SOFA Chicago Preview : Works By Washington Glass School Artists

SOFA 2018: Discovering New Concepts of Innovation and Design
Chicago, Illinois (November 1 – November 4, 2018) – This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Sculpture Objects Functional Art and Design (SOFA) Fair in Chicago, which takes place at the landmark Navy Pier.

Laura Beth Konopinski, "Beneath your walls the rubble exposed", mixed media glass, Alida Anderson Art Project, booth #A39. photo by Pete Duvall.

Laura Beth Konopinski, “Beneath your walls the rubble exposed”, mixed media glass, Alida Anderson Art Projects, booth #A39. (photo by Pete Duvall)

Washington Glass School artists Laura Beth Konopinski, Tim Tate and Michael Janis will have their new works featured at the critically acclaimed expo. The Chicago-based art expo is traditionally dedicated to three-dimensional art and design.

Tim Tate, Mrs. Dalloway : Morning and Mrs Dalloway : Evening, 32"dia each.

Tim Tate, Mrs. Dalloway : Morning (L) & Mrs Dalloway : Evening (R), 32″dia each. Habatat Galleries booth #A25

Michigan’s Habatat Galleries will feature new works by Tim Tate and Michael Janis, in their space #A25. Tim’s new infinity mirrors have become much more sculptural and dynamic – they must be seen in person to experience the reflected themes of empowerment and hope.

Tim Tate, "I Stand With My Sisters", mixed media, LED, glass. Habatat Galleries booth #A25. photo by Pete Duvall

Tim Tate, “I Stand With My Sisters”, mixed media, LED, glass. Habatat Galleries booth #A25. (photo by Pete Duvall)

Michael Janis has been creating a new series that will debut at the Chicago SOFA art fair, where his realistic imagery is offset with color and abstracted forms. His work can be seen also at Habatat Galleries space, #A25. Michael’s work will also be in a special exhibit at the fair: Intersection: Art & Life that features works by artists featured in a new book by Kevin Wallace, director of California’s Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts. His book explores the historical parallels between art and life, with the arts playing a central role in exploring identity, spirituality, our relationship with the environment and developing technologies.

Michael Janis, "In My Dreams", fused glass, 12" x 16", Habatat Galleries booth #A25. photo by Pete Duvall

Michael Janis, “In My Dreams”, fused glass, 12″ x 16″, Habatat Galleries booth #A25. (photo by Pete Duvall)

Michael Janis, "Forever", "Talk to Me", "Forever", 12" x 16" each. Habatat Galleries booth #A25. (photo by Pete Duvall).

Michael Janis, “Forever”, “Talk to Me”, “Forever”, 12″ x 16″ each. Habatat Galleries booth #A25. (photos by Pete Duvall).

Laura Beth Konopinski will be showing her new narrative mixed media sculptures. After a successful exhibit at the Art Miami Fairs last year, she has been creating new works that have already received critical acclaim. Laura Beth can be found at Alida Anderson Art Projects space, #A39 

SOFA Opens to eager crowds

Each year, SOFA Chicago opens to eager crowds!

Location: SOFA CHICAGO
Address: Navy Pier, Festival Hall
600 E. Grand, Entrance 2
Chicago, IL 60611

sofa.2018

Glass Artists Featured in New Book: Intersection Art & Life

Kevin Wallace, director of the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts in California, writes books and guest curates exhibitions for museums. He is an acknowledged expert on self-expression in craft media who resists labeling works as “art” or “craft.” His new book Intersection: Art & Life has just been published and we are delighted that they included Michael Janis’ glass work on the cover (center top). intersection.art.life.glass.craft.new.narrative.content.sculpture.kevin_wallace.michael_janis.sgraffito.frit.dc

Kevin wrote the book to provide a wider understanding and appreciating contemporary art, and he gives insights on over 100 contemporary artists including glass artists: Lino Tagliapietre, Keke Cribbs, Sally Rogers, Einar and James De La Torre, Rick Beck, Marlene Rose, Colin Reid, Susan Stinsmuehlen-Amend and others. Support the Beatrice Wood Center and purchase the book at the center!

If you don’t want to use the PayPal link, you can e-mail Kevin at beatricewoodcenter@gmail.com, and they can send you a PayPal invoice, or you can send a check to: BWCA, P.O. Box 608, Ojai, CA 93024

Top 10 Tips to Get Noticed by American Craft Magazine Editor. Was surprised at the first one!

american.craft.michael_janis.artist.glass.sgraffito.imagery.narrative.frit.powderAmerican Craft Magazine Editor-in-Chief Monica Moses published an article “Get Your Work Noticed: 10 Tips for Artists” that outlines what, as a busy editor, makes an artist and their work stand out from the crowd of websites, emails and social media posts.

WGS artist Michael Janis was covered as a result of his "subtle and compelling" glass artwork.

WGS artist Michael Janis was covered as a result of his “subtle and compelling” glass artwork.

An artist contacting directly a magazine editor is fine, but as the editor has thousands of emails a week, Ms Moses pleads for the artist to make it easy – or at least not a difficult exercise. One of her must-haves is an updated website.

Have a read of American Craft’s tips for artists – click HERE to jump to the article online!

Example of what not to do.

Example of what not to do.

Artists Against Gun Violence Timed for March For Our Lives DC Rally

Detail from "Endless Cycle" by artist Tim Tate. Photo by Pete Duvall.

Detail from “Endless Cycle” by artist Tim Tate. 36″ x 36″ x 4″ Glass, electronics, poly-vitro, aluminum. Photo by Pete Duvall.

Artists Against Gun Violence : a pop-up art exhibit 

Where: The 3rd Floor 4200 9th Street NW Above Slims (rear entrance)
March 22 thru April 9, 2018 Opening Reception: March 22, 6 to 9 pm,
Hours: March 24 (after March for Our Lives) 3-6pm, March 28 6-8pm, March 31, 3-6 pm, April 4, 6-8pm , April 7, 2-4pm,
April 9, 6-8pm

Artists Against GunViolence was created in solidarity with the students from Parkland, Florida who quickly responded to the tragic events at their school with a call to action. Over 40 artists from the DC area show their opposition to gun violence in a gallery show at The Third Floor and additional spaces in the Petworth neighborhood. The show opens March 22nd in time for the student-led March for Our Lives rally taking place in downtown Washington, DC on Saturday, March 24th.

Shattered Remnants by artist Michael Janis

“Shattered Remnants” by artist Michael Janis. 16″ x 19″; kilnformed glass, glass powder imagery. Photo by Pete Duvall.

Participating Artists: Tim Tate, Michael Janis, Frederick Nunley, Jackie Hoysted, Helen Frederick, Ellyn Weiss, David Mordini, Ellen Hill, Ruth Trevarrow, Gregory Ferrand, Pat Goslee, Robin Bell, Vicki Walchak, Jenny Walton, Carolina Mayorga, Glenn Richardson, Angela White, Maryanne Pollack, Sondra Arkin, Laura Elkins, Judy Jashinsky, Cory Oberndorfer, Laura Elkins, Cheryl Edwards, Liz Lescaut, Heather Levy, Mei Mei Chang, Sheila Crider, Anne Marchand, Margaret Dowell, Susan Lila Cole, Claudia Vess, Eric Margry, Kyuljin Lee, Eve Hennessa, Mary Welsh Higgins, Janis Goodman, Linda Hesh, Jenifer Berringer,T Yuan Chi Nicholson, Ann Stoddard, Henry Sundquest, Jasom Horowitz, Alonzo Davis, Jeff Zimmer.

Event info on Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/182598122365562/

WGS On Camera

Washington Glass School was approached by a new residential development in the area – Studio 3807 – to talk about how Washington Glass School connects with community. Directors Tim Tate and Michael Janis talked with the film crew about the public art created by the Studio:

Report from Miami Art Fairs

The view of the Atlantic Ocean from SCOPE Art Fair 2017

The view of the Atlantic Ocean from SCOPE Art Fair 2017

It may snow along the East Coast this weekend, but down at Art Basel Miami Beach, it was all sunshine and beach parties and artwork and music everywhere. A fun thing about Miami is you get to spend hours in Lyfts and cabs going across causeways to and from the beach exhibits. context.art.fair.miami.2017.alida_anderson

Washington Glass School artists were represented at a number of the incredible art fairs that took place during Art Basel / Miami Art Fair week.

Erwin Timmers new work was dazzling!

Erwin Timmers new work was dazzling!

At Context Art Miami – Alida Anderson Art Project showed artists Erwin Timmers, Laura Beth Konopinski and Audrey Wilson.

Audrey Wilson and Laura Beth Konopinski at Context

Audrey Wilson and Laura Beth Konopinski at Context

Congrats to our own Laura Beth Konopinski, who was selected by Julian Navarro, the fair director as one of the standout women artists at the fair!

Tim Tate's works shone brightly at SCOPE Miami

Tim Tate’s works shone brightly at SCOPE Miami

Tim Tate and Michael Janis were featured by Habatat Galleries at two art fairs – SCOPE Miami and Form Art Fair. Tim’s new wall pieces were a hit at SCOPE – with many reacting to the artwork’s content.jennifer.scanlan.scope.tim_tate.glass.miami.art.fair

Tim's work was the most photo'd works at Miami Beach.

Tim’s work was the most photo’d works at Miami Beach.

The newest art fair “Form” opened across the street from Art Basel. Run by the same group that presents SOFA Chicago, the artwork focused on media specific art.

Michael Janis' work at Habatat Galleries space at the FORM Art Fair.

Michael Janis’ work at Habatat Galleries space at the FORM Art Fair.

There was alot of glitz and glamour and celebrity-sightings during the week.

Artist Chuck Close came thru the show.

Artist Chuck Close came thru the show.

As did these glitterati.

As did these glitterati.

When Art Basel first came to Miami in 2002, it was a satellite art fair and an end-of-the-year anchor to the Basel, Switzerland main event held in the summer. But in a perfect storm of palm trees, parties, a surge of interest in art (or at least the lucrative art market), and an Instagram explosion, it’s now become the biggest annual art event in North America, attended by some 85,000 people. And as the fair morphs into two dozen satellite fairs and a weeklong full calendar of art and fashion happenings, it’s also a venue to show how the art by a new generation of artists is being made.

Washington Glass School Artists To Show @ Art Basel / Miami Art Fairs!

Art-Basel-Miami-Beach-logoDecember 4 – 10, 2017, Miami and Miami Beach becomes the epicenter of the art world with approximately 1200 art galleries from around the world showing thousands of artists. It’s also a week of fashion with gala openings and after parties. Music, Art & Design all combine with incredible Florida weather – it’s an incredible place for viewing contemporary art.

Washington Glass School artists are being represented in a big way this year, with all of the school’s Directors and the new Studio Coordinator having works being exhibited at the art fairs.

Tim Tate's work will be featured at Habatat Galleries space at both SCOPE art fair and FORM.

Tim Tate’s work will be featured at Habatat Galleries space at both SCOPE art fair and FORM.

Tim Tate and Michael Janis’ work will be shown at Habatat Galleries space at Scope Miami (space F35) and the inaugural show of Form Miami (located across the street from Art Basel at the Miami Beach Convention Center).

CONTEXT Art Miami will feature works by WGS artists Erwin Timmers, Laura Beth Konopinski and WGS alum Audrey Wilson.

CONTEXT Art Miami will feature works by WGS artists Erwin Timmers, Laura Beth Konopinski and WGS alum Audrey Wilson.

Alida Anderson Art Projects’ booth #C225 at Context Art Miami will feature some incredible new sculptural works by WGS Co-Director Erwin Timmers and Studio Coordinator Laura Beth Konopinski. Alum Audrey Wilson will be exhibiting her new body of work that shows the influence of the Kent Sate MFA that she is currently enrolled in.

For an overview of all the contemporary art fairs going on in the Miami/Miami Beach area – click HERE

Erwin Timmers prepares his latest cast glass works for the Miami Art Fairs.

Erwin Timmers prepares his latest cast glass works for the Miami Art Fairs.

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If you are heading to the sunny warm beaches of Miami, FLA, be sure to visit the premier showcase for international contemporary art!

Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art Opens “Mindful” – & Examine Creativity’s Role in Mental Health

The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) opens “Mindful: Exploring Mental Health through Art”- an exhibit that looks at mental health through the lens of contemporary craft. Mindful features more than 40 works created by 14 contemporary craft artists  – WGS Co-Director Michael Janis’ glass artwork is highlighted in the show that runs January 28 – April 16, 2017.

Other artists include: Edward Eberle, Ian Thomas, Meredith Grimsley, Grace Kubilius, Swoon, Rose Clancy, Jesse Albrecht, Joan Iversen Goswell, Sophia Jung-Am Park, Alison Saar , Jennifer Ling Datchuk, Lyn Godley, and Kaitlyn Evans.

Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art

Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art

The exhibition highlights a variety of techniques and forms that include innovative art expressions rooted in traditional craft materials, as well as art that explores unexpected relationships between craft and painting, sculpture, conceptual, and installation art.

Along with the exhibition MOCA will plan innovative community programming, partnerships and education opportunities. Mindful reaches beyond the museum walls to examine creativity’s role in mental health, resiliency, and compassion.

This exhibition was organized by the Society for Contemporary Craft, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Michael will also be featured in a Virginia MOCA Artist Talk on April 13 – click HERE for details.

Virginia MOCA

Mindful: Exploring Mental Health Through Art

2200 Parks Ave
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

I Want My M* TV! (*= Michael Janis)

WGS' Michael Janis gets mic'd up for a taping of Maryland Public Television (MPT)  "Artworks" taping.

WGS’ Michael Janis gets mic’d up by Jim Bigwood, MPT audio engineer for a taping of Maryland Public Television (MPT) “Artworks” episode while host Rhea Feikin reviews the script.

Maryland Public Television (MPT) will launch the fifth season of Artworks, MPT’s weekly arts series. The lively series is hosted by Rhea Feikin, a cultural icon in her own right. The show features intriguing profiles of established, emerging and experimental artists from across the country working in all creative categories: musicians, performers, visual artists, writers, designers, and artisans.

Michael Janis will be the guest Co-Host on two action-packed episodes – the first airing December 29, 2016 and the second airing January 5th, 2017.

Dutch artist Berndnaut Smilde's monumental rainbow prism  featured on Artworks Episode 513.

Dutch artist Berndnaut Smilde’s monumental rainbow prism featured on MPT’s Artworks: Episode 513.

Artworks: Episode 513

Premiere date: Thursday, December 29, 2016 at 8:30pm on MPT-HD (repeats Sundays at 12:30pm, MPT-2 Sundays at 12pm)

Description: Co-Host Michael Janis, Co-Director, Washington Glass School. Dutch artist Berndnaut Smilde’s monumental rainbow prism; Houston Grand Opera’s lush costumes; Fawzia Khan, surgeon turned sculptor; and pageantry of the Rose Parade meets Downton Abbey on New Year’s Day.

Click HERE to jump to watch online!