Category Archives: creative economy

Commemoration of the Slaves who Built the US Capitol

Posted on by | Reply

Glass art by Michael Janis

The recent order from President Trump to rescind DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs has led to a noticeable downplaying of Black History Month across government agencies. The U.S. State Department, for instance, has prohibited public events or messages celebrating the month, which has been a staple of American culture since the 1970s.

Michael Janis’ design for DC Ward 5 Memorial

In contrast, local organizations in Washington, DC, are stepping up to honor Black history and contributions. The Lamond Riggs Library Friends, in collaboration with the DC Office of Planning, is hosting Foundations of Freedom: Recognizing the Enslaved People Who Built the U.S. Capitol. This special event will introduce WGS Director Michael Janis’ design for a new DC Memorial to Honor the Enslaved People Who Built the U.S. Capitol for Ward 5. Along with DC’s Office of Planning staff, Michael will offer an overview of a public art proposal. The program will include storytelling, a discussion of the design process, and a Q&A session to engage the community.

Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 1 pm – 3 pm @ Lamond-Riggs DC Public Library, 5401 South Dakota Ave NE, WDC.

For more information – click on link to jump to DCPL site: https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/12875262

Posted in african american glass, american craft, american glass, architect of the capitol, architecture, black artists of DC, bullseye, creative economy, creative glass, DC, DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, future of glass, glass architecture., history project, kiln-formed, martin luther king jr, michael janis, mike janis, Public Art, studio art glass, studio artist, US Department of State, warm glass, washington DC, washington glass school, Washington Glass Studio, 玻璃艺术 | Tagged , | Leave a reply

Baltimore’s K.E.Y.S. Developement Class Goes to Washington (Glass School)

Posted on by |

Baltimore’s KEYS Development‘s goal is transformation of urban areas through investment in its youth; youth that see themselves as leaders, entrepreneurs, and ultimately change agents who will usher in a new age of industry in its communities, that state of Maryland and beyond. The mission at K.E.Y.S development is to provide social support and guidance in becoming esteemed leaders with outstanding problem solving and conflict resolution skills.Keys-Empowers-Black-Letters
As part of that goal, this summer sees art glass classes for their students at Washington Glass School. The first of the glass classes took place this week – it started off with a lot of fun!

Instructor Michael Janis demonstrates how to use glass powder to the KEYS class.

Instructor Michael Janis demonstrates how to use glass powder to the KEYS class.

By noon, all the students are busy making their glass masterpieces.

By noon, all the students are busy making their glass masterpieces.

The KEYS Development instructors joing in the fun, making custom stencils.

The KEYS Development instructors joing in the fun, making custom stencils.

Posted in arts and crafts, Baltimore, cool class, creative economy, fused glass class, glass school. glass class, KEYS Developement, kiln fused glass, kiln-formed glass, maryland, social business enterprise model, usa, Washington School of Glass, window glass

Panel Discussion held at International Glass + Clay 2013

Posted on by |

Artists and Creative Businesses from the UK City of Sunderland and the District of Columbia discuss their views about international efforts and the impact these relationships can have on their practices.  The discussion will particularly draw on their experience within the Washington DC – Sunderland Friendship Agreement.


Presenters: 

Anne Tye, Sector Specialist, Creative Industries, Sunderland England

UK Artists: Phil Vickery and Criss Chaney 

Washington, DC Artists: Novie Trump, Director, FLUX Studio and Michael Janis, Co-Director, Washington Glass School. 

 

5:30 – 7:00 pm Wednesday, March 6, 2013

The panel discussion is part of the events planned during the International Glass and Clay exhibit, open thru March 23, 2013. The talk is free and open to the public. Location: Pepco Edison Place Gallery, 702 8th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20068.

Posted in creative economy, dc sister city, sunderland, uk, usa