Save the Date!
Join us for the Washington Glass School Open Studio —
Noon – 5 PM
Discover stunning new works by our resident artists and instructors, plus explore the neighboring studios of Otis Street Arts Project and Ampersand Studio — all part of Artists by the Tracks in Mount Rainier!
This year features a special exhibition of artworks created by military veterans through our Hot Shop Heroes program.
Come for the art, stay for the community!
3700 Otis Street, Mt Rainier, MD 20712
This fall, the Washington Glass School (WGS) in Mt. Rainier, MD is honored to host the second session of Hot Shop Heroes, a powerful collaboration with the Museum of Glass (MOG) in Tacoma, WA. The program brings military veterans into the glass studio for a unique and inspiring journey of creative arts therapy.
Over the coming months, veterans will work side by side with WGS artists to create glass and steel sculptures. For many participants—some navigating the long road of recovery from combat-related injuries and trauma—the workshop provides much more than technical skills. The studio becomes a space of connection, trust, and expression. Veterans bond with one another while discovering the transformative qualities of melted glass: its fragility, resilience, and potential for reinvention.
The program underscores the healing power of the arts. Each workshop session offers not only hands-on training but also a shared experience of collaboration, focus, and renewal.
The veterans’ artworks will be on display at the Washington Glass School Winter Open House on December 13, 2025—a celebration of creativity, community, and the enduring strength of those who have served.
December 9, 2023 from Noon til 5PM – Holiday Open Studios! See some of the best art and design by the area’s most talented makers! A special exhibit of sculpture made by Military Veterans in Washington Glass School’s “Hot Shop Heroes” workshop held in collaboration with the Museum of Glass will be fetured at the WGS Contemporary Gallery, 3700 Otis Street, Mt Rainier, MD 20712. Artist Talk at 1PM.
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.
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.
The 8 week program continues, where the veterans will continue to explore their artistic talents and healing through art.
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.
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