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.
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.
The 8 week program continues, where the veterans will continue to explore their artistic talents and healing through art.
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.
Some photos from the last night’s talk at DC’s Hillwood Museum – ‘A Conversation with Joyce J. Scott and Tim Tate’.
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.
Glass: Art. Beauty. Design. is on display thru January 14, 2024
Hillwood Museum
4155 Linnean Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20008
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
Hot Shop Heroes — Museum of Glass
Media Contact:
Erwin Timmers
Co-Director, Washington Glass School and Studio
erwin@washglass.com
About Washington Glass 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.
If you are anywhere near Asheville next week, think about stopping by and joining glass artist Deborah Czeresko, winner of the reality competition series Blown Away, and Tim Tate, artist and Director of the Washington Glass School, for an exciting conversation exploring both artists’ long history of using glass sculpture to highlight LGTBQ rights. Both artists will share images of earlier pieces while discussing their artistic journeys, work, and the art world. Thursday, Oct. 5, 5:30 – 6:30
Click on link to register: https://shop.ashevilleart.org/collections/event-tickets/products/hospitality-workers-date-night
The National Capital Art Glass Guild (NCAGG) was founded in 1978 as a community of artisans interested in art glass. Every year Guild members conduct classes in many glass techniques and present programs to interested schools, organizations, and community groups.
The juried NCAGG member show at the Strathmore Mansion features outstanding works by area glassmakers in multiple styles – and many works by WGS artists!
The show runs through October 28, 2023
10701 Rockville Pike
North Bethesda, Md 20852
SEPTEMBER 5, 2023 – OCTOBER 28, 2023
After 31 years of building and managing the Weisser Glass Studio, Nancy Weisser has announced her retirement. The new owners of the Kensington glass studio are long time Weisser Studio managers Sharon Moffitt and Rachel Brooks.
Sharon graduated from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and was the studio manager for over twenty-one years. Rachel has been working at Weisser Glass Studio since 2010.
New Glass Studio owners Rachel Brooks & Sharon Moffitt.
Another end of an era. Thank you, Nancy, for all the support you have given to the glass community in the DC area, and all the best to you in your retirement. And best of luck to Sharon Moffitt and Rachel Brooks!!
Glass artist Debora Moore was named one of the James Renwick Alliance (JRA) ‘Distinguished Artists’. Four times a year, the James Renwick Alliance for Craft brings notable American craft artists from around the country to Washington, DC in partnership with other organizations for the Distinguished Artist Series.
Debora Moore is well known for her imagined glass orchids and organic forms. By combining new techniques with traditional glassblowing skills, and an attention to detail, Moore is able to achieve a unique depth of color and exquisitely crafted forms. In 2007 The Corning Museum of Glass awarded Moore their Rakow Commission and in 2020, she was featured in the “Renwick Invitational: Forces Of Nature” at the Smithsonian Renwick Gallery. Currently, Moore has work on display at Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens in “Glass: Art. Beauty. Design.
JRACraft presents Distinguished Artist Series with Debora Moore
Online Artist Talk & In-Person Exhibition Visit
September 26 & 30, 2023
Artist Talk & Exhibition Visit (In person only)
Saturday, September 30 | 10am – 12pm
$50 JRACraft and Hillwood members | $60 non-members
Hosted at Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
Meet the artist at the stunning Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens in Washington, DC. Here, she will give insights into her process with a presentation and a Q&A session followed by a visit with Hillwood’s Director of Horticulture to discuss Debora’s floral investigation and give a look into Hillwood’s extensive orchid collection. Also, tour Hillwood’s latest exhibition, “Glass: Art. Beauty. Design“, with the museum’s Chief Curator where we will view the artist’s work and other contemporary glass artists on display. Tickets for this event are on sale now!
Artist Talk (Online only)
Tuesday, September 26 | 1pm – 2pm ET
Free and open to the public | Hosted on Zoom
Learn about Moore’s career and influences in this online program hosted in partnership with American University Katzen Arts Center.
Click on link HERE to jump to JRACraft registration.
About the Artist:
Debora Moore has been an instructor at Pilchuck, Pratt, and the Hilltop Artist-in-Residence Program in Tacoma, WA. In 1998, she was accepted as a member in the African American Design Archive at the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum. Her work was included in the Artistry of Orchids exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC in 2000. Her solo exhibition, Natural Reflections, opened in 2005 at the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, Washington, followed by a residency at the Museum. In 2005, she was also awarded artist-in-residence at the Abate Zanetti School in Murano, Italy.
Debora was awarded the Rakow Commission in 2007, with inclusion in the permanent collection at the Corning Museum of Glass and participated in Corning’s Meet the Artist podcast series. In 2009 she was selected to exhibit at the 9th Northwest Biennial at the Tacoma Art Museum. She participated in a group show, Flora, at Glasmuseet Ebeltoft in Denmark, in 2010. Her work was exhibited in the group exhibition, Convergence Zone, at the Bellevue Art Museum in 2011. Debora installed a solo show, Collectanea Botanica – Orchidaceae, at the Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio, and exhibited at the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia. The April 2012 opening coincided with a residency awarded to her by the museum. This year the Northwest African American Museum opened a solo exhibition of Debora work in Seattle, Washington. In 2019, the Tacoma Art Museum feature, Debora Moore: Arboria, the artist’s new monumental sculptures exploring the beauty and awe of seasonal changes.
About JRACraft:
JRACraft is a vibrant group of art enthusiasts, collectors, artists, educators, students and art professionals who share a passion for contemporary American craft. JRA members enjoy a diverse year-round schedule of programs including, social events, educational lectures and tours, and art-inspired excursions.
The JRACraft is committed to advancing scholarship, education and public appreciation of craft art as well as promoting individual achievements of excellence and innovation in the craft field. As an independent non-profit organization, the JRACraft has provided more than $3 million for acquisitions, exhibitions, public programs, and publications to Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery – our nation’s showcase of contemporary American craft.
WOW6 – Window’s on Wisconsin -Part 6! Windows on Wisconsin is an ongoing public art exhibition project. The shopfront windows facing Wisconsin Ave have been converted, creating a dynamic display of works by area artists.
Location: 5510 Wisconsin Ave, Friendship Heights, MD 20815.
The 24/7 accessible exhibit starts Sept 10th and runs thru Nov 10th, 2023.
Curated by Kirsty Little, featuring works by Michael Janis, Art Drauglis, Ceci McInturff, David Gootnick, Michele Banks, Jeff Moscow, Kirsty Little and Charlie Maiorana.
For additional information, please contact Kirsty Little at kirstylittle9@gmail.com
Now that Joyce Scott’s 50-year retrospective has been announced, we can share this image of the Dr Joyce Scott/Tim Tate collaborative mural that has been in creation for over 6 months! What a joy to get to work with this huge icon of contemporary art and MacArthur Fellow!
Titled “NOW” the work measures 9ft W x 6ft H and the mixed media, cast glass wall focuses on topics around racial inequality, women’s rights and LGTBQ+ issues.
Said Tim about the work – “This is a once in a lifetime project, and I couldn’t be prouder of any piece I have ever made.”
The artwork is available at Goya Contemporary in Baltimore and will be on display there in Sept or Oct. (Check with gallery).