The Washington Glass School

Explore glass casting as a powerful vehicle for storytelling, identity, and social change! Students will learn a simple casting technique while developing personal narratives that speak to issues of equity, visibility, and community. Through guided discussions and individual projects, participants will consider how material, form, and imagery can challenge assumptions, honor marginalized voices, and spark dialogue. No prior experience is required—just a willingness to experiment, reflect, and use glass as a medium for advocacy and creative disruption. Beginner/Intermediate Level

Black Artists of DC 5th annual Fine Art Postcard Sale is back! Black artists and curators from across the DMV have created original artwork the size of a 5” x 7” postcards for sale to the public. The works will be sold in the Great Hall during the last day of the exhibition DIY in the District. This year’s theme of the BADC Fine Art Postcard Fundraiser is UNITY. Artists were asked to create pieces inspired by the legacy of Black people to pulling together during challenging social climates. All postcards will be sold for 40.00 each, cash/card and carry. It is an opportunity to begin an art collection or expand a current collection, for a nominal price. Artists known locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally will have original works available. This is an opportunity to purchase work from noted artists at a fantastic price. The funds support our BADC residency, exhibitions, and the many activities held to support Black artists and Black visual culture in the DMV and beyond.

Exhibition Venue: Martin Luther King Library in the Great Hall (Where there is currently an exhibition about BADC and other DC art organizations!)

901 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20002

A good day at the Glass School!

Today we hosted a glass-making workshop for a great group of friends from the University of Maryland’s STAMP community — new artists diving in, laughing, experimenting, and making some seriously cool fused-glass pocket vases.

Instructors April Shelford and Patricia de Poel Wilberg guided everyone through the technical steps, with Jennie Lindstrom (artist and beekeeper extraordinaire) keeping the creative energy buzzing!
Workshops like this are some of my favorite moments at Washington Glass School — friends learning something new together, trying tools for the first time, and after firing, getting art they made with their own hands.
If you want to plan your own fun studio event, check out our website — we’d love to have you in the mix.

No Kings Rally near the Glass School along US Route 1 on Saturday, Oct 18th, 2025. Noisy and boisterous crowd!

We got a visit from Andy Bell of Erasure fame (yes—“A Little Respect” Andy Bell!) and his partner Stephen Moss, who stopped by while Andy’s in D.C. performing at the Lincoln Theatre on his Ten Crowns tour. (Love the track ‘Lies So Deep’!!)

They caught up with Tim Tate about some exciting creative ideas—stay tuned for what might come next!

L–R: Stephen Moss, Donovan Lessard, Tim Tate, Andy Bell

Join the Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass (AACG) on Friday, July 11, at 1pm Eastern time when they present Face to Face: The Language of Faces & Figurative Work. Aaron Schey of Habatat Galleries will facilitate a discussion about faces in work and figurative work with artists Dean Allison and Michael Janis. The program will include a presentation by each artist, followed by an in-depth question & answer session with the artists discussing their work and how the public responds to faces and figurative work versus abstract art.

Through glass powder portraits and cast glass sculpture, we explore how faces reveal what we hide and reflect who we truly are. Fired. Fractured. Fused. Every face tells a story.

Friday, July 11, 2025 at 1PM Eastern time

Join the AACG to register for the talk: https://contempglass.org/membership/join-now

Join us in celebrating Graciela Granek with these photos from her farewell lunch at Washington Glass School and her time at the school! 🥂 Since 2020, Graciela has been a cherished resident artist, instructor, and friend. She’s now heading back to Tel Aviv to reunite with family and launch her own studio. Wishing her endless creativity and success!

Follow her on IG @graciela.wajser.granek 

Join us at Washington Glass School with instructor April Shelford on Wednesday, April 23, from 6:30-9:00 pm for a fun, hands-on fused glass adventure! Craft your own 8” x 4” water-tight pocket vase—perfect for brightening up walls, windows, or even fences with vibrant charm.

These cheerful vases are ideal for fresh flower cuttings, dried blooms, herbs, incense sticks, or simply left plain to shine. With Mother’s Day just around the corner, they make a heartfelt, handmade gift (hint, hint)!

In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll: ✨ Learn to use thick fiber paper to shape the “pocket” of your vase
✨ Explore glass cutting techniques and design tips
✨ Create a unique piece with guidance tailored to your skill level

No experience needed—come play with glass and let your creativity bloom! Sign up today at Washington Glass School and make something beautiful. Spaces fill fast — sign up today and bring a friend!

Click here to jump to class listing online.

Already know the basics of casting or fusing and want to make a project? Open Studio gives each student the opportunity to work independently in a world class studio. Tuition includes a kiln firing per session, clear base glass and colored scrap glass, use of studio tools