Coppin State University Presents Fired Up! – Baltimore’s First Glass Exhibit Since 1996.

Fired Up! is a survey exhibition highlighting the diversity and innovation of artists working in contemporary glass around the mid-Atlantic Region, and features works by Chul Hyun Ahn, Anthony Corradetti, Oletha DeVane, John Henderson, Michael Janis, Emily Lamb, Tim McFadden, Soledad Salamé, Dr. Joyce J. Scott, Tim Tate, and Erwin Timmers.

Fired Up! includes objects and installations as distinct as their makers, examining glass as a sculptural medium for art and the many messages the media is capable of imparting. The United Nations General Council announced that 2022 be declared a United Nations International Year of Glass (IYOG), to celebrate the essential role glass has in Society.  Fired Up! is part of the events commemorating the IYOG, the 2022 Glass & Optical Materials Division (GOMD) Conference in Baltimore, the 60th Anniversary of the American Studio Glass Movement. The exhibition brings a distinct group of renown artists to students and admirers who wish to discover the creative possibilities in glass, while amplifying artists voices including members of the BIPOC, Latinx, LGBQT and immigrant communities.  This exhibition is made possible through the support of the GOMD, the American Ceramic Society, and Corning & Owens Corning who helped fund outreach to Baltimore City High schools.

Planned and Co-Curated by Howard Cohen of Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass with Amy Raehse of Goya Contemporary Gallery, this will be the first major glass sculpture exhibit in Baltimore since 1996.

Fired Up!

May 18th through June 18th, 2022.

James Weldon Johnson Auditorium Gallery at Coppin State University

2500 W. North Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21216-3698

Weekly Gallery Hours: Thursday- Saturday from noon-6pm

For more information contact Linda Day-Clark of Coppin State University

lday-clark@coppin.edu

May 14th Open Studios- Save the Date!

Save The Date! May 14th is the proposed date for Washington Glass School Open Studio Tour! Many of the surrounding art studios and galleries will be participating! We will follow health protocols – and it will be great to see all in real life! Come and see what’s new and what has been shaking at the studio!

Online Virtual Tour of Phillips Collection

In Washington, DC- the perfect thing to do is visit a museum! The Phillips Collection’ new exhibit “Inside Outside Upside Down” features works by WGS artists Tim Tate & Michael Janis! Below is installation view, “Inside Outside, Upside Down” at the The Phillips Collection, Washington, DC, July 12 – September 17, 2021.

Photograph by Gregory R. Staley. Image courtesy of The Phillips Collection.

Or… if one can’t get to the museum- take a virtual online 3D tour! Click HERE to jump to Phillips Collection online tour.

Michael Janis glass art Phillips Collection Museum.
Image of 3D tour courtesy of The Phillips Collection.

Stop The (Digital) Presses! Washington Glass School Blog Named 2nd Best Arts Blog in DC! We’re Number 2!

No Fake News! All Glass- All the Time!

No Fake News! All Glass- All the Time!

Washington City Paper’s “Best of D.C.” Awards the Washington Glass School Blog as the Second Best Arts Blog in the DC area!

The new Washington DC City Paper publisher – Katy McKegney – said that their “Best Of D.C.” would mean just that—”a celebration of this city and all it has to offer, and of the work [the] residents, businesses, and institutions do to make D.C. the best it can be”.  

And with that – in the Best of Arts & Entertainment category – Washington Glass School Blog was voted as Second Best Arts Blog! Woo-Hoo!

Since 2008 we have been pumping out stories on the DC and national art scene since Sean Hennessey started the blog. A big thank you to all the writers who have worked on the blog over the years!

Our collective hearts are full. 

DMV Artists by the Tracks: Holiday Open Studios This Saturday!

gateway.dc.artist.by.the.tracks.open.studioswashington.craft.center.sale.holidayThis Saturday, December 15th, from Noon til 5pm – The largest cluster of studios in the Gateway Arts District open their doors to the public for our Winter Open Studios.
Participating Artists:

WGS Contemporary : 3700 Otis Street, Mt Rainier
Erwin Timmers, Tim Tate, Michael Janis, Laura Beth Konopinski, April Shelford, Patricia de Poel Wilberg, Max DeMulder, Debbi LoCicero,
John Henderson, Trish Kent
_
OTIS STREET ARTS PROJECT: 3706/ 3708 Otis Street, Mt Rainier
David Mordini, Lorenzo Cardim, Gloria Chapa, Chris Bohner, Art Drauglis, Kirsty Little, Melissa Allen, CeCi Cole McInturff, Elizabeth Curren, Eric Gordon, Nick Alberti, Shelley Lowenstein, Liz Lescault, Lisa Rosenstein, SPECIAL GUEST: East City Arts, Jenna North, Zofie King, Sean Hennessey, Gareth Branwyn.
_
3700 WELLS & BLUE FIRE STUDIOS: Mt Rainier
Arlette Jassel, Roberto Devers, Margaret Flaherty, Patrecia de Poel Wilbert
_
WHITE POINT STUDIO: 3708 Wells Avenue, Mt Rainier
Laurel Lukaszewski, Kate Kretz, Tamara Laird, Julia Walther, Jo Ellen Walker
_
ORANGE DOOR STUDIOS: 3706 Wells Ave, Mt Rainier
Ellyn Weiss, Ellen Sinel, Sally Kauffman, Veronica Szalus
_
3706 Otis (rear), Mt Rainier
Valerie Theberge, Shahin Talishkhan, Sharon Robinson
_
BLUE DOOR STUDIOS: 3704 Otis St (Rear), Mt Rainier
Alonzo Davis, Alec Simpson
_
TANGLEWOOD STUDIOS: 3613 Oak Lane, Mt Rainier
Tanglewood Sue, Peter McClintock
_
JANIS GOODMAN: 3702 Otis (rear)
_
Joe Hicks Ceramics
3709 37th Street
Mount Rainierartist.by.tracks.dmv.space.glass.school.gateway.district

New Class Schedule Part 2 – Special Lampworking Classes

>Lampworking, torchwork, flamework – all mean the same thing – sculpting glass heated over a torch. You will get hooked on the immediate satisfaction that comes from this form of art! The flameworking program at the Washington Glass School has expanded. Take our beginner lampworking classes and build your skill level (and fun level) with the open studio Flamework Club. Or take the next step – with our Intermediate Sculptural Flamework class.

This class session we have brought on some new special classes with super star instructors: Elizabeth Mears and Michael Mangiafico!

Elizabeth Mears is a full time, award winning artist. Whether representational or conceptual, her artwork reflects her strong connection with nature; often combining glass with mixed media. Liz studied and now teaches lampworking techniques at Penland, Pilchuck and Corning Studio. Her book “Flameworking” was published in 2003 by Lark Books. Liz will draw upon her love of nature for her “Lets Make Leaves” class and her “Building Flowers with Bridges class.

Michael Mangiafico (Fig) graduated with a BFA in glass art from Carnegie Mellon University. He has been teaching lampworking and glass blowing for over 20 years. He owns and operates his own glass studio in Pittsburgh, Pa. His work is available in galleries nationwide and has been featured in numerous art magazines and publications. Fig will be teaching an amazing class on creating bugs “Glass Entomology“.

Have a look at the full Fall Lampworking Schedule:

SPECIAL LAMPWORKING CONCENTRATION CLASS SCHEDULE

Class 1032 – FLAMEWORK CLUB – Open Studio for Flameworkers

Already know the basics of flameworking? Want to join others in a social atmosphere while you work? Our Flamework Club gives each student the opportunity to work independently in a world class studio while meeting some great new friends! Materials extra.
Class Limit: 6 students
Instructor: Studio Staff
Dates: Saturday afternoons (call to confirm appointment)
Time: 1:30pm – 5 pm
Tuition: $300 for 4 sessions – or included with Instructor Classes (#1033, 1034, 1035, 1036, 1037)

flamework club


Class 1033 – Beginning Sculptural Flameworking

Learn the basics of making objects in the flame from borosilicate (Pyrex) glass. This 2-day class will focus on skills that are the basis of working with glass on the torch. You will come away with knowledge and some fine objects too! Rob is an energetic, knowledgeable instructor and artist who is ready and willing to help anyone learn this fascinating art form. The materials fee provides student with initial pack of glass, fuel for the torches and the loan of a full set of hand tools. Additional glass and supplies are available for purchase as the class progresses. Take this class more than once to reinforce your skills! Class Limit: 6 students

Instructor: Robert Kincheloe
Dates: Session A Sept 18 & 19, Session B Oct 2 & 3

Time: 10am – 1 pm
Tuition: $250 + $50 material fee

robert.kincheloe.glass


Class 1034 – Intermediate Sculptural Flameworking / Working Hollow

This is a student driven class that will promote techniques not displayed in the beginning class. In this 2-day class, students will learn to work with tubing to create glass sculptures. (materials cost of $50 payable at first class meeting) Class Limit: 6 students

Instructor: Robert Kincheloe
Dates: Saturday / Sunday, November 20 & 21
Time: 10 am – 1 pm
Tuition: $250 + $50 material fee

lampworking.glass


Class 1035 – Glass Entomology – Lampworked Insects with Michael Mangiafico
Students will learn to work with soft glass while observing nature. Students will explore heat control, cane pulling and the basics of soft glass sculpting. His glass insects are some of the finest examples of lampwork worldwide.

Michael Mangiafico has been teaching torchworking and glass blowing since 1993. While his specialty is making glass insects, he also makes beads, marbles, jewelry, vessels, and paperweights. Class Limit: 6 students
Instructor: Michael Mangiafico
Dates: Saturday / Sunday, October 9 & 10
Time: 10 am – 1 pm
Tuition: $300 + $50 material fee

fig studio.glass


Class 1036 – Lets Make Leaves! with Elizabeth Ryland Mears

Why leaves you may ask. We will pay homage to Nature’s small factory (Bio 101…CO2 + chlorophyll, + sunshine = sugar and O2) while we learn to control the bench torch, manipulate hot glass, direct the heat, use tools to create shape and texture, and work with different sizes of clear rod and tube. The focus of our endeavors will be to make “parts” which can be incorporated into larger sculpture at a later time. Class Limit: 6 Students

Instructor: Elizabeth Ryland Mears
Dates: Saturday / Sunday, October 23 & 24
Time: 10 am – 1 pm
Tuition: $300 + $50 material fee

elizabth_ryland_mears


Class 1037 – Building Flowers With Bridges! with Elizabeth Ryland Mears

“Bridges” are to Flameworking what exoskeletons are to beetles…they hold everything together. We will use the technique of “bridging” to make a daisy-like flower. We will make the flower then add the bridging to hold all the parts in place while we thoroughly fuse the glass together in the flame of the bench torch. This technique is invaluable when larger sculpture is created, so we will practice on a smaller object. The instructor will guide you step by step through the process. The bridging is temporary so will be removed to reveal a small object ready for further creative use. Class Limit: 6 Students

Instructor: Elizabeth Ryland Mears
Dates: Saturday / Sunday, November 6 & 7
Time: 10 am – 1 pm
Tuition: $300 + $50 material fee


For more information about classes – or to register and pay for the class using the online PayPal system, click HERE to jump to the school’s website class list.

NEW Fall 2010 Class Schedule Part 1

>

The Washington Glass School’s New Fall Schedule is now out! Some fun new classes, some favorites are back, and a new Lampworking Concentration Schedule! This season’s new lampworking classes includes some superstar instructors teaching in the special concentration classes. (More on these exciting new classes in following posting.)

New to the DC area? Our glass fusing and casting classes are a great way to get out, meet some new friends, make something beautiful, and get into the Washington arts and craft scene! The evening and weekend classes are scheduled to accommodate the hardworking DMV crowd (District, Maryland, Virginia).

Have a look at the new main glass fusing and casting schedule, then take a look at the super deluxe Lampworking Concentration classes.

Washington Glass School Fall 2010 Class Schedule

Class 1025 Beginner’s Glass Lover’s Weekend

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 several professional glass artists you will learn the fundamentals of fusing, slumping & dimensional kiln casting. A great class to bring a friend (or make one!). 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! The class is offered 3 times during the fall schedule

Instructor Tim Tate, Robert Kincheloe and Michael Janis
Dates
  • Session 1025A September 25 & 26
  • Session 1025B October 30 & 31
  • Session 1025C December 4 & 5
Time 1 pm to 5 pm each day
Tuition $300 per student (all materials included)

kilnformed glass studio glass


Class 1026Going GreenRecycled Glass Art

Green up your life by doing something creative to help the environment! This is an exploration into using recycled glass to make sculptural pieces, architectural elements, jewelry and tableware. We will delve into various techniques, including casting, fusing and slumping. Once you start down the path of recycled glass, you will see more and more opportunities for experimentation around you. Glass chemistry, coloration, and firing temperatures will be explained for each particular application. No prior experience is necessary – you are encouraged to bring in materials you’d like to try.

Instructor Erwin Timmers
Dates Wednesday evenings September 29, October 6 & 13
Time 7pm – 9:30pm
Tuition $300

recycled glass


Class 1027 Bas Relief in Glass – Overview of Deep Relief Dry Plaster Casting

Tired of working flat? Want an easy way to get some real depth into your glass? Here’s a fun class where you will learn one of the easiest methods of kilncasting sheet glass to achieve bas-relief sculpture. This incredibly versatile method has endless fine art and architectural applications. In this two day class, we will discuss different types of glass and their firing schedules. Working with color and how it can affect dimensional casting will also be explored. Bring items you may want to cast with this method or choose from our image library. All materials and firings included.

Instructor Michael Janis
Dates Saturday / Sunday October 2 & 3
Time 2pm – 5pm
Tuition $350

bas relief in glass, float glass


Class 1028 – Beginning MIG Welding

Want to try your hand at welding? Ever thought about making a metal stand to display your glass? How about a metal frame? You can do it yourself, and it’s easier than you think. In 3 evenings you will learn how to make a display stand or frame to show off your work at its best. You will also 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.

Instructor Erwin Timmers
Dates Wednesday evenings in November (3, 10,17)
Time 7pm – 9:30pm
Tuition $325

erwin.timmers.eco.art


Class 1029 – Bullseye Glass Roll-up

If you’ve ever been interested in making your fused glass panels into blown vessels- then this is the class for you! Come experience one of the most exciting trends in glass – where you get the best of both worlds. One class will be spent fusing Bullseye Glass into a panel at the Washington Glass School. The next class will be held at DC GlassWorks where you will help blow the glass into a vase, or bowl, or even go more sculptural! This class is for all experience levels, both fusers and blowers who want to see their imagery in blown glass.

Instructor Dave D’Orio, Michael Janis
Dates Saturday October 9 & 16
Time 1:30pm to 5pm each day
Tuition $350

bullseye glass technique Michael Janis roll-up bullseye glass

Click HERE to see video of roll-up process.


Class 1030 – Steel & Glass Sculptural Development

For this incredible class, we are teaming up with our sister school at DC Glassworks to form this amazing collaborative experience. For anyone who has dreamed of creating true sculptural work, this is the class for you! This unusual class will feature 6 Sunday workshops, some discussing sculptural theory, while most are simply hands on with material in both studios. Students will be introduced to the basics of metal working, glass casting and fusing, and aluminum casting. This class is designed for anyone from beginner to the most advanced, no prior knowledge of glass, steel or aluminum are necessary. (An 18″ height restriction will be imposed on all pieces).

Instructor Patrick Burke, Dave D’Orio, Tim Tate, Erwin Timmers
Dates Sunday afternoons in October (17, 24, 30) and November 7, 14,21)
Time 2pm – 5pm
Tuition $450

erwin.timmers

For more information, and to pay for the classes online, via PayPal, click HERE to jump to the school’s website.