brentwood arts exchange | Washington Glass Studio

Coming Soon: The Washington Glass School Gets the PBS Treatment

Posted on October 6, 2026 by admin |

It was only a matter of time.

After 25 years of glass, kilns, public art, questionable decisions, heroic amounts of plaster, and somehow keeping the Washington Glass School going through it all, WETA Arts has turned its cameras on us.

DC’s PBS WETA crew has been filming at the School and following the Washington Glass School’s 25th Anniversary exhibition at Brentwood Arts Exchange — talking with artists, looking at the work, and documenting the strange little experiment that Tim Tate, Erwin Timmers and Michael Janis started a quarter-century ago.

Think Ken Burns documentary, only with fewer Civil War letters, considerably more glass, and some artists who probably should not be trusted with this much screen time.

We’re thrilled — and perhaps slightly terrified — to see how it all comes together.

WETA Arts
Monday, November 9, 2026 | 9:30 PM EST
Featuring the Washington Glass School 25th Anniversary

Add it to your watchlist. Alert the relatives. Prepare the popcorn.

Our secret history is about to become public television. Get ready to binge.

Posted in 25th anniversary Washington Glass School and Studio, brentwood arts exchange, PBS | Tagged weta arts

Washington Glass School at 25: Artists in Conversation

Posted on October 5, 2026 by admin |

Twenty-five years calls for a little conversation.

On Saturday, October 17, join us at Brentwood Arts Exchange for Washington Glass School at 25: Artists in Conversation, presented in conjunction with the exhibition The Washington Glass School: 25 Years.

The afternoon brings together artists from the exhibition to talk about their work, their connections to WGS, and the experimentation and exchange of ideas that have shaped the School since 2001. Over those 25 years, WGS has grown from a small Washington-area glass program into a broad community of artists working across glass, sculpture, mixed media, public art, recycled materials and new technologies.

When the art is so good, you have to get the shot. 📸

Rather than a formal history lesson, expect stories, different perspectives, and a look at how this rather unconventional glass community came together—and where it might be headed next.

And judging by some of our younger visitors, the exhibition is already inspiring some serious art documentation.

Washington Glass School at 25: Artists in Conversation
Saturday, October 17, 2026 From 2-4PM
Brentwood Arts Exchange
3901 Rhode Island Avenue, Brentwood, Maryland

The Washington Glass School: 25 Years continues through October 31, 2026.

Posted in 25th anniversary Washington Glass School and Studio, brentwood arts exchange

Celebrating 25 Years of Glass & Community

Posted on July 27, 2026 by admin |

The Washington Glass School celebrates 25 years with a special exhibition at Brentwood Arts Exchange showcasing the artists, educators, and community that shaped its legacy.

In 2026, the Washington Glass School marks a major milestone—25 years of artists, ideas, and community.

To celebrate the anniversary, the Brentwood Arts Exchange will present a special exhibition from September 10 through October 31, 2026, with an opening reception on Saturday, September 19. The exhibition brings together many of the artists who have helped shape the Washington Glass School over the past quarter century, including founders, resident artists, instructors, and alumni.

Founded in Washington, DC in 2001 and based in Mount Rainier, Maryland since 2006, the Washington Glass School has grown into a vibrant center for contemporary glass and mixed-media art. Over the past 25 years, nearly 6,000 students have studied at the school, creating a dynamic community that continues to expand through teaching, exhibitions, public art commissions, and artistic collaboration.

Rather than focusing on a single style or technique, the exhibition reflects the remarkable diversity of artists connected through the school. Visitors will see work ranging from kiln-formed and cast glass to sculpture, installation, architectural glass, and mixed media—demonstrating the many creative paths that have emerged from the Washington Glass School.

The exhibition celebrates not only the artwork, but also the people and relationships that have defined the school for 25 years. We hope you’ll join us at the Brentwood Arts Exchange this fall as we celebrate the artists, friendships, and creative community that continue to make the Washington Glass School a unique place to learn, create, and grow.

Washington Glass School: 25 Years
September 10 – October 31, 2026
Opening Reception: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Brentwood Arts Exchange
3901 Rhode Island Avenue
Brentwood, MD 20722

Posted in 25th anniversary Washington Glass School and Studio, brentwood arts exchange, Prince George's County, Prince George's County Arts Council | Tagged contemporary craft, contemporary glass, modern glass art

Great Depth of Beauty in “Life in Layers” Exhibit

Posted on November 25, 2023 by admin |

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.

Erwin.Timmers.art from recycled glass and LED — Erwin Timmers, fused recycled glass, LED lighting, steel

Artist / 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 thru January 6, 2024.

Brentwood Arts Exchange, An Arts Center of M-NCPPC, located at 3901 Rhode Island Avenue Brentwood, MD.

Posted in art from recycled material, brentwood arts exchange, cast recycled glass, east city art, gateway arts center, gateway arts district, king of recycling, recycle glass, recycle glass sculpture

Life in Layers Exhibit at Brentwood Arts

Posted on November 8, 2023 by admin |

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

Posted in art, art exhibit, art gallery, brentwood arts exchange, mncppc | Tagged contemporary glass, modern glass art, phil hutinet

Happy Campers at the Glass School!

Posted on August 17, 2023 by admin |

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Department of Parks and Recreation offers assorted summer camps for the children – and what could be more fun than glass camp?! (For those of a certain age, cue song “Hello Muddah, hello Faddah”).

Instructors Erwin Timmers and Cheryl Edwards lead the summer art camp kids at the Glass School.

The 15 bright inquisitive imaginations were excited by the possibilities of glass + art (= awesomeness).

Instructor / Artist / Director / Dad – Erwin Timmers explains how kilns work for fused glass.

mike janis teaches casting — Artist Michael Janis shows the new glass fanatic where and how to cast in dry plaster.

One of the area’s newest glass superstars make her mark in the kiln.

Posted in "dry plaster casting" "washington glass school", "dry plaster casting" washington, brentwood arts exchange, m-ncppc, summer camp, washington glass school, Washington School of Glass

2020 Prince George’s County Juried Exhibition: Symbiotic Presence

Posted on December 10, 2020 by admin |

The 2020 Prince George’s County Juried Exhibition: Symbiotic Presence is installed at the Brentwood Arts Exchange. A diverse array of works from glass sculpture, to painting, to video art represents this year’s theme of the strength and willpower of artists, bringing people together to help heal fractured communities.

View of Brentwoood Arts Exchange installation of Symbiotic Presence.

Maryland’s Prince George’s County artists will tell their stories and explore our community relationships in this year’s county juried exhibition, featuring work from thirty-two local artists.

One_Another.erwin.timmers.glass.art.sculpture.contemporary.symbiotic.presence.cast.best.pgc.juried

Erwin Timmers’ cast recycled glass sculpture “One Another” is featured in the exhibit. Works by four Washington Glass School artists are exhibited.

This exhibition was juried by Shanti Norris. The Prince George’s County Juried exhibition is sponsored by The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, Arts and Cultural Heritage Division. This exhibition will be physically installed at Brentwood Arts Exchange Main Gallery and presented digitally for online viewing.

Virtual Gallery Tour and Artist Talk via Facebook Live: Saturday, January 9 at 2 pm

November 9, 2020 – January 9, 2021

A video walk-thru is online – click on link below to jump to video

2020 Prince George’s County Juried Exhibition:Symbiotic Presence

Posted in brentwood arts exchange, contemporary art glass, contemporary artwork, contemporary craft, contemporary sculpture, Prince George's County | Tagged Symbiotic Presence

Symbiotic Presence: The 2020 Prince George’s County Juried exhibition

Posted on September 16, 2020 by admin |

Symbiotic Presence: The 2020 Prince George’s County Juried exhibition

The Prince George’s County Juried exhibition is sponsored by The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, Arts and Cultural Heritage Division. The exhibition will be on display at Brentwood Arts Exchange from November 16 through January 9, 2021.This Call ends on October 2, 2020

SYMBIOTIC PRESENCE

Throughout time, artists have shown the strength and willpower to bring people together and help heal fractured communities, especially during times of crisis. This year’s county juried exhibition, Symbiotic Presence, presents the opportunity for Prince George’s County artists to explore these mutually beneficial and supportive relationships and to tell their stories. Artists inspire communities to re-examine, re-invent and move forward together by showing us that we are not alone, by creating beauty amidst challenges and by revealing truth, thereby returning us to meaning.

JUROR – SHANTI NORRIS

Shanti Norris is chief curator for the Integrated Arts and Healing program at the Inova Schar Cancer Institute in Fairfax, VA. She is Co-Founder and Executive Director emeritus of Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, where she founded the Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery. A long-time resident of Prince George’s County, Shanti is the mother of three adult children, and is a sculptor, painter and curator.

ELIGIBILITY

This call is open to all artists who are 18 years of age or older who live, work, study, or have a studio in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Artists may submit a maximum of 3 artworks for consideration.

EXHIBITION TIMELINE

DEADLINE TO APPLY ONLINE: Friday, October 2, 2020, 11:59 pm

ARTISTS NOTIFIED: Tuesday, October 13, 2020

ARTISTS DROP OFF WORK AT THE BRENTWOOD ARTS EXCHANGE: Saturday, October 31, 2020. Selected artists will be given the opportunity to schedule their drop off times via SignUpGenius.com prior to the 31st.

EXHIBITION OPENING DATE *: Monday, November 16, 2020

*If The Brentwood Arts Exchange remains closed to the public, the exhibit will be made available virtually.

EXHIBITION CLOSING DATE: Saturday, January 9, 2021

CLOSING RECEPTION, ARTIST AND CURATOR TALK: Saturday, January 9, 2021

*If The Brentwood Arts Exchange remains closed to the public, the artist/curator talk will be made available virtually.

ARTISTS PICK UP WORK FROM THE BRENTWOOD ARTS EXCHANGE: Saturday, January 16, 2021

SUBMISSION CRITERIA

Artists may submit a maximum of 3 artworks for consideration, including 3-Dimensional or video work. All works must be original (no reproductions). Images of works should be high quality and with enough resolution to see significant details.

A bio, artist statement with current contact info and a list of the works submitted with titles, media, date, dimensions, and price listed are also required with submission.

Applications must be submitted online at: m-ncppc.submittable.com

GALLERY LOCATION & HOURS

The Brentwood Arts Exchange is located at 3901 Rhode Island Ave, Brentwood, MD 20722. The phone number is 301-277-2863 and website is arts.pgparks.com.

ABOUT BRENTWOOD ARTS EXCHANGE

The Brentwood Arts Exchange is The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s component of the public-private partnership with Gateway Arts Center, serving as an anchor for Prince George’s County Gateway Arts District. We focus on connecting audiences to diverse forms and ideas within contemporary art through visual arts exhibitions, live musical performances, curated film screenings, and classes. We also operate a retail store, selling functional art by local artists.

Posted in art gallery, brentwood arts exchange, call for artists, maryland, mncppc, Prince George's County, Prince George's County Arts Council

Brentwood Arts Exchange Features Glass works by Debbi LoCicero

Posted on August 16, 2019 by admin |

The Brentwood Arts Exchange serves as an anchor for the arts-based community development of the Prince George’s County Gateway Arts District. Located in the Gateway Arts Center, the Brentwood Arts Exchange will showcase Glass works by Debbi LoCicero, one of the Resident Artists at the Washington Glass School. Opening reception for her show at Brentwood Arts Exchange is Saturday, September 7th at, 9/7- 5-8 pm.

Debbi will be exhibiting glass objects from her “Lace Series”, representing memories of special places and times in the artist’s life.

The piece, titled “We Are All Just Passing Through”, is from her Lace Series.Image is of figures that are within the sculptural cube.

Debbi said about what she feels the artwork expresses: “Memories from our past… feelings about today….. excitement about what the future holds….”

Fall Exhibition

Opening Reception Saturday, September 7, 2019 at 5 PM – 8 PM

Brentwood Arts Exchange Front Gallery

3901 Rhode Island Ave
Brentwood, Maryland 20722

Posted in brentwood arts exchange, fused glass, fused glass sculpture, gateway arts district

Splash: Attitude & Process @ Brentwood Arts Exchange Reception Nov 11

Posted on November 7, 2017 by admin |

Splash: Attitude & Process – Prince George’s County Juried Exhibition

Attitudes are catalysts for new processes, and re-envisioned ways of making. To use any material, or even to make work that is ethereal, arises from widely varied practices, but always embodies the artist’s attitude about creating. Furthermore, to act with style and intention in creating articulates and shares the position of the artist. Pushing the boundaries of art informs not only making art but also seeing it.

Michael Janis: “A Light Touch In Passing” Fused and Cast Glass with glass powder imagery and steel frame, 23″ x 36″

Splash: Attitude and Process
November 6 – December 30, 2017
Brentwood Arts Exchange at Gateway Arts Center
3901 Rhode Island Ave., Brentwood, MD 20722

Opening Reception: Saturday, November 11, 5-8 pm

On view: November 6 – December 31, 2017

Featuring works by: Maryamm Abdullah, James Coley, Felicia Cowser, Lindsay D’Andelet, Elliott Hamilton, Tom Hill, Paul Hrusa, Michael Janis, Khadija Khaalis, Aselin Lands, Rashad Muhammad, Sarah O’Donoghue, John Paradiso, Jose Piedra, Mary Celestine Ranney-Howes, Federico Ruiz, Tina Silverman, Ronnie Spiewak, Kim Thorpe and Acquaetta Williams.

Juried by Ginevra Shay – an artist and curator living and working in Baltimore, Maryland. She is the Artistic Director of The Contemporary Museum, and curator of Rose Arcade, founder of the Current Space Community Darkroom and Photo Program, and was recently artist and curator in-residence at Gallery Four. She has worked with a number of private collections and Baltimore institutions, including The Jewish Museum of Maryland and The Afro-American Newspaper, to aid with research and assist with digital archiving processes. She has exhibited her own work at Present Company (NYC), LVL3 (Chicago), Rock512Devil (Baltimore), The Finnish Museum of Photography (Finland), Notre Dame University (Maryland), John Hansard Gallery (United Kingdom), Galleri Vasli Souza (Sweden), and Flying Object (Mass). Her work and publications are in the libraries of Yale University Art Gallery Library, The International Center for Photography, Indie Photobook Library, Houston Center for Photography, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Ginevra has lectured widely at The Maryland Film Festival, The Queens Museum, Oakland Museum, National College Art Association Conference, the Society for Photographic Education National Conference, and American Philosophical Society. She has been a visiting artist at Rutgers, Maryland Institute College of Art, and Towson University. In 2013, she selected as “30 Creative Minds Under 30” by Maryland Art Place.

Posted in brentwood arts exchange, gateway arts center, Ginevra Shay, pg county, Prince George's County