Category Archives: Prince George’s County Arts Council

Ribbon Cutting at Bladensburg Library

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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.
recycled glass, sustainable design for public art in Maryland Bladensburg Library
View to artwork from balcony at Bladensburg Library, Bladensburg, MD.
WGS artists/Co-Directors Michael Janis and Erwin Timmers at Bladensburg Library

Posted in Art In Public Places, environmental art, glass public art, pg county, pgcmls, Prince George's County, Prince George's County Arts Council, Public Art, recycled glass public art, sustainable art design, sustainable design | Tagged ,

Ribbon Cutting of Bladensburg Library

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The official ribbon cutting ceremony takes place Nov 1st, 2023 at 11 am.

Join the official ribbon citation ceremony of the new Prince George’s County Memorial Library Bladensburg Branch (4820 Annapolis Rd, Bladensburg, MD) on Wednesday, Nov 1st at 11 AM.

The best part of the new library is the public art – in the form of the large (12’H x 6’W) glass mural titled “Reading the Waters” made the artists of the Washington Glass Studio.

Artist Michael Janis works on one of the glass panels that make up “Reading the Water” public art commission.
Layout of glass art work in the Washington Glass Studio.

Washington Glass Studio’s “Reading The Water” is an artwork that explores the interconnection between water and human life, and the critical role that water plays in shaping our environment and sustaining our communities. As a glass mural created for the Bladensburg library, this artwork is an invitation for viewers to pause and contemplate the beauty and complexity of water.

Rhonda Dallas, Exec Director Prince George’s County Arts and Humanities Council and Michael Gannon, Chief Operating Officer for Support Services at PG County’s Memorial Library System review the artwork.

Inspired by the natural patterns and movements of water, “Reading The Water” incorporates organic shapes and flowing lines that evoke the rhythm and flow of rivers, lakes, and oceans. As artists, our aim was to capture the fluidity and dynamic movement of water, while also showcasing the intricate patterns and textures that emerge from its currents. The use of translucent and transparent glass further creates a dynamic visual experience that changes with the shifting light and angles of the sun.

Artist Erwin Timmers gives the installed artwork special attention.

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.

mike janis and erwin timmers install public art in Prince Georges County, MD.
Michael Janis and Erwin Timmers talk about the artwork with construction worker fan.

Ultimately, “Reading The Water” is a celebration of the elemental power and beauty of water, and a tribute to the vital role that it plays in shaping our lives and our world. As viewers engage with this glass mural, they are invited to immerse themselves in the flow of water and to discover the many stories that it has to tell. Just like the books on shelves in the new Bladensburg Library, the individual panels of kilnfired glass are separate stories awaiting the viewer to discover and find themselves transported to another place.
Our hope is that this glass mural will inspire library visitors to reflect on the wonders of nature, and to appreciate the important role that water plays in our lives. By bringing together art and science, “Reading The Water” invites us to explore and appreciate the world around us, and to find joy in the simple pleasures of life.

Posted in Art In Public Places, library, pgcmls, Prince George's County, Prince George's County Arts Council, recycle glass, recycle glass sculpture, recycled glass, recycled glass art, recycled glass public art, sustainable art design, sustainable design

Happy Holidays from Washington Glass School and Studio

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Tis the Season!

All of us at the Washington Glass School & Studio Wish You and Family a Joyous Holiday Season! And a Happy Healthy New Year!

Artists and Educators from the Washington Glass School

(L-R) Patricia De Poel Wilberg, Erwin Timmers, Christina Helowicz, Nancy Kronstadt, Kate Barfield, Tim Tate, April Shelford, Michael Janis, Trish Kent and John Henderson. Not pictured: Graciela Granek, Sean Robinson, Diane Cabe, Gabrielle Morris, Kyle Crosby, and Daphne Matyas.

Posted in " glass studio", 21st century glass, american craft, american glass, american studio glass, art alliance for contemporary glass, art glass, artists of the washington glass school, collaborative glass, contemporary craft, content driven glass, cool class, cool glass, crafts america, DC, diane cabe, educational program, erwin timmers, future of glass, glass art, glass education, international year of glass, kiln-formed glass, maryland, michael janis, mike janis, mount rainier, new class, patricia de poel wilberg, pg county, pictureshow productions, Prince George's County, Prince George's County Arts Council, recycled glass art, resident artist, studio art glass, studio glass, studio glass movement, sustainable design, Tim Tate, washington glass school, Washington Glass Studio, Washington School of Glass | Tagged

May 14th Open Studios- Save the Date!

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Save The Date! May 14th is the proposed date for Washington Glass School Open Studio Tour! Many of the surrounding art studios and galleries will be participating! We will follow health protocols – and it will be great to see all in real life! Come and see what’s new and what has been shaking at the studio!

Posted in american glass, american studio glass, artists by the tracks, artists of the washington glass school, craft design art, craft fair, creative glass, DMV, gateway arts district, mount rainier, narrative glass, open house, open studio, OST, otis street arts project, Prince George's County, Prince George's County Arts Council, visual arts center, washington glass school, Washington School of Glass, 最好的玻璃艺术 | Tagged ,

Arts’tination Open House Dec 16th

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Cast glass by Erwin Timmers

This Thursday, Dec 16th, from 12 noon- 8pm, join us at the Holiday Open House at Arts’tination @ National Harbor. Prince George’s County Arts & Humanities Council (PGAHC) features artworks by local artists and has a space dedicated to artworks by artists of the Washington Glass School. Shown cast glass by Erwin Timmers.

Posted in artstination, national harbor, open house, open studio, opening, outstanding artist, Prince George's County, Prince George's County Arts Council

Symbiotic Presence: The 2020 Prince George’s County Juried exhibition

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Symbiotic Presence: The 2020 Prince George’s County Juried exhibition

The Prince George’s County Juried exhibition is sponsored by The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, Arts and Cultural Heritage Division. The exhibition will be on display at Brentwood Arts Exchange from November 16 through January 9, 2021.This Call ends on October 2, 2020

SYMBIOTIC PRESENCE

Throughout time, artists have shown the strength and willpower to bring people together and help heal fractured communities, especially during times of crisis. This year’s county juried exhibition, Symbiotic Presence, presents the opportunity for Prince George’s County artists to explore these mutually beneficial and supportive relationships and to tell their stories. Artists inspire communities to re-examine, re-invent and move forward together by showing us that we are not alone, by creating beauty amidst challenges and by revealing truth, thereby returning us to meaning.

JUROR – SHANTI NORRIS

Shanti Norris is chief curator for the Integrated Arts and Healing program at the Inova Schar Cancer Institute in Fairfax, VA. She is Co-Founder and Executive Director emeritus of Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, where she founded the Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery. A long-time resident of Prince George’s County, Shanti is the mother of three adult children, and is a sculptor, painter and curator.

ELIGIBILITY

This call is open to all artists who are 18 years of age or older who live, work, study, or have a studio in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Artists may submit a maximum of 3 artworks for consideration.

EXHIBITION TIMELINE

DEADLINE TO APPLY ONLINE: Friday, October 2, 2020, 11:59 pm

ARTISTS NOTIFIED: Tuesday, October 13, 2020

ARTISTS DROP OFF WORK AT THE BRENTWOOD ARTS EXCHANGE: Saturday, October 31, 2020. Selected artists will be given the opportunity to schedule their drop off times via SignUpGenius.com prior to the 31st.

EXHIBITION OPENING DATE *:  Monday, November 16, 2020

*If The Brentwood Arts Exchange remains closed to the public, the exhibit will be made available virtually.

EXHIBITION CLOSING DATE: Saturday, January 9, 2021

CLOSING RECEPTION, ARTIST AND CURATOR TALK: Saturday, January 9, 2021

*If The Brentwood Arts Exchange remains closed to the public, the artist/curator talk will be made available virtually.

ARTISTS PICK UP WORK FROM THE BRENTWOOD ARTS EXCHANGE: Saturday, January 16, 2021

SUBMISSION CRITERIA

Artists may submit a maximum of 3 artworks for consideration, including 3-Dimensional or video work. All works must be original (no reproductions). Images of works should be high quality and with enough resolution to see significant details. 

A bio, artist statement with current contact info and a list of the works submitted with titles, media, date, dimensions, and price listed are also required with submission.

Applications must be submitted online at: m-ncppc.submittable.com

GALLERY LOCATION & HOURS

The Brentwood Arts Exchange is located at 3901 Rhode Island Ave, Brentwood, MD 20722. The phone number is 301-277-2863 and website is arts.pgparks.com.

ABOUT BRENTWOOD ARTS EXCHANGE

The Brentwood Arts Exchange is The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s component of the public-private partnership with Gateway Arts Center, serving as an anchor for Prince George’s County Gateway Arts District. We focus on connecting audiences to diverse forms and ideas within contemporary art through visual arts exhibitions, live musical performances, curated film screenings, and classes. We also operate a retail store, selling functional art by local artists.

Posted in art gallery, brentwood arts exchange, call for artists, maryland, mncppc, Prince George's County, Prince George's County Arts Council

Demystifying Public Art Symposium at UMUC

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washington.glass.school.studio.public.art.symposium.community.based.solution.newM-NCPPC/Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation/Arts and Cultural Heritage Division; Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council; and University of Maryland University College Arts Program invite artists and other art professionals to a two-day symposium:

Demystifying Public Art

February 16–17, 2019

Public art—art outside traditional galleries or museums—is present everywhere, but many artists have limited knowledge of the various factors involved in participating in public art projects. The goal of this symposium is to demystify the process by bringing together people active in the public art field to address these factors.

The first day provides an introduction to public art through panel discussions geared to all levels of artistic experience. The second day offers a deeper dive into specific components of public art projects. Special closing events will take place on both days. This symposium will give attendees the opportunity to network and connect with presenters and each other.

Selected Panel Topics

  • Sponsors of Public Art
  • What Every Public Artist Needs to Know
  • Access and Entry Points: Testimonials of Various Artists
  • Public Art Resources
  • Public Art as the Art of Collaboration
  • Public Art Solicitation and Budget Documents
  • From Proposal to Fabrication: Making Public Art
  • Public Art and Community Engagement

Registration and on-site parking are free, but space is limited.

Click HERE to register online.

For more information, e-mail or go to:

Alec Simpson at Alec.Simpson@pgparks.com or arts.pgparks.com
Rhonda Dallas at rdallas@pgahc.org or pgahc.org
Eric Key at eric.key@umuc.edu or umuc.edu/art

Location

University of Maryland University College
3501 University Boulevard East, Room 2001
Adelphi, MD 20783 | Directions

Posted in Prince George's County Arts Council, Public Art, UMUC

Laurel Library’s Grand Opening Features Public Art Sculpture by Washington Glass Studio

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玻璃艺术雕塑

Washington Glass Studio sculpture at the new Laurel Library. Photo by Pete Duvall.

The Washington Glass Studio (WGS) has recently completed installation of a community based site specific public art commission for Prince George’s County Laurel Library. The new building was designed by Grimm + Parker Architects, with the grand opening of the new library scheduled for November 28, 2016. Features of the spectacular new library include an inset floor area in the children’s section where kids will get to peer at a replica velociraptor skeleton through the glass floor. Just a few miles away from the library site is Dinosaur Park, where scientists work to excavate fossils from the early Cretaceous period. Dinosaur imagery was also included as a theme running through the glass artwork panels.

WGS design proposal sketch

WGS design proposal sketch.

WGS was awarded the commission to make the outdoor sculpture at the front of the new library by Maryland’s Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council (PGAHC). The Art in Public Places Program RFQ sought out artwork that would provide world class artwork for Prince George’’s County residents and visitors. 

WGS proposal for the project was a 17’H internally illuminated glass and steel sculpture that incorporates glass panels made by the community,residents and stakeholders of the Laurel, MD community. The engineering of the steel framework involved detailed analysis of the structure and its components. WGS worked with structural engineer Holbert Apple to ensure the integrity of the design.

Detailed analysis of sculpture was part of the design development process.

Detailed analysis of sculpture was part of the design development process.

Over 100 glass inset panels were made during the series of workshops held at the Washington Glass School. The Baltimore Sun newspaper featured a story by reporter Lisa Philip about the process. 

A series of community glass quilting bees were held at the Washington Glass School for the library during the summer.

A series of community glass quilting bees were held at the Washington Glass School for the library during the summer. Photo by Lisa Philip/Baltimore Sun

 

 

The artwork’s title “Involve Me and I Learn”  is based on a phrase attributed to US Founding Father Benjamin Franklin (who also opened the first US public library). The name references the engagement of the community. The neighborhood and the Laurel Library supporters had joined in making the individual glass panels in workshops at the Washington Glass School.Laurel_Library.artists.washington_glass_school.studio.sculpture.public_art.project.american.great.commission.site_specific.fused.jpg

The resulting variations in each tile’s imagery and technique embody the artist’s concept in bringing the people from the diverse community together to create a cohesive and vibrant sculpture. 

 

 

The artwork inset kiln-formed glass panels express the personality and the individuality of everyone involved in the project.

The artwork’s internally illuminated kiln-formed glass panels express the personality and the individuality of everyone involved in the project. Photo by Pete Duvall

Project  Information

Artist: Washington Glass Studio 

Design Team: Laurie Brown, Michael Janis, Tim Tate, Erwin Timmers, Audrey Wilson. With Josh Hershman and Pierre Browning.

Structural Engineer : Holbert Apple Assoc Inc 

玻璃艺术雕塑 WGS_Laurel Library.MD.aipp.washington_glass_studio.public_art.sculpture.site.specific.sustainable.design.usa.jpg

Photo by Pete Duvall

Laurel Library
507 7th Street, Laurel, MD 20707

Grand Opening / Dedication – 10:30 AM, Monday, November 28, 2016 – All are invited!

Posted in american studio glass, anything photographic. anythingphoto.net, architectural application glass, Art In Public Places, contemporary art glass, glass and steel, glass and steel sculpture, glass architecture., kiln fused glass, kiln-formed glass, laurel, light sculpture, Prince George's County, Prince George's County Arts Council, Public Art, sculpture, studio art glass, twenty first century sculpture, warm glass, Washington School of Glass | Tagged

Washington Glass Studio Installs Laurel Library Public Art

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The steel structure is lowered by crane onto the foundation at the new Laurel Library

The steel structure is lowered by crane onto the foundation at the new Laurel Library

Washington Glass Studio installed their outdoor sculpture at the new Laurel, Maryland library. The 16′ H tower titled “Involve Me and I Learn” has over 100 glass tiles mounted in the steel framework. The artwork’s title – attributed to Ben Franklin – references the engagement of the community. The neighborhood and the Laurel Library supporters had joined in making the individual glass panels in workshops at the Washington Glass School. The Baltimore Sun had earlier in the year covered the story of the glass quilting bee workshops.

Siteworks for the sculptural and architectural application of glass were completed and the risky business of installing the works just took place.

Audrey Wilson rises to meet the challenge.

Audrey Wilson rises to meet the challenge.

Washington Glass Studio Co-Director Erwin Timmers bolts the steel framed glass panels to the main structure.

Washington Glass Studio Co-Director Erwin Timmers bolts the steel framed glass panels to the main structure.

The panels were fitted and bolted in place and the internal LED lighting was installed. Prince George’s Art in Public Places has advised that the official opening of the stunning library is set for November 28th.laurel (2)

Posted in american glass, architectural application glass, Art In Public Places, contemporary art glass, glass and steel sculpture, laurel, library of, maryland, Prince George's County, Prince George's County Arts Council, Public Art, sculpture, twenty first century sculpture

Baltimore Sun Covers Washington Glass Studio’s Laurel Library Artwork Workshops

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The Washington Glass Studio was awarded the commission to create the new landmark artwork sculpture for the Laurel Library (now under construction next to Emancipation Park in Laurel, MD). Baltimore Sun reporter Lisa Philip visited the Washington Glass Studio last week as the Library area residents and interested citizens collaborated in glass-making workshops to make the inset panels . Click HERE to jump to Lisa Philip’s article on how the artwork is engaging the community.

Baltimore Sun coverage of how the Washington Glass Studio engages community.

Baltimore Sun coverage of how the Washington Glass Studio engages community.

photo credit:Lisa Philip / Baltimore Sun Media Group Erwin Timmers, co-founder and -director of Washington Glass Studio, advises a Laurel resident on his creation of a glass tile for the public art sculpture that will stand in front of the new Laurel Library, set to open this fall.

photo credit:Lisa Philip / Baltimore Sun Media Group
Erwin Timmers, co-founder and -director of Washington Glass Studio, advises a Laurel resident on his creation of a glass tile for the public art sculpture that will stand in front of the new Laurel Library, set to open this fall.

Posted in "washington glass studio", AIPP, architectural application glass, Art In Public Places, Baltimore Sun, erwin timmers, laurel, outdoor glass art, Prince George's County Arts Council, Public Art