pm

Seager Gray Gallery
108 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941

Click HERE to jump to catalog preview.

Posted in material matters, seager gray, стекло искусство новое, فن الزجاج الجديد, アメリカのガラス芸術, 新的玻璃

Kennedy & Lincoln: Presidents Day 2020

Posted on by |

Short Stack: Kennedy and Lincoln; James LaBold, Mold blown glass and mixed media

Short Stack: Kennedy and Lincoln; James LaBold, Mold blown glass and mixed media

President’s Day is a federal holiday observed in the United States on the third Monday of February. It is a day that celebrate all U.S. presidents. 

Labold_James.cast.art.glass.sculpture.lincoln

 

In honor of Presidents Day 2020 – we celebrate with works by glass sculptor James LaBold.

 

Artist James Labold LOVES glass sculpture!

Artist James Labold LOVES glass sculpture!

Labold’s glass and mixed media sculpture explores the connections between patriotism, national identity, and mythology in both object based and installation formats. He is inspired by the American ideals embodied in the historic sites of the Revolution as well as the reality of the crumbling factories and neighborhoods surrounding them. In 2015 he received his MFA in Glass at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, famous for David Letterman, Garfield, and Bob Ross.

The Lincoln-Kennedy Coincidences – Not long after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, a list of seemingly amazing coincidences between the two men’s lives appeared, and it has been widely and continuously reprinted and circulated ever since:

  • Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846. John F. Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946.
  • Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860. John F. Kennedy was elected President in 1960.
  • Both wives lost their children while living in the White House.
  • Both Presidents were shot on a Friday.
  • Both Lincoln and Kennedy were shot from behind in the head while seated.
  • Both were succeeded by men named Johnson.
  • Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Lincoln, was born in 1808. Lyndon Johnson, who succeeded Kennedy, was born in 1908.
  • Booth (who shot Lincoln) ran from the theater and was caught in a warehouse. Oswald (who shot Kennedy) ran from a warehouse and was caught in a theater.
  • Both Booth and Oswald were assassinated before their trials.
  • Both assassins were known by their three names which are equally composed of fifteen letters.
  • Lincoln was shot at the theater named ‘Ford’ while Kennedy was shot in a car called ‘Lincoln.’

And the real unusual coincidence –

  • A week before Lincoln was shot, he was in Monroe, Maryland. A week before Kennedy was shot, he was in Marilyn Monroe.

Happy Presidents Day!!

 

Posted in president's day

American Glass Guild 2020 Conference in Baltimore, Hon!

Posted on by |

The American Glass Guild 2020 Conference in Baltimore. MD.

The American Glass Guild 2020 Conference in Baltimore. MD.

The American Glass Guild (AGG) will be holding their 20th Anniversary Conference at the Maritime Conference Center in Baltimore, Maryland May 7-9.

The Baltimore conference is a great place to meet people in the glass arts, to share ideas, techniques and experiences, with the planned glass art auction, artwork exhibition and more. Demos and workshops by international artists including Narcissus Quagliata and Judith Schaechter!– Talks featuring Shawn Waggoner, Tim Carey, Judith Schaecter, Ken Leap and Nancy Gong! WGS Co-Director, Michael Janis, will be a keynote speaker!

The Annual Live AGG Auction raises funds for the James Whitney Memorial Scholarship. Since 2007 the Whitney Memorial Scholarship has handed out over 125 scholarships for glass education. Recipients receive full or partial scholarships for various glass educational opportunities, such as conferences and workshops, or ongoing educational efforts.

The American Glass Guild (AGG) is a non-profit organization whose core mission is to work toward building an environment within the craft that both cultivates novices and facilitates experienced craftspeople and artisans to attain a higher level of expertise. The AGG’s intention is to support and provide speakers for public lectures and seminars, encourage spirited debates, and initiate fact-based research.

Click HERE for more online information.

Posted in AGG, american glass guild, Baltimore, conference, education, fulbright scholar michael janis, glass, glass art, glass education, judith schaechter, keynote, michael janis, shawn waggoner, stained glass, twenty first century glass, united states, стекло искусство новое, فن الزجاج الجديد, アメリカのガラス芸術, 新的玻璃

2020 Glass Coast Weekend on the Gulf of Mexico – features work by WGS Artists Tim Tate and Michael Janis

Posted on by |

Habatat Galleries‘ Fifth Annual Glass Coast Weekend features multiple exhibits, talks and demonstrations!

Habatat Prime Exhibit in Sarasota FL, February 6th – 9th, 2020

Habatat Prime Exhibit in Sarasota FL, February 6th – 9th, 2020

A special 10,000 square foot gallery is being created for the fifth annual Glass Coast Weekend 2020 on the Gulf of Mexico. The glass show will feature works by some of the world’s most respected glass artists showcasing their works in gallery shows, museum shows, artist talks, demonstrations and an auction

“Since its inception, art glass has become much more than blown glass,” said Ferdinand Hampson, founder of Habatat Galleries, which launched the Glass Coast Weekend. “Today it includes cast, slumped, flame worked, fused and laminated works. In all, it is the finest sculpture, using glass as a means of expression, and now acquired and exhibited by museums around the world. We’ve worked hard to expose art lovers across the globe to these gifted artists using glass as their medium.”

For the weekend, the company established Habatat Prime at 8840 N. Tamiami Trail, a gallery space that will house three exhibitions. Czech Glass Now will feature noted and emerging Czech artists. SPLASH features works by 24 artists who play with color, optics and forms. There also will be a special exhibition of work by Bertil Vallien, a Swedish glass artist considered one of the founders of the modern glass movement.

For info on PDF – click HERE!

Posted in 2020, habatat galleries, sarasota