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

Art Opening & Panel Event @ NOMA : Art & Environment

This Saturday, Sept 14th, Please join the NoMa BID and artist Eric Celarier in a panel talk to discuss Eric’s newest artwork, “Biosphere,” now on view in the lobby of 1200 First St. NE. Comprising 43 colorful images of mundane materials and trash, this installation continues the artist’s ongoing exploration of humanity’s impact on the environment.

East City Art founder/editor Phil Hutinet will be moderating the panel including the talented and creative panelists listed below:
Moderator | Phil Hutinet, Founder & Editor of East City Art
Panelist | Eric Celarier, Artist
Panelist | Jeanne Braha, Executive Director at Rock Creek Conservancy
Panelist | Erwin Timmers, Co-Director of Washington Glass School
Panelist | Rafiq Jennings, Fixit Clinic with DOEE

The event will kick off at 5:00 PM with refreshments and an opportunity to experience the art and meet the artist. Click HERE to jump to event listing on Eventbrite.

Beer, wine, and light bites will be provided.
• 5:00 PM | Open house
• 5:30 PM | Panel disucssion
* 6:30 PM | Mingling and networking

For inquiries about the event, please contact Kimberly Ford, NoMa BID Director of Events: kford@nomabid.org.

Sat, September 14, 2019
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Location
1200 First St NE
1200 First Street Northeast
Washington, DC 20002

View Map

Breaking Glass News! Jeff Zimmer Wins British Glass Biennale!

The British Glass Biennale is the foremost exhibition of excellence in contemporary glass by artists, designers and craftspeople currently working in Britain. Taking place every two years it is the highlight of the International Festival of Glass.

Winner of the 2019 British Glass Biennale - Jeff Zimmer!

Winner of the 2019 British Glass Biennale – Jeff Zimmer!

So excited to find out that WGS alum Jeff Zimmer has won this prestigious award! Super Congratulations Jeff!

Pittsburgh’s Morgan Contemporary Glass Gallery Announces Closing

Morgan Contemporary Glass Gallery in Pittsburgh, PA.

Morgan Contemporary Glass Gallery in Pittsburgh, PA.

Opened in 1997, Morgan Contemporary Glass Gallery has been the first Pittsburgh art gallery dedicated to exhibiting contemporary studio glass, focusing on sculpture, goblets, and jewelry in glass and mixed media. Located in Pittsburgh’s East End, the gallery was part of the area’s cultural institutions such as the Andy Warhol Museum, the Mattress Factory, the Carnegie Museums and Libraries, the Society for Contemporary Craft and the Pittsburgh Glass Center. The gallery featured some of the finest established and emerging artists.

morgan.glass.gallery.pittsburgh.art.contemporary.fused.twenty_first.centuryToday, it was announced that Morgan Contemporary Glass will close permanently in October, 2019.

In an official statement, gallery owner and director Amy Morgan said:

it’s time to say goodbye…

A lifetime spent doing what one loves
is how life should always work out…
22 years ago I fell in love with glass.
And I never looked back.
Now it’s time to say goodbye.
I have many roads to travel and the time to explore is now!
To the artists who have shown with me,
the young people who have worked with me
and the collectors who found art to acquire in the gallery…
it couldn’t have happened without you!
 
Thank you all for sharing your worlds with me.
It has been a privilege.