The Language of Glass Opens at Gallery B — NCAGG Show Highlights DMV Talent

April Glass Shelford wins an Honorable mention for her fused glass artwork
WGS Resident Artist & Instructor April Shelford wins again!

The National Capital Art Glass Guild (NCAGG) opened its juried exhibition, “The Language of Glass,” with a lively reception at Gallery B—and the show is a vibrant celebration of the many voices working in glass today.

fused glass panel art by April Shelford of DC's Washington Glass School in Mt Rainier, MD
April Shelford kilnformed glass panel, “WHY?”, 2026

On view through May 24, the exhibition brings together artists exploring the expressive range of glass—movement, flow, form, surface, color, and line—across a wide spectrum of techniques. NCAGG members represent the full breadth of the medium, from kiln-formed and blown glass to mosaic, stained, and lampworked processes.

Kate Barfield with her winning artwork

Washington Glass School artists are strongly represented in the exhibition, including April Shelford, Patricia de Poel Wilberg, Kate Barfield, John Henderson, and Kate Wagner—showcasing the depth of talent within the DMV glass community.

We’re especially excited to share that April Shelford received an Honorable Mention for her work “Why?”, and Kate Barfield was also awarded an Honorable Mention for her fused glass piece “The Influencer- Fomenting a Divided Nation.” Congratulations to both artists on this well-deserved recognition!

Kate Barfield fused glass piece, “The Influencer- Fomenting a Divided Nation”, 2026

In addition to the gallery exhibition, NCAGG will host an Outdoor Market on Saturday, May 23, from 10am–4pm on the plaza outside Gallery B. This one-day event offers a chance to meet the artists and take home unique glass works directly from guild members.

If you’re in the Bethesda area this May, the show is well worth a visit—an inspiring look at how glass continues to evolve as a dynamic and expressive art form.

Washington Glass School Artists Shine in Contemporary Art Exhibits

The Washington Glass School is thrilled to celebrate the achievements of two of our talented resident artists, April Shelford and Kate Barfield, whose works have been selected for prestigious contemporary art exhibitions. Their unique glass artworks showcase the innovative spirit and technical mastery that define our studio’s creative community.

Artist: Kate Barfield; “Tribute to Ms. Mailou Jones”, Fused Glass, steel, wood; Photo Credit: Pete Duvall

Kate Barfield’s Vibrant Works at “The Power of Color” Exhibition

Kate Barfield’s captivating glass pieces, Tribute to Ms. Lois Mailou Jones and Rejoice Wind Up Bird, have been selected for the upcoming The Power of Color exhibition, sponsored by MD Fine Arts at the Circle Gallery in Annapolis, Maryland. This show highlights the dynamic use of color in contemporary art, and Kate’s work perfectly embodies this theme. Her piece Tribute to Ms. Lois Mailou Jones pays homage to the renowned Black DC painter, capturing the angular shapes, curves, and vibrant “POW!” of color that defined Jones’ work. Rejoice Wind Up Bird further showcases Kate’s ability to infuse glass with narrative depth and vivid expression. We invite you to visit the Circle Gallery to experience these stunning works in person and see how Kate’s artistry transforms glass into a powerful storytelling medium.  MFA’S Circle Gallery from July 30th – August 23rd, 2025

Artist: April Shelford; “To Monet”, Fused Glass; Photo Credit: Pete Duvall 

April Shelford’s To Monet in “A Sense of Place” Online Exhibition

April Shelford’s evocative piece To Monet has been selected for the A Sense of Place online exhibition, launched on July 7, 2025, by the Contemporary Glass Society (CGS), the UK’s foremost organization supporting glass artists. This global celebration of glass art features 77 international artists, each exploring how glass captures personal and cultural connections to place. April’s To Monet reflects her signature focus on color and pattern, inspired by her meticulous attention to detail and questing curiosity. Her fused glass work, reminiscent of the historian’s craft, assembles diverse elements into a cohesive and meaningful whole, evoking a profound sense of place. This online exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore April’s work alongside other visionary glass artists from around the world. Visit the CGS website to immerse yourself in this remarkable showcase.

Celebrating Our Artists’ Vision and Craft

Both Kate and April exemplify the Washington Glass School’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of glass as a medium for contemporary art. Their selections for these prestigious exhibitions highlight their individual talents and the vibrant creative energy fostered at our studio. We are incredibly proud of their contributions to the global glass art community and invite you to join us in celebrating their achievements.

Stay tuned for more updates on our artists’ exhibitions and events, and visit the Washington Glass School to discover the transformative power of glass art!