Author Archives: Betty Py

The Process: Shady Grove Hospital Glass Artwork

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Earlier, the blog had posted about the commission of artwork from Washington Glass Studio to be installed in the chapel in Shady Grove Hospital’s new Aqualino Cancer Care center. The artwork was recently installed – here is a look at the process:

Original design sketch

After the concept design, dimensions and glass techniques proposed was approved, the Washington Glass Studio team worked at getting the glass underway.
First, glass of the right size was needed. The glass triptych panels were 5′-0″ long, much larger than the glass we had in the studio. Getting large shipments of glass and then (successfully) cutting the glass would be a project into themselves!

Erwin Timmers and Tim Tate receiving the large pane of sheet glass.

The process of cutting such a large sheet of glass involved many from the studio – just to keep the score line straight.

The glass is larger than the pair of work tables.

Erwin Timmers preps the glass for cutting.
The cutting crew: L-R Erwin Timmers, Michael Janis, Audrey Wilson.

After the glass is cut and cleaned, work inside the kilns proceeds. Audrey Wilson set beds of dry sifted plaster within the large kilns, and began creating the molds the glass would be melted into.

Audrey working on the glass mold that is set up in the kiln.

After firing, annealing and cooling the glass panels, the edges needed to be ground and polished smooth – a noisy messy job. 

Audrey takes to working outdoors to do the wet grinding.

Now the glass is ready for the site. Tim and Erwin traveled to the new cancer facility to install the glass panels into the steel slots that were previously set into a concrete plinth. The surrounding area to the glass panels will incorporate a rock garden.

Erwin Timmers and Tim Tate being installing the panels into the steel framework.
Artists Tim Tate and Erwin Timmers stop for a chat about the glass artwork.
The finished work from inside the Aqualino Cancer Center chapel.

 Adventist Healthcare’s executive director of Cancer Care Services sent a note about the just installed artwork – she wrote to the Shady Grove Art Consultant Lillian Fitzgerald: “… I was in the ACC today and the whole stone and glass took my breath.  The glass is the most beautiful work I have ever seen.  Thank you for your vision...“

A great note to end the story of the process of the artwork!

Posted in architectural application glass, commissioned glass sculpture, Lillian Fitzgerald, shady grove hospital

Jackie Riccio "Eels" Solo Exhibit at Flux Studios

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sculpture and works on paper by Jackie Riccio
Saturday, September 7th from 5-7pm next-door neighbors Flux Studios is having a reception for eels, a solo exhibition of works created by Jackie Riccio, during her artist residency at Flux this summer. New art, great conversation and nibblies – come join the reception! 
Flux Studios, 3708 Wells Ave, Mount Rainier, MD 20712

Posted in flux studios, jackie riccio, novie trump, solo

DC Artist Exchange Panel Talk: What’s Hatching With Artist Incubators

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DCax Incubator Panel (L-R) Mike Abrams, Lisa Neher, Paul So, Travis Bowerman, Michael Janis, Kristina Bilonick

This past weekend, DCartistexchange (DCax) – the collaborative project developed by several DC-based arts and cultural organizations – held the third in their initial series of panel discussions designed to explore new ways to build community.

WGS’ Michael Janis talks about how incubators = community.

Saturday’s talk was focused on how artist incubator spaces got started, their learning curves and growth, and what is planned for the future. The talk included an in-progress tour of the nearby artist spaces that are under construction.

Travis Bowerman of CulturalDC outlines what is planned for the new shared arts venue going up in the Brookland section of Washington, DC.
One of the artist spaces to be dedicated as performing arts/exhibition space.

Travis explains how the ground level artist studios are integral to the residential development.

The tour included a review of Dance Place’s spaces – given by their founding director Carla Perlo. After, a great lunch prepared by chef Tim Meadows ended the panel with everyone enjoying the fantastic food.

The initial series discussions still has more talks planned, as well as their networking events called Swap Meets – designed to allow opportunities for artists and creative professionals to swap services and art materials; increase connectivity and facilitate community building.
Check out the event dates HERE.

The next panel discussion topic: “Government Support” is scheduled for next Saturday, Aug 24th, starting at 10:30 am – held at the offices of the Menkiti Group, 3407 8th Street, NE, Washington, DC. Click Here to jump to DCax website for more info.

Posted in art on 8th, artomatic, brookland, dance place, dcartistexchange, DCax, DCCAH

New Washington Glass School Fall 2013 Schedule

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Washington Glass School Sept-Dec 2013 Class Schedule

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Class 1500 –  Beginner’s Glass Lover’s Weekend

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glass lovers

Our most popular class, this is the fastest way to learn all aspects of warm glass in the shortest amount of time! Under the supervision of a professional glass artist you will learn the fundamentals of fusing, slumping and dimensional kiln casting. Everything from bowls and plates to sculptural objects… this is the perfect way for a beginner to learn the basics of glass… and you will leave with several very cool items! Offered 3 times in the session.

Instructors       Audrey Wilson
Dates               Session A – Sat/Sun Aug. 10/11
                       Session B – Sat/Sun Sept. 21/22
                       Session C – Sat/Sun Nov. 2/3
Time               1pm to 5pm each day          
Tuition            $300 per student (all mtls included)  

Class 1501 – MIG Welding For Dummies!       

Welding

Ever wondered about learning to weld? Want to impress your friends, your older brother and that cute bartender? It’s easier than you think! In three evenings you will learn how to lay a bead, and handle all sorts of sharp and dangerous tools. You will be able to complete a small project and leave with lots of ideas and know-how for other projects. This class will teach you the basics of welding, metal work and design, joining, bending and finishing. And you will get dirty!  Offered 2 times this calendar.

Instructor :  Erwin Timmers
Dates :         Session A 

Wed. Eves in Sept. (11, 18, 25)

                    Session B Wed. Eves in Nov. (6, 13, 20) 

Time :          7:00 pm to 9:30 pm

Tuition :       $350 per student

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Class 1502- Making Your Own Glass Board Game 

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            Checker Board  

Chess, Checkers, Parchesi, Scrabble….Whatever you want! Make a chess board fit for a king! Not only are these great gifts, but are also fun to make! From beginners to the most experienced. All glass and materials included!

Instructors: Audrey Wilson

Dates :       Oct 12/13

Time:         1:30pm to 5pm

Tuition :     $400

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Class 1503- Found and Lost – An Overview Of Lost Wax Casting 

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melting pouring wax  

 Part One : Found (one day session)

A hands-on course that explores making  flexible, reusable molds for the production of repeatable parts. Students will be asked to bring in a minimum of 10 small “found” objects (objects must not have any dimension thicker than1″.) We will discuss all the objects in terms of approaches for making flexible molds, then identify the best choices to make. Lab fee for mold materials.

 lost wax

Part Two:  Lost ( 2 days)

In this “part 2” course we will take the wax parts we make in our new flexible molds and turn them into “lost wax ” glass castings.  Mysteries will be revealed about how the wax is “lost” and how glass takes its place. A variety of plaster mold making methods will be explained. Hand built versus poured? Reinforcement methods?  Hi temp versus conventional plasters?  Each student will make one small 3 dimensional glass casting.

Instructor: Debra Ruzinsky

Dates :       Saturday  Nov. 9th from 1 to 5pm
and Sat./Sun.  Nov. 16 and 17 from 11 to 5pm

Tuition :     $400 + lab fees

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Class 1504 – Lecture Series – What Came Before / A Slide History Of The Studio Glass Movement.  

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Who was there, what they did, and why; in the US and abroad; male and female artists; people you may never have heard about!  For Glass Seccessionists who want to learn a little bit of history, that isn’t just about the biggest names in the field. This is a great chance to get the overview you might have missed, from the person who has been in enough places to give the best presentation on it!


Lecturer : Debra Ruzinsky 

When : October 5th  

Time: 1 to 3pm

Cost : Free of charge….just show up! RSVP’s appreciated.

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Class 1505 – Making a Glass and Steel Table 

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 ecotable

This is your chance to venture into furniture-making for your home. We will focus on using recycled materials to create a side table. You will get an introduction to welding and then cut and weld a steel frame. You will then cast or fuse an incredibly cool glass top to give you a one-of-a-kind table of your own design. No prior welding or glass experience is needed but not discouraged. There are size limitations for the glass top – not to exceed 18″ x 18″.

Instructor: Erwin Timmers

Dates : Wednesday eves, Oct 9, 16, 23 and 30

Time: 7pm to 9:30pm

Tuition: $400 per student (all materials included)

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Class 1506 – Audrey’s Weekly Super Bowl Party! 

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next step glass fuse bowls

You like bowls?  So do we!  So every Saturday come join Audrey Wilson at a super Bowl Making party! This is ongoing all summer (unless Audrey needs a break!). Email for availability…..and let the bowl making begin!

(email the instructor Audrey directly on this one – studio@washglass.com) 

Instructor :  Audrey Wilson 

Dates :   the Super Bowl Party will take place on the following dates. Take just one or all of them!
              Sat. Sept. 14th from 1 to 3pm
              Tues. Sept. 24th from 7 to 9pm
              Sat. Oct. 19th from 1 to 3pm
              Sat. Nov. 16th from 1 to 3pm   

Tuition : $75 for each session.(limit 6 students per session) 

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Class 1507- Open Studio – Work At Your Own Pace

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Beginner's Glass Lovers

Already know the basics of casting or fusing? Open Studio gives each student the opportunity to work independently in a world class studio. Tuition includes a kiln firing per session, clear base glass and colored scrap glass, use of studio tools. Note: students working in dry plaster casting need to schedule cleanup date with studio coordinator.

Instructor :  Studio Staff 

Dates :        Wed/Thurs/Sat afternoons (call to confirm appointment) 

Time :        1pm to 5pm 

Tuition :      $300 for 4 sessions

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While we overhaul our Paypal online registration connection, please send an Email (washglassschool@aol.com) or phone the school at 202-744-8222 to register. 

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Posted in class schedule, fall class schedule

Pix From GlassWeekend at WheatonArts

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The crew just returned from a great (tho exhausting) show at the Creative Glass Center’s GlassWeekend at WheatonArts in New Jersey. WGS’ Tim Tate, Michael Janis and Allegra Marquart were amongst the glass artists featured by 20 galleries at the biennial event that has brought together artists, collectors, galleries, and museum curators for a three-day weekend of exhibitions, lectures, hands-on glassmaking, demonstrations and social events.

Maurine Littleton Gallery space at GlassWeekend.

GlassWeekend ’13 was held at Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, home of the Creative Glass Center of America and the Museum of American Glass.

Amy Morgan of Morgan Contemporary talks about the works on exhibit.
Carmen Lozar – one of the 2013 “Rising Stars” sets up her lampwork sculpture.
Carmen Lozar’s sculpture.
Katja Fritzsche’s wall mounted works behind works by Bonnie Seeman at Duane Reed Gallery.
Sculptors Christina Bothwell and Robert Bender.
Christina Bothwell sculpture at Habatat Galleries space.
Tim Tate’s mixed media work “Cowboy Luvin'”. Said Tim of the inspiration behind this piece:
“As a child, my grandmother had a millefiori lamp that fascinated me. It was the one thing she left me, and I still have it. I count this as my initial root inspiration for becoming involved with glass. She also bought me my favorite costume, a cowboy suit. This is the piece that I made as a 21st century tribute to her and her influence.”
John Littleton and Kate Vogel sculpture at Maurine Littleton Gallery space.
The 2013 Rising Stars (L-R seated)
Dean Allison, Carmen Lozar, Amber Cowan, Slate Grove, Michael Crowder, Andrew Erdos, Ben Johnson, Harry Pollitt
Glass birds swoop thru Pismo Gallery.
Elmerina and Paul Parkman at the cocktail reception held at the Museum of American Glass.

Tim Tate and Merrily Orsini are introduced as they present a lecture at the conference.

Judith Schaechter’s keynote address looks ominous – and was talked about for the rest of the conference.

There are many more photos of Glass Weekend – click HERE to jump to the Washington Glass Flickr page of photos.

Posted in 2013, glass weekend, millville, rising star, wheaton, wheatonarts

James Renwick Alliance names WGS’ Michael Janis as Distinguished Artist in Glass 2014

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The James Renwick Alliance(JRA) is an independent national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing scholarship and education on contemporary American craft. 

The JRA assists the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery in adding to its permanent collection of American craft of artistic significance and superior workmanship, supports scholarly research in contemporary American craft, sponsors public educational activities, and pursues other activities in support of the studio craft movement. Each year the JRA sponsors a “Distinguished Artist Series” when craft artists prominent in their fields conduct workshops and give lectures. The lectures are co-sponsored by the JRA and the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery.

Michael Janis will talk about his work at the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) in early 2014.

For the 2013/2014 season, the JRA have chosen Washington Glass School Co-Director Michael Janis as the Distinguished Artist for his glass artwork.
Michael will be giving a lecture and presentation at the Smithsonian in early 2014, with details to be finalized soon. Congratulations Michael! We look forward to posting the details.

2012/2013 JRA Distinguished Artist in Glass – Andy Paiko talks at Smithsonian. photo by Miriam Rosenthal

Posted in distinguished artist, james renwick alliance, JRA, michael janis

GlassWeekend In New Jersey Features WGS Artists

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Tim Tate

The Next 50 Years Begins Now…..

25 x 14 x 8 inches, Blown and Cast Glass, Video

The biennial International Symposium and Exhibition of Contemporary Glass – GlassWeekend – is hosted by the Creative Glass Center of America at WheatonArts and the Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass. GlassWeekend ’13 features the most current work of 200 professional artists working in glass making this event one of the most exciting and extensive presentations of museum quality glass vessels and sculpture ever assembled in one location. Washington Glass School’s Michael Janis and Allegra Marquart will have their artwork exhibited at Maurine Littleton Gallery. Tim Tate will be exhibiting his work at Habatat Galleries space.

Allegra Marquart

The Fisherman’s Plea

18 x18 inches, Fused and Sandcarved Glass

The Gallery Exhibition is housed in a 10,000 square foot Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center Event Center, home of the Creative Glass Center of America and the Museum of American Glass. WheatonArts is located 45 minutes from both Philadelphia and Atlantic City and less than three hours from New York City and Washington, DC. 

Michael Janis

Realigning The Stars

2 Parts: 20 x 30; 20 x 10 inches, Fused Glass, Glass Powder Imagery

The weekend begins with a preview reception of the gallery exhibition on Friday evening, continues with a reception in the Museum of American Glass and dinner on Saturday evening and culminates with a private demonstration on Sunday morning by the guest demonstrating artists. In between, participants have the option of attending slide presentations from the guest artists and CGCA Fellowship artists; panels and breakout sessions with contemporary glass artists, museum curators, gallery owners and collectors; and participate in a FunRaising auction. A partial event schedule:

Thursday, June 6

The Gallery of Fine Craft Preview Reception“Creative Glass Center of America Biennial” Exhibit and Sale in The Gallery of Fine Craft.

Friday, June 7

Welcoming Remarks: Sharon Karmazin, President, CGCA; Harlan Fischer, President, AACG; Stan Epstein and Henry Wasserstein. Co-chairs GlassWeekend.

Workshop 9:45 – 10:45   “Spreading the Love: Social Networking Made Easy for Collectors and Artists.” Tim Tate and Merrily Orsini

Ice Cream Social – Presentation of the 2013 Rising Stars

Guest Artist Presentations:Beth Lipman, Davide Salvadore and Hiroshi Yamano


Silent Auction: Wearable Glass Art

Saturday, June 8

Key Note Presentation – Judith Schaechter

“Skill and De-Skilling: Does Technique Enhance or Hinder Creativity”

Panel Presentation – Andrew Page, Moderator, and WheatonArts Fellows “CGCA at 30: An Examination of the History and Future of a Career-Changing Fellowship in Glass Art”


Curator’s Program – William Warmus, Moderator

“Is There Life After 50? Exploring the Role Museums Could/Should/Will Play in the Future of Studio Glass”

WheatonArts: 1501 Glasstown Road, Millville, NJ 08332

Posted in glassweekend, millville, new jersey, wheaton, wheaton arts

GlassWeekend 2013 June 7- 9 at WheatonArts

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Since 1985, GlassWeekend has brought together the world’s leading glass artists, collectors, galleries, and museum curators for a three-day weekend of exhibitions, lectures, hands-on glassmaking, artists, demonstrations and social events. GlassWeekend ’13, on June 7, 8 & 9, promises to be among the very best, with many new activities designed to be fun, inspiring, and informative. Demos by guest artists Beth Lipman, Davide Salvadore and Hiroshi Yamana are reason enough to make a great show, but combined with Judith Schaechter as the keynote speaker… makes this a not-to-miss event!

Davide Salvadore

GlassWeekend is held at Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, home of the Creative Glass Center of America (CGCA) and the Museum of American Glass. 

Everlast Blown by Slate Grove, sculpted and fabricated glass, stainless steel and laces

The weekend begins with a preview reception of the gallery exhibition on Friday evening, continues with a reception in the Museum of American Glass and dinner on Saturday evening and culminates with a private demonstration on Sunday morning by the guest demonstrating artists. The 30th Anniversary Exhibition “Wheaton Glass: The Art of the Fellowship”.

Vanessa Cutler’s work in Creative Glass Center Alumni Biennial Exhibit.

In between, participants have the option of attending slide presentations from the guest artists and CGCA Fellowship artists; panels and breakout sessions with contemporary glass artists, museum curators, gallery owners and collectors; and participate in a FunRaising auction that directly benefits the CGCA Fellowship Program and the Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass (AACG) educational efforts. At GlassWeekend ‘13 highlights the work of young and talented artists. GlassWeekend ‘13 Rising Stars are sponsored by contemporary glass groups from around the country. This year’s artists:

Dean Allison

Amber Cowan

Michael Crowder

Andrew Erdos

Slate Grove

Benjamin Johnson

Carmen Lozar 

Harry Pollitt

For a list of galleries showing at Wheaton GlassWeekend, click HERE

WheatonArts 1501 Glasstown Road, Millville, NJ 08332

Posted in Uncategorized

Habatat Galleries International Features Washington Glass School Artists

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Habatat Galleries, Royal Oak, MI

Habatat Galleries – one of the oldest and largest glass galleries in the United States, is the home of the original International Glass Invitational, which for 40 years has introduced and exhibited the greatest artists working creatively with glass. 

This year, the 41st Annual International Glass Invitational again features glass artwork by Tim Tate. Tim will be showing works from his ‘21st Century Hall Of Wonders’. 

Tim Tate “Nuclear Family”

Tim was inspired by the Smithsonian Art Museum’s exhibit titled: The Great American Hall of Wonders, and created his version of wonders of the 21 Century. His works integrate humor into his invented “scientific discoveries”.

Sean Hennessy “Thoughts of Togetherness”

Also on display is an exhibit called “eXpose” displaying works of 25+ artists never seen before at Habatat. WGS Rising star Sean Hennessey will be one of the artists in that show.

Sean and Tim will also unveil their collaborative works at the show – works that integrate cast glass, video, and electroluminescent panels, and steel.

Tim Tate and Sean Hennessey “Radar”

 

41st Annual International Glass Invitational & EXPOSE 
Saturday, April 27, 2013 to Saturday, May 25, 2013

8:00 pm Saturday, April 27th 2013

Habatat Galleries 

4400 Fernlee Avenue, Royal Oak, MI 48073

Posted in expose, habatat galleries, royal oak, sean hennessey, Tim Tate

Sean Hennessey Lecture in Grand Salon of Smithsonian Renwick Gallery, Sat. April 6

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Smithsonian Renwick Gallery’s Grand Salon, 1661 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. (at 17th Street) Washington, DC. 20006

The James Renwick Alliance Spring Craft Weekend is Here! The theme of the show is The Stars of Today and Tomorrow – and to that end,  join our Rising Star, Sean Hennessey, this coming Saturday, April 6, at 10:30 am. Sean will be part of the museum’s panel discussion about the direction of contemporary craft. 

Click HERE to jump to Smithsonian website for more info.

When:                  Saturday, April 6, 2013, 10:30am

Categories:         Lectures & Discussions

Co-sponsor:        Support for this program from the James Renwick Alliance

Location:             Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery

Event Location:  Grand Salon

Cost:                    Free

From the Smithsonian website: 

Two masters of their media, artists Bruce Metcalf and Adrian Saxe, and two up-and-coming young “stars of tomorrow,” Hunt Clark and Sean Hennessey, join moderator Cindi Strauss, curator of Modern and Contemporary Decorative Arts and Design and assistant director of programming at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, for a lively panel discussion about the direction of contemporary craft.

Posted in Grand salon, james renwick alliance, renwick gallery, sean hennessey, smithsonian, spring craft weekend