We’ve begun laying out and trimming the community-made glass panels for the Kempsville public art project—an exciting moment where the collective story starts to come into focus. Our attention now turns to the sculpture’s narrative bas-relief panels.
The quick studio flyover shows us evaluating the works side by side, spotting patterns, rhythms, and powerful adjacencies. The panels tell stories of local flora and fauna, historic buildings, heroic and difficult histories, Indigenous and colonial narratives, local teams, and contemporary life.
Choosing which panels make the final sculpture will be the hardest part—every piece matters. Harbor of Stories is becoming a true communal portrait of Kempsville.
As we mark MLK Day, we reflect on community and collaboration. These glass tiles were created by Kempsville residents during our summer workshops and are now coming together on our studio tables for color and sizing. Titled “Harbor of Stories”, this public artwork is being shaped by many hands and diverse voices, inspired by the waterways that connect Norfolk and Virginia Beach.
Over the summer, residents and stakeholders participated in hands on glass workshops, creating fused glass tiles that will become part of the finished sculpture. These tiles are currently laid out in the Washington Glass School studio, where they are being reviewed for color, scale, and placement. Seeing them together reveals how much energy, care, and individuality the community has brought to the project.
In addition to the fused tiles, the sculpture will include narrative cast glass panels that speak to the history and character of the area. Together, these elements will be set into a large steel structure designed as an abstracted sail form.
Kempsville, VA public art steel work in metal shop gets ready for powder-coat paint finish
The design draws inspiration from the waterways that connect Norfolk and Virginia Beach, reflecting movement, flow, and shared journeys. Titled Harbor of Stories, the sculpture is intended to serve as a welcoming landmark and a visual expression of Kempsville’s identity, shaped by the people who call it home.
Steel framework for WGS’ “Harbor of Stories” in the metal shop
This summer, Washington Glass Studio has been quietly building the foundation for Harbor of Stories, a new public artwork for Kempsville, Virginia. The nearly 18-foot steel structure now standing in the metal shop is the armature that will soon hold hundreds of community-made glass elements.
Erwin Timmers and Michael Janis hosting glass making workshop at Kempsville Community Center, summer 2025.
In partnership with the City of Virginia Beach and Historic Kempsville, we worked directly with Kempsville residents through a series of hands-on workshops held at Virginia MOCA and the Kempsville Community Center. Participants translated personal histories, local landmarks, and shared memories into colorful fused glass tiles — each one a small but vital part of the whole.
Excited Kempsville residents proudly display their glass panel art.
The artwork will also feature larger cast glass bas-relief panels created by Washington Glass Studio artists, depicting Kempsville’s native flora and fauna and the layered histories that define the area.
Right now, the steel stands empty — but not for long. The next phase involves cutting, prepping, and installing the glass, transforming this structure into a welcoming beacon at the corner of Witchduck Road and Princess Anne Road.
Washington, DC’s new Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center opens its doors to the public (today, April 15th) — and welcomes visitors with stunning public art, including vibrant glass works by Washington Glass Studio.
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser reflects on the process of creating the first new hospital in DC in 25 years.
As featured in East of the River News by writer Elizabeth O’Gorek, the installations reflect the resilience and creativity of the community. One piece was created by Washington Glass Studio, and another striking glass work was made at the Washington Glass School by artist Imar Hutchins, assisted by Patricia de Poel Wilberg.
Together, these works celebrate healing, color, and the transformative power of art in public spaces.
The new glass mural, “The Legacy of the Land and the Waters” made by the Washington Glass Studio community is installed in the main entry lobby.
Earlier in the year, Greenbelt Metro Apartments LLC, in partnership with the City of Greenbelt, commissioned WGS artist Erwin Timmers team to create three-dimensional artwork to be installed at Motiva, a new 354-unit residential development in Greenbelt, MD.
Erwin Timmers, original concept design for Motiva
The artwork design was to be a place marker that enlivens the Motiva Greenbelt complex and surrounding area. Erwin Timmers also outlined how sustainable design would be integrated into his design, using recycled glass.
Motiva Concept: Two tall stylized plant shapes will grace the side of the public plaza at the main entrance. The plant “stems” will be the structural elements and have branches coming out the sides which will hold circular glass flower shapes. The structure will be made of powder coated steel, with a coloring that shifts from green below to yellow and red above. The plant stems will bow outward and then come closer together toward the top. They seem to form an entrance or gateway. The two shapes will be similar, but uniquely different.
Community glass making workshop at the Washington Glass Studio was held earlier this year.
The glass inset panels that form the petal circles will be made with neighborhood community participation, in workshops held at the Washington Glass Studio.
The Greenbelt community enthusiastically joins in making the newest public art for their town. Color selection was treated with the utmost care.
Timmers said that the inspiration for his nature inspired design comes from the MOTIVA complex’s natural surroundings and the environment. Flowering plants that are native to the area include Black-Eyed Susans, Asters, and more. Flowers are often a symbol of growth and opportunity, and the artist said “just as wildflowers need diversity to make a healthy eco-system, so do people…”
Artist Erwin Timmers helps Greenbelt resident volunteer create their first glass masterpiece. The public art “stems” arrive at Powdercoat studio to receive their colorful finishes.Steel framework for the glass “petals” are prepped for their protective paint finishes.
The finished install date will be Mid-September – more about this great project as we get photos!!
Concept 1 design by Michael Janis for DC’s OP & CAH TAP project in Ward 5
WGS Co-Director Michael Janis’ public art design (concept 1 & 2) for DC’s memorial to the Enslaved People that built the US Capitol has many steps before the Mayor’s approval. One can see -and vote! – on the two concepts online :https://engage.dc.gov/JD4865#tab-50371
The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH), in collaboration with the DC Office of Planning (OP), awarded Janis the commission create the significant project that aims to shed light on the often overlooked role of over 200 enslaved people whose labor laid the foundation for one of the most iconic symbols of democracy.
Photo of first community input event in Ward 5 site, April 20, 2024
The upcoming community presentation on June 22nd at the Landon Park Recreation Center will provide a platform for Ward 5 residents to view and discuss the proposed design for the memorial. This event is not only a preview of the memorial but also an invitation for the community to contribute their voices to this landmark project.
The memorial aims to be a poignant reminder of the systemic racism and exploitation that have marred American history, while also celebrating the resilience and enduring legacy of those who were enslaved. Situated in the nation’s capital, this tribute will join the ranks of many other monuments and memorials, enriching the narrative with stories of those who have been historically marginalized. As the Nation’s capital, monuments and commemorative works have typically been focused on or reserved for commemoration to individuals or subjects of national importance within the monumental core, the original L’Enfant City, and mostly in Wards 1, 2, 3, and 6. Many of these subjects participated in slavery, systemic racism, and the mistreatment of, or took actions that suppressed equality for, persons of color, certain groups of people, and women.
In a historic move to acknowledge and honor the invaluable contributions of enslaved individuals who helped build the U.S. Capitol, the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH), in collaboration with the DC Office of Planning (OP), has selected WGS Co-Director Michael Janis to design the Ward 5 Public Art Memorial. This significant project aims to shed light on the often-overlooked role of over 200 enslaved people whose labor laid the foundation for one of the most iconic symbols of democracy.
Janis, Co-Director of the Washington Glass School (WGS), has been actively engaging with the DC Ward 5 community to ensure that the memorial resonates with the local residents and accurately reflects the historical significance and human stories behind the Capitol’s construction. This community-centered approach underscores the importance of collective memory and inclusivity in public art.
DC’s Commemorative Works Program reviews proposals submitted by sponsors, but since the program was established in 2001 has received only a handful of applications for local subjects. OP’s Commemorate DC work includes technical assistance to community partners in Wards 4, 5, 7, and 8 to identify commemorative subjects and sites before supporting efforts in Wards 1, 2, 3, and 6. The Office of Planning’s partners are convening meetings with community groups and residents to discuss subjects to commemorate, appropriate sites, and concept designs of commemorative works. Concept designs will be reviewed by the Commemorative Works Committee who will make a recommendation on each proposal to the Mayor and District Council, who have final review and approval. A link to the 4 initial Commemorative projects here.
The DC Public Art Memorial is more than a work of art; it is a symbol of reconciliation, education, and recognition. It will invite all visitors to reflect on the past and encourage ongoing dialogue about equality and justice.
Join Michael Janis, the DC CAH & OP along with the Ward 5 community on June 22nd to participate in the outlining of a project that seeks to honor the past and inspire a future of inclusivity and acknowledgment. This is an important occasion for Washington, DC, and for the nation, as we begin this transformative initiative.
As the nation’s capital, Washington, DC is home to many monuments and memorials honoring individuals and events of national significance mainly within the monumental core, the original L’Enfant City, and mostly in Wards 1, 2, 3, and 6. Many of these subjects participated in slavery, systemic racism, and the mistreatment of, or took actions that suppressed equality for, persons of color, certain groups of people, and women. The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH), in partnership with the DC Office of Planning (OP) selected WGS Director Michael Janis as the artist to create DC’s Ward 5 Public Art Memorial to commemorate the Enslaved People Who Built the US Capitol. Contributions of more than 200 enslaved people helped build the U.S. Capitol, an international symbol of Democracy.
Artists engaged by DC CAH to create the new Public Art
From 1792 to 1800 enslaved people, many from the Baltimore area, arrived in DC on Bladensburg Road and were forced to quarry stone, clear the building site, create sculptures, and work long hours in inhospitable weather six days a week.
DC Ward 5 Public Art Memorial
The Capitol would not have been constructed without their labor and craftsmanship, yet much of their history has yet to be documented and brought to light.
Michael has been meeting with the Ward 5 community groups and the first community presentation of the concept is scheduled for June 22, 2024, from 2-4 pm at the Landon Park Recreation Center, 2901 20th St NE, Washington, DC 20018.
Promotion of Public Art Project featuring Michael Janis “The Artist”.
If you are interested in participating – click link to sign up (at bottom of page) for updates from Commemorate DC. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to be a part of history!
Bladensburg Library – Architect: Gant Brunnett Architects
The official ribbon citation ceremony of the new Prince George’s County Memorial Library Bladensburg Branch (4820 Annapolis Rd, Bladensburg, MD, at 11 am). The ceremony featured remarks from PGCMLS Interim CEO Richard AmRhein, County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks, Prince George’s County Councilwoman Jolene Ivey (District 5), Bladensburg Mayor Takisha James, PGCMLS Board of Library Trustees President Angela D. Smith, and PGCMLS Chief Operating Officer for Support Services Michael Gannon.
The glass mural, titled “Reading the Water” by Washington Glass School is the centerpiece of the new library.
At the heart of this artwork is a message about the importance of environmental stewardship and the need to protect our natural resources. Much of the glass mural is made using recycled glass and components. By drawing attention to the beauty and fragility of water, “Reading The Water” encourages viewers to reflect on their own relationship with the natural world and to consider how they can contribute to a more sustainable future.
Kisha Mason, PG Arts & Humanities Council at the lectern enthuses about the artwork. WGS artists Erwin Timmers and Michael Janis.View to artwork from balcony at Bladensburg Library, Bladensburg, MD.WGS artists/Co-Directors Michael Janis and Erwin Timmers at Bladensburg Library
The Public Art Archive (PAA) is a free, continually growing database of completed public artworks. The Archive aims to raise awareness about the value of public art and help make it possible for stakeholders to advance the professionalism of public artists and practitioners in allied fields.
The Laurel Library artwork “Involve Me and I Learn” made by Washington Glass Studio.
The PAA has an easy-to-use website that allows one to search for completed public artwork on its site using various descriptors. It also creates a fun graphic map of the artworks across the United States and PAA map can also be used to create awareness and help guide tours of public art in local communities.
We are proud to announce that our Laurel Library public art project “Involve Me and I Learn” community-based sculpture was selected from over 500 submissions representing diverse and innovative public art from all 50 US states for inclusion in the new map. The PAA website also includes other Washington Glass Studio public art projects, including the Library of Congress doors, Florida’s West Palm Beach Tourism Office, and the Beanes Community Center, and others.
Images of the selected USA Public Art installations are currently being made into the new map by Colorado-based illustrator Kara Fellows, which we will share with all upon its completion.
Original Public Art map – in the new version – Laurel Library will be in all its glory!
