dc glassworks | Washington Glass Studio

DC GlassWorks Announces Closing

Posted on September 25, 2019 by admin |

DC GlassWorks – one of the glass studios integral to Washington DC’s contemporary art scene – has announced its closing.

DC GlassWorks studio held many important events. UK artists Phil Vickery and Roger Tye demonstrated at DC GlassWorks as part of an international exhibition of glass and clay artists in 2013.

David D’Orio, the artist-entrepreneur who founded the hotshop with four other artists (Graham Caldwell, Jesse Caldwell, Alger Dole, Wyndell Williams, David DOrio) in 2001 said that the changes in the studio’s surrounding area made it impossible to continue.

Washington Glass School considered DC GlassWorks a “sister school” and held many crossover classes and events with them. We knew what an important part DC GlassWorks was to our art community. Its closing will leave a space in our hearts and our cultural melting pot.

From DC GlassWorks:

The past few years have been challenging for the studio. Our neighboring businesses have changed and, unfortunately, the business models of these new neighbors have forced us to reduce our events and offerings. In the end, location matters. Good neighbors’ matter. It is in this context that we find we can no longer continue offering glassblowing and will be closing the studio over the next month.

It has been a great run and we would like to thank all the studio artists, visiting artists, students, bands, patrons, and everyone else who have supported DC GlassWorks over the last fifteen plus years. We have had the pleasure to teach many hundreds of students of all ages and backgrounds, have hosted movie nights and countless open houses, had the pleasure to host many national and international artists, and tried to pass on our knowledge of glassblowing and sculpture to all who came to the studio. We have had great times, made great art, and hopefully enriched the lives of all persons who we interacted with.

DC GlassWorks was founded on the idea that glassblowing should be accessible to all persons and became a place where a person could start off with no glass experience and, through training, hard work, and perseverance, could make the work they wanted to make and could give back to the greater glass community. Our goal was to foster self-sufficiency so that students were prepared to work in whatever studio they ended up at. We’ve always taught that it was important for all glass artists to make sure they are involved with assisting and teaching. It is heartwarming to see so many former students still working in glass and giving back to the community.

Our parting wish is that students find a place to learn glass that fosters their creativity and self-sufficiency; where people are taught how to blow glass without having to take perpetual ‘private lessons’ before gaining access to equipment; and a place that guides student to a level where they are free to blow glass without having to pay someone to assist/supervise them. We also hope our renters find places they can work that allows them the ability to work without having to befriend the owner, work like indentured servants, or have a specific pedigree or education just to get access to glassblowing facilities. DC GlassWorks was founded to fight against these worn-out models of glass studios. Expect more and aim high.

It has been an amazing ride and we thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for being a part of this experience.

-DC GlassWorks

Posted in " glass studio", changes, dave d'orio, dc glass works, dc glassworks, hot glass

Never Mind The Bullseye – Here’s The Glass Pistols

Posted on March 5, 2013 by Chip Montague |

“007 – Walther P99”, Light, Fused water jet cut BE glass, 2010, Dr Magareth Troli – artwork featured in the “International Glass + Clay 2013” exhibit

A number of the UK artists exhibiting in the International Glass and Clay 2013 show (at Pepco Edison Place Gallery -702 8th Street, NW, Washington, DC) have come to the opening events and programs. The visiting UK artists have hit DC town running – there have been a number of Glass and Clay show events to keep them occupied!

UK Glass Artist Demo at Washington Glass School during International Glass & Clay

Robyn Townsend’s artwork incorporates glass and metal

Demos by UK Artists:
Criss Chaney and Robyn Townsend showed their techniques for metal inclusions and patinas in glass.

Criss Chaney shows how the patinas are formed

Robyn Townsend and Criss Chaney

Over at DC GlassWorks, Colin Rennie, Phil Vickery and Roger Tye wowed the fans of blown glass with a series of virtuoso feats in hot glass.

UK artist Phil Vickery demonstrates the process for his beautiful glass forms

L-R Colin Rennie, Phil Vickery and Roger Tye at DC GlassWorks

Roger Tye makes a triple incalmo bowl in red, white and blue.

Colin Rennie ended the demos with a flourish!

Whee!

Artists in the exhibit have a get-together at Artomatic founder George Koch’s place. (Top row L-R: Anne Tye, Tom Hurst, Catherine Auld, Roger Tye. Bottom row L-R: Dr Magareth Troli, Phil Vickery, Robyn Townsend, Criss Chaney, Audrey Wilson, Philippa Whiteside, Colin Rennie)

The exhibit continues thru March 23 – make sure you come into the gallery to see this incredible showcase of art from the US and UK.
International Glass and Clay 2013
Pepco Edison Place Gallery @ 702 8th Street, NW, Washington, DC
Gallery hours are Saturday and Tuesday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Gallery is closed on Sundays. The Gallery Place Metro station is within walking distance of the Gallery. The show is organized by Artomatic and the DCCAH.

Posted in artomatic, criss chaney colin rennie, dc glassworks, DCCAH, demo, england, robyn townsend, roger tye, sister city, UK glass artists, us, washington glass school

DC GlassWorks Hosts Robin & Julia Rogers Demo + workshop

Posted on January 23, 2013 by Chip Montague |

>Sculpture Demo and Weekend Workshop, January 25-27

“Crazy Hawk” Julia & Robin Rogers

The visiting artist duo kick things off with a glassblowing demonstration on Friday, January 25 at 8:00 pm.

The husband/wife team are based at the Chrysler Museum of Art Glass Studio, Norfolk, VA, where both Robin and Julia teach, and Robin is the Glass Studio Technician.

The free demo is followed by a special weekend workshop for intermediate to advanced glassblowers–Beyond the Vessel: A Glass Sculpting Intensive.

Check DC GlassWorks website for more info on the class and demo.

Julia and Robin Rogers working at Chrysler Museum Hot Shop. Pouring the magic onto glass.

Also at DC GlassWorks this weekend: Build a Robot
On Saturday, January 26, make your own metal robot! You make a foam robot and the DC GlassWorks casting crew transforms it into aluminum.

DCGlassWorks is located at 5366 46th Avenue, Hyattsville, MD.

Posted in dc glassworks, julia rogers, robin rogers

Trawick Prize Winners Announced

Posted on September 10, 2012 by Michael Janis |


“Just Not Enough” By Dave D’Orio; scooter, found objects, glass syringes, silvered glass water jugs

Bethesda Contemporary Art’s Trawick Prize is a visual art prize produced by the Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District that honors artists from Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia. The annual juried competition awards $14,000 in prize money to selected artists and features the work of the finalists in a group exhibition. The 2012 exhibition is at Gallery B, located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD, and it runs through Sept 29th. The public opening reception will be held Friday, Sept 14 from 6-9 pm in conjunction with the Bethesda Art Walk.

Baltimore artist Lillian Bayley Hoover was awarded “Best in Show” on Wednesday, Sept 5 at a special reception that named the winners of the Trawick Prize. Hooverwon $10,000 for her oil painting based on a photograph of a scale model Pergamon Altar in the ancient Greek city of Pergamon, in modern day Turkey.

“Feeder 301” By Dave D’Orio Artwork photos by AnythingPhotographic

Mount Rainier artist Dave D’Orio won second place for his mixed media glass sculptures. David frequently uses found objects, blown glass and industrial materials to crate symbolic imagery. He uses duplication, repetition, and an emphasis on material to evoke the feeling of factory mass-produced objects and of hyper technology. Dave’s imagery is a mix of the metaphoric, absurd and ironic and possesses an enviable ability to attract and repel the viewer. Dave does not explain every element in his sculpture – he says he likes viewers to draw their own conclusions about the “possible purpose and unstated problem the artwork would address“.

When asked about what receiving the Trawick Prize means to him, Dave said ” My work can be seen as “challenging” and its not what most people think of as beautiful – its really great to have my work seen in this prestigious setting; to also have it awarded is incredible”.


Dave D’Orio in his studio. Photo by AnythingPhotgraphic

David is the executive director of DC GlassWorks, a glass blowing facility in Hyattsville, MD. His work has been shown at Artomatic in Crystal City, the Marlboro Gallery of Prince George’s Community College and last year was part of the Arlington Arts Center Solos. At this past Artomatic, the James Renwick Alliance gave Dave’s installation sculpture its ‘Award of Recognition’.

The 2012 Trawick Finalists included:

Lillian Bayley Hoover, Baltimore, MD; David D’Orio, Mt. Rainier, MD; Dean Kessmann, Washington, D.C.; Hannah Walsh, Richmond, VA; Skye Gilkerson, Baltimore, MD; Nate Larson, Baltimore, MD; Joshua Wade Smith, Baltimore, MD; Diane Szczepaniak, Potomac, MD

Congratulations to the 2012 Winners!

1^st Place, $10,000 – Lillian Bayley Hoover, Baltimore, MD

2^nd Place, $2,000 – David D’Orio, Mt. Rainier, MD

3^rd Place, $1,000 – Dean Kessmann, Washington, D.C.

Young Artist Award, $1,000 – Hannah Walsh, Richmond, VA

Carol Trawick with David D’Orio and Catherine Leggett. Photo courtesy Bethesda Urban Partnership

The 2012 Trawick Prize jury included Dawn Gavin, Associate Professor in Drawing and Foundations at the University of Maryland, College Park; B. Kelly Gordon, Associate Curator at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.; and N. Elizabeth Schlatter, Deputy Director and Curator of Exhibitions at the University of Richmond Museums, Virginia.

Posted in barbara kelly gordon, Bethesda Arts, carol trawick, dave d'orio, dawn gavin, dc glassworks, hyattsville, mount rainier, n. elizabeth schlatter

ArtDC Showcases DC GlassWorks

Posted on August 7, 2012 by Michael Janis |

David D’Orio. Photo Courtesy artDC gallery.

Artdc Gallery features artists from our sister glass studio – DC GlassWorks – in great show, now thru Aug 18.

Joseph Corcoran. Photo Courtesy artDC gallery.

The exhibit, entitled Glass 2012, showcases 10 artists curated by Joseph Corcoran, whose work at this year’s Artomatic art fair was one of the show’s many highlights. Dave D’Orio’s work is also featured in the Artdc exhibit, and his work at Artomatic received the James Renwick Alliance “Award of Excellence“, and further enhanced the profile of the DC area glass art scene. The full list of artists can be found on Artdc’s website. The exhibit will remain on display until Aug. 18.

The Artdc Gallery is located in the Lustine Center at 5710 Baltimore Avenue in Hyattsville, MD.

Posted in " glass studio", artdc, dave d'orio, dc glassworks, joseph corcoran

Hot Stuff – "Lost Foam Process" at DC Glass Works

Posted on February 4, 2011 by Michael Janis |

>Robert Kincheloe was at the DC Glass Works aluminum pour last night – working on a series of sculpture pieces. Watch as the molten aluminum is poured into the steel containers containing sand and the original stryofoam forms that are sacrificed as the hot aluminum replaces the original.

click on image to jump to video

Posted in aluminium, aluminum, casting, dc glass works, dc glassworks, pour, robert kincheloe

Glass and Steel Sculpture Development Class Working Flat Out

Posted on November 22, 2010 by Chip Montague |

The sculpture development class held at both the Washington Glass School and DC Glass Works is working hard at completing their mixed-media sculptures.

Erin Antognoli sizes and fits her fused elements into her steel framework.

Lee Ann Taylor’s artwork.

Raya Koren marks the spacing for her glass & cast aluminum elements.

Tracy Benson’s cast ants cut around her cast glass leaves.

Brenda Dean shaping small elements.

Matthew Graham’s sculpture will feature delicate glass insect wings.

Joanna Viudiz assembles her cast glass elements into her steel framework.

Faz Besharatian working on the chop saw so fast, he becomes a blur.

The class is finishing up the works for a grand unveiling – stay tuned for photos of the finished works! The finished works will be part of the Washington Glass Studio’s Holiday Open House, Saturday, December 11, from 2-6 pm.

Posted in dc glassworks, glass and steel, mixed media, sculpture development class

Young Guns: Glass Blowers

Posted on May 19, 2010 by Michael Janis |

>Michael Raman started lampworking, blowing and fusing glass at age 11, at GlassRoots – a NJ glass studio.
Located in Newark, NJ, GlassRoots was founded in January 2001 with the belief that communities can be transformed and elevated through the arts. Its mission statement is to “provide multiple opportunities for at-risk youth, ages 10-18, to realize their potential through the creation of glass art. As the only non-profit “hot shop” for young people in the greater New York metropolitan area, GlassRoots provides a nurturing environment in which otherwise underserved children can achieve self-esteem and creative expression while also learning basic business skills and valuable life lessons through the exploration of the unique art forms of glass making.”

When Michael was 13, his family moved to the DC area, and he sought out the glass blowing facilities at DC GlassWorks, where he impressed the owner Dave D’Orio with his skill and focus.

Michael Raman’s blown glass.

Now 15 years old, Michael assisted Marc Petrovic when he was here for the James Renwick Alliance workshop.

Mike Raman catching Marc Petrovic’s blown trout.

DC GlassWorks just had an Open House, where the young Michael worked with an even younger glassblower – a 12 year old named Logan – shown here working on his first piece. One can’t be but impressed with the enthusiasm, intensity of focus and skill of these young’uns ( babies actually!).

Click here to jump to Michael’s website.
Click here to jump to youtube video of Michael in action – doing a reticello bowl no less!

Posted in dc glassworks, mike raman

WPA "Cream" Exhibition Features DC GlassWorks Artists

Posted on January 29, 2010 by Michael Janis |

Megan Van Wagoner, Comforts of Home: Potatoes, 2010
Blown Glass, White clay | 12″ x 12″ x 8″

Washington Project for the Arts (WPA)’s opening of its newest exhibition, Cream, is this weekend, and the show runs January 30 – March 6, 2010, at the American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center.

This annual exhibition features works by more than 110 local and national artists selected by an esteemed group of eight top curators including scholars, museum directors, practitioners and collectors.

All works are on view until the WPA Annual Art Auction Gala, which will take place March 6, 2010, during which the exhibited works are available to the highest bidders. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2010 from 6-9pm, along with a talk by the curators on Thursday, February 25, 2010, 6:30-9:30pm, both at the Katzen Arts Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, WDC.

The 29th iteration of this exhibition highlights some of the region’s most talented artists, presenting a broad range of media and styles of both new and emerging artists as well as more established career artists.

Cream is a notable survey of contemporary art in the region and beyond, with selected works representing the cream of the crop and the talent of the artists included that rose above thousands of others viewed during the curatorial process.

“We are tremendously pleased with the participating curators and their art selections – the work is fresh and exciting, and there are artists with long-standing ties to WPA as well as new names that the curators are introducing to the public,” said Lisa Gold, WPA’s Executive Director.

Four artists (David D’Orio, Joseph Corcoran, Steven Jones, and Megan Van Wagoner) of DC GlassWorks created special glass sculptures for the Art Auction Gala. These pieces will be featured in the museum exhibition and on the dining tables during the auction event, and are available for bid. Click HERE to see the WPA link on these works.

Joseph Corcoran, Direction, 2010
Glass and steel | 24″ x 14″

Steven Jones, Dialogues IV, 2009
Bronze, Glass, Steel, Aluminum | 18″ x 8″ x 6″

Dave D’Orio, Organ Model: B12.A6.Y6, 2010
Glass, steel | 30″ x 30″ x 24″

photography by Anything Photographic

Posted in cream, dc glassworks, glass sculpture, wpa

Kari Russell-Pool & Marc Petrovic Demos

Posted on January 26, 2010 by Michael Janis |

The James Renwick Alliance hosted the demo at DC Glassworks.

The dynamic duo that is Kari Russell-Pool and Marc Petrovic worked their magic this past weekend, giving demonstrations of their intensely beautiful glass techniques, and illustrated how the two artists work with and inspire each other.
Performing the demos at DC GlassWorks, and talking at the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery, the husband and wife artists are the Nick and Nora of glass.

Marc dazzled the audience with his incredibly detailed and stunning blowing abilities, creating a life sized striped bass that seemed to be stopped in midair leap and one of his famous birds.