Washington Glass School invites all to our DECEMBER Open Studios, Saturday, Dec 09, 2023, from Noon to 5PM. In addition to our exhibit of works by our artists and instructors, Washington Glass School (WGS) hosts a special exhibition of works made by our program with military Veterans – Hot Shop Heroes. WGS has partnered with Tacoma’s Museum of Glass & DC’s Veterans Affairs to provide art therapy for Veterans diagnosed with traumatic brain injury and PTSD. This collaboration for healing and a healthy future of our community has the Veterans telling their story in glass. The surrounding arts venues (Otis Street Arts, Brentwood Arts Exchange, Portico Gallery and Pyramid Atlantic and more) will be open too! Washington Glass School, 3700 Otis Street, Mt Rainier, MD 20712.
This past week’s Hot Shop Heroes™ workshop was great fun! Our military veterans had the incredible opportunity to connect with the talented glass artist and fellow veteran, Geoffrey Bowton, in a fascinating video meeting.
Geoffrey shared his unique glass art techniques and took us on a remarkable journey of healing through the mesmerizing world of glass art.
Geoffrey Bowton (top left) talks about his work and journey to the veterans at the Washington Glass School.
And that was just the beginning! After the inspiring conversation, we dove into hands-on workshops in fused glass and welding. The energy and creativity in the room were truly remarkable.
Instructors Tim Tate (L) and Jennifer Lindstrom (R) work with the Hot Shop Heroes vets in making their first glass piece.
The 8 week program continues, where the veterans will continue to explore their artistic talents and healing through art.
Lead glass instructor, Patricia De Poel Wilberg, takes the vets thru their first fused glass workshop.
Mark your calendars for the grand finale! On December 9th, we’ll be showcasing the incredible artwork created by our talented students at the Open Studios exhibit. You won’t want to miss it!
Stay tuned for more updates and be part of this inspiring journey with us.
About DC’s Hot Shop Heroes:
DC’s Veteran’s Affairs has partnered with the Washington Glass School (WGS) and the Museum of Glass (MOG) in Tacoma, WA. to bring the restorative power of art to active duty patients and Veterans diagnosed with traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorders.
Started in 2013 at Takoma’s MOG, the Hot Shop Heroes program has been dedicated to teaching glass safety procedures, fundamental glassmaking techniques and team building skills. In one of the first partnerships with the MOG, WGS will add metal working and special glass casting techniques to the intensive arts encounter.
