RSVP now for a Habatat-Zoom event taking place this Saturday, November 16th, at 1:00 p.m. ET.
Join Aaron Schey (aka Mr Glass) Owner and partner of Habatat Detroit Fine Art, for an engaging update on the WGS Director Michael Janis, an innovative member of the esteemed Habatat Family. Janis, who showcased his work at Habatat’s Scope Art Miami booth this year, will provide insights into the latest developments in his career and sculpture.
Ok. what the what is going on?
Notably involved in the arts community near Washington D.C., Janis has been actively creating public sculptures and exploring new artistic endeavors incorporating video technology.
Save the date for March 2024, as Janis will be showcased as a distinguished artist at the Lowe Art Museum in Miami. Additionally, experience his exceptional work during the Glass Coast Weekend in Sarasota, Florida, where he will be personally present to share his artistic journey. Your presence is highly anticipated!
December 9, 2023 from Noon til 5PM – Holiday Open Studios! See some of the best art and design by the area’s most talented makers! A special exhibit of sculpture made by Military Veterans in Washington Glass School’s “Hot Shop Heroes” workshop held in collaboration with the Museum of Glass will be fetured at the WGS Contemporary Gallery, 3700 Otis Street, Mt Rainier, MD 20712. Artist Talk at 1PM.
Tip: Start your tour in the numerical order listed!
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, fused recycled glass, LED lighting, steelArtist / 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 thruJanuary 6, 2024.
Brentwood Arts Exchange, An Arts Center of M-NCPPC, located at 3901 Rhode Island Avenue Brentwood, MD.
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.
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.
Manages the Arts on a Roll mobile activities unit and partnership events. Needs someone with strong management skills and knowledge of non traditional education.
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.
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
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
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.View to artwork from balcony at Bladensburg Library, Bladensburg, MD.WGS artists/Co-Directors Michael Janis and Erwin Timmers at Bladensburg Library
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.
