Category Archives: washington glass school

Hill Center Regional Juried Show 2026 Features WGS Artists

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We’re proud to share that Washington Glass School resident artists John Henderson and Patricia de Poel Wilberg have been selected for the Hill Center Galleries 2026 Regional Juried Exhibition, on view from January 21 through May 2, 2026.

This highly competitive juried exhibition highlights outstanding artists from across Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia, and we’re thrilled to see two WGS artists recognized among this regional group. The exhibition was juried by Claude L. Elliott, independent curator, oral historian, and long-time advocate for artists in the DMV—making the selection especially meaningful.

Patricia de Poel Wilberg; ” For Yayoi Kusama”, fused glass

Patricia de Poel Wilberg will be showing a bold fused-glass portrait inspired by Yayoi Kusama, rendered in vivid color with layered dot elements that echo Kusama’s iconic visual language while firmly grounded in Patricia’s own glass practice.

John Henderson working in the studio.

John Henderson’s selected work continues his exploration of material, process, and form, representing the depth of approaches developed within our resident artist community.

The Opening Reception will take place at Hill Center on Wednesday, January 21, from 6:30–8:30pm, offering the public a chance to meet the artists and juror and experience the exhibition firsthand.All works in the exhibition will be available for purchase and can be viewed both in the Hill Center Galleries and online at HillCenterDC.org. Congratulations to John and Patricia—we’re delighted to see your work reaching a wider audience.

Hill Center Galleries 2026 Regional Juried Show – January 21 through May 2, 2026

Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital
921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20003

Posted in artists of the washington glass school, glass art, john henderson, patricia de poel wilberg, Uncategorized, washington DC, washington glass school

🎥 Inside Washington Glass School | We Art DC

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We recently welcomed Wild Side Media and curators from the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities (CAH) to Washington Glass School for a filmed studio visit and conversation as part of CAH’s We Art DC program.

The video features interviews with Tim Tate, Erwin Timmers, and Michael Janis, offering a brief look inside our Mount Rainier, Maryland facility as we approach our 25th anniversary. The discussion touches on the school’s history, the diverse community of artists who work here, and our ongoing mission to support artists through education, collaboration, and access to professional opportunities.

This visit is part of a larger initiative by CAH to celebrate Washington, DC’s creative community and highlight the resources available to artists across the city. The video serves as a preview for a longer interview that will be shared in the coming months.

We are proud to be part of a regional arts ecosystem that values mentorship, experimentation, and community engagement — and grateful to CAH and Wild Side Media for helping share the incredible story of Washington Glass School.

Posted in 25th anniversary Washington Glass School and Studio, washington DC, washington glass school, Washington Glass Studio, Washington School of Glass

Washington Glass School Turns 25

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In September 2026, the Washington Glass School marks 25 years of teaching, making, breaking, rebuilding, and believing in glass.

WGS was founded in 2001, by artists Tim Tate and Erwin Timmers, and held its very first class on September 13, 2001 — just two days after the attack on the United States. At a moment when much felt uncertain, a group of artists and students chose to gather, work with fire, and make something with their hands.

Washington Glass School 1336 Half Street, SE, Washington, DC in 2003

That instinct to keep going forward has defined the studio ever since.

First class listing brochure

What began as the glass program at the Millennium Arts Center at 65 I Street SW (now the Rubell Museum) moved in 2003 to the Washington Sculpture Center. In that same summer, an intrepid, lapsed architect named Michael Janis walked in and took his first class. By 2005, he was named co-director alongside Tim & Erwin — just as the studio was given its marching orders to vacate Capitol Hill due to eminent domain and the arrival of the Washington Nationals.

In 2006, WGS relocated to Mount Rainier, Maryland, where it has now spent 20 years building a community that extends far beyond the hot shop walls.

Along the way:

  • Nearly 6,000 students have passed through the studio
  • WGS has organized landmark exhibitions such as Glass 3 (2006) and International Glass & Clay (2013)
  • Both Janis and Tate have become Fulbright Fellows
  • The studio has weathered Artomatic dramas, funding cycles, kiln rebuilds, and more than a few cracked molds
  • And WGS has created major public works, including the monumental glass doors for the Library of Congress Adams Building, along with numerous civic and community-based projects throughout the region

In September 2026, the anniversary year will culminate in a major exhibition and celebration at the Brentwood Arts Center — a space that, in a twist of history, was once slated to become WGS’s new home back in 2006 before Hurricane Katrina-related construction delays reshaped those plans.

Over the coming months, we’ll be sharing stories from the archives, voices from the studio, images of works-in-progress, and reflections from the many artists who have made WGS what it is.

This isn’t just a look back.
It’s a living history — and an invitation to be part of what comes next.

Posted in anniversary, mount rainier, washington DC, washington glass school, Washington Glass Studio, Washington School of Glass | Tagged

A Year in Reflection: Glass, Community, and Care

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lyrics by Tim Tate

A brief look back at a year shaped by community, care, and creativity at Washington Glass School. This video reflects the artists, collaborations, and shared work that carried us through 2025. Even in these uncertain times, we take care of each other here, using glass as a language of connection.

The new year opens with hope and possibilities, as 2026 brings Washington Glass School’s 25th anniversary and a special season of classes, exhibitions, and collaborations planned.

Posted in "washington glass studio", 21st century glass, contemporary art glass, fused glass class, hot shop heroes, new year cheer, washington glass school, Washington Glass Studio, Washington School of Glass, wgs contemporary, year in review

Happy Holidays from WGS!

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As the year draws to a close, we want to pause and say thank you to our extraordinary community — our artists, students, instructors, collectors, collaborators, and friends. Your curiosity, generosity, and creative energy continue to make Washington Glass School a place of discovery, connection, and shared brightness.

This year was filled with melty moments, quiet breakthroughs, bold experiments, and the simple joy of working side by side in the studio. We’re deeply grateful for all of it.

Looking ahead, 2026 marks a major milestone: 25 years of Washington Glass School. What began as a small but determined idea has grown into a vibrant center for glass, craft, and community — and we’re just getting started. Next year will bring special exhibitions, events, and projects that honor our past while looking forward to what’s still possible.

Until then, we wish you a season filled with warmth, inspiration and lots of glass — and a new year full of creative promise.

Happy Holidays,
Washington Glass School

Posted in american glass, art glass, cool glass, creative glass center, fused glass, future of glass, glass art, heart of glass, holiday, holiday greetings, kiln fused glass, kiln-formed glass, studio art glass, studio glass, top glass artist, warm glass, washington glass school, Washington Glass Studio, Washington School of Glass

Washington Glass School at Aqua Art Miami — Featuring New Works by Erwin Timmers

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We are excited to announce that Washington Glass School Co-Director and Co-Founder Erwin Timmers will be exhibiting at Aqua Art Miami, one of the most anticipated fairs of Miami Art Week. His latest sculptures—crafted from recycled glass and steel—will be on view with Alida Anderson Art Projects in Space 109, alongside works by noted artists F. Lennox Campello and Steve Wanna.

Aqua Art Miami has built its reputation as the premier destination for discovering young, emerging, and mid-career artists. The fair remains beloved for its intimate scale and relaxed yet energetic atmosphere. Set inside the classic South Beach Aqua Hotel, each gallery presents its artists in individual exhibition rooms that open onto the hotel’s lush courtyard, creating a uniquely immersive art experience.

VIP Preview: Wednesday, December 3 | 3:00–10:00 pm

Public Hours:
Thursday, December 4 | 12pm – 9pm
Friday, December 5 | 11am – 9pm
Saturday, December 6 | 11am – 9pm
Sunday, December 7 | 11am – 6pm

Location: Aqua Hotel, 1530 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Aqua is centrally located on Collins Avenue—just a short walk south of Art Basel Miami Beach’s main fair and directly across from the Loews Hotel.

We’re proud to see Erwin’s environmentally conscious, beautifully engineered sculpture series represented at Aqua this year. His work continues to push conversations about sustainability and material innovation in contemporary art.

Posted in aqua art fair, art basel, art basel miami, art from recycled material, art miami, CAH, DCCAH, erwin timmers, f lennox campello, Lenny Campello, recycle glass, recycle glass sculpture, recycled float glass, recycled glass, recycled glass art, recycled glass public art, steve wanna, sustainable art design, sustainable design, washington, washington glass school, Washington School of Glass | Tagged

Gettin’ Smashed (in the Kiln): This Pumpkin’s on Fire

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Glass Patch Kids: Pumpkin Edition

Gourd vibes only this Halloween! 🎃 Our fused glass pumpkin is looking smashing—no tricks, just plenty of kiln-fired treats. Happy Halloween from the Washington Glass School—where even our pumpkins are glass acts! 👻🧡🔥

#GlassArt #FusedGlass #Halloween #PumpkinSeason #WashingtonGlassSchool #funclass

Posted in "washington glass studio", artists of the washington glass school, washington glass school, Washington Glass Studio, Washington School of Glass

A Litany for Survival @ Transformer Gallery

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Featuring Artists from the “Exercises for Emerging Artists” Program – E22: Glass for Social Justice

Washington Glass School is hosted this year’s Exercises for Emerging Artists program with Transformer DC – and the resulting exhibition, A Litany for Survival, opens July 26, 2025 at Transformer Gallery.

Now in its 22nd year, Transformer’s Exercises for Emerging Artists is a landmark mentorship program designed to support DC-based emerging artists at pivotal moments in their creative and professional development. Each year focuses on a different discipline, and for 2025, the spotlight is on glass as a medium for social justice.

E22: Glass for Social Justice brings together four powerful voices in the DMV art scene — Arden Colley, C.S. Corbin, Tina Villadolid, and Nilou Kazemzadeh — for an intensive four-month residency of glassmaking and critique sessions, hosted here at the Washington Glass School. Under the lead mentorship of WGS co-founder Tim Tate, the participating artists explored deep relief dry plaster casting techniques in glass — a kiln-forming process that allows for nuanced, sculptural impressions rich in symbolism and narrative.

The exhibition’s title, A Litany for Survival, is drawn from the celebrated poem by Audre Lorde and sets the tone for the work on view: pieces that disrupt dominant narratives, honor resilience, and speak to the layered complexities of identity, memory, and activism. As the artists write in a shared statement:

“Translucent, metamorphic, solid yet fragile, glass speaks to the fluidity and complexity of our self-determination… So it is better to speak / remembering / we were never meant to survive.”

This year’s program was coordinated by Camille DeSanto, Exhibitions & Programs Coordinator at Transformer, with guest mentorship from an exceptional group of artists and curators including Therman Statom, Diana Baird N’Diaye, Cheryl Derricotte, Joyce Scott, Jabari Owens-Bailey, Jennifer Scanlan, and Geoffrey Bowton.

Founded in 2001, the Washington Glass School continues to champion community-based glass education, expanding the boundaries of what glass art can be. Said Tate: “I have learned that glass can shatter silence, that castings can hold history, and that the hands that make are also hands that heal. This knowledge rewired my spirit — I began to see my art as a tool, not just for expression, but for disruption, truth, and change.” We are honored to collaborate with Transformer to help shape the next generation of artists pushing the medium forward.

Exhibition Details:

A Litany for Survival
Part of Transformer’s E22: Glass for Social Justice
🗓 July 26 – September 6, 2025
📍Transformer Gallery, 1404 P Street NW, Washington, DC

Don’t miss this powerful and timely exhibition. Visit transformerdc.org for more info.

Posted in cast glass, Tim Tate, washington glass school | Tagged , ,

2025 GATEWAY OPEN STUDIOS TOUR Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 12 – 5 pm

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The Gateway Arts District is the largest in the region, but it is easy to underestimate as many of its artists work in spaces tucked away or without public hours. An exciting element of this event is that visitors can see spaces not always open, view artists’ work and workspaces, and talk to the artists about their practice on this special day of open houses.

The district roughly encompasses a two mile stretch from Mt. Rainier to Hyattsville with most locations on or around Route 1/Rhode Island Avenue. Best to start at the Washington Glass School at 3700 Otis Street.  While some intrepid art goers choose to walk, Free shuttles will be operated along the corridor to help people cover more ground. Street parking is available as well at Lots 1, 3, and 4 in Hyattsville. Shuttle routes and a parking map will be available on the OST website.

In addition to visual art, many neighboring businesses will be poised to welcome visitors for food, drink, and further discovery of the many small and creative places within the Gateway Arts District.

After the open studio tour, all are welcome to the outdoor afterparty from 5 pm – 7 pm hosted by Broken Square and featuring music, skateboarding, and a food truck at 3698 Wells Ave, Mount Rainier, MD. If something quieter is your preference, head to Portico Gallery at 3807 Rhode Island Ave, Brentwood, MD 20722 for an end of the day porch hang.

Thank you to our sponsors Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council, MiXT Food Hall, and Gateway CDC.

The event is FREE and open to the public. Visit https://www.gatewaycdc.org/ost2025 for a map of participating artists and studios to plan your self-guided tour.

Posted in artists, artists by the tracks, artists of the washington glass school, contemporary art glass, contemporary artwork, craft design art, figurative art, fine art, gateway arts district, glass art, washington glass school, Washington Glass Studio, wgs contemporary

Eclipse exhibit Artist Talk at the Athenaeum in Alexandria, VA this Sunday, February 23 at 2 PM

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The Athenaeum’s “Sculpture Invitational” Curated by Alison Sigethy, the 11-artist show is heavy on ceramic or glass works, including pieces by Washington Glass School principals Tim Tate, Erwin Timmers, and Michael Janis.

Athenaeum “Eclipse” artists Lori Katz and Michael Janis chat at opening of show.

Art critic Mark Jenkins writes in his review for the online DisCerning Eye about the show: “Tate’s “Vitruvian Lenticular” is literally mutable, since its Leonardo-inspired figures alternately reach to each other or actually touch, depending on the viewer’s vantage point. One of Janis’s glass-panel portraits offers multiple views of a face, suggesting jagged facets of a single personality…” and “…The sense of motion is palpable, as it is with Timmers’s upright circles of recycled glass, jagged and swirling. “Eclipse” showcases solid objects that aspire, or at least allude, to fluidity.”

great art in washington, dc area
Artist Erwin Timmers describes his artwork process and themes.

Artist Talk: Sunday, February 23, 2 pm

Eclipse

An Athenaeum Sculpture Invitational

January 16, 2025 – February 23, 2025

Artist Talk: Sunday, February 23, 2 pm

Participating artists: Michael Janis, Lori Katz, Mike Price, Carol Prusa, Sarah Hood Salomon, Salih Zeki Sayar, Murat Sener, Michael Enn Sirvet, Tim Tate, Erwin Timmers, Maduka Uduh

Curated by Alison Sigethy

Reviews of Eclipse exhibit :

Metro Weekly

The Zebra

DisCerning Eye

Posted in athenaeum, warm glass, washington DC, washington glass school, Washington Glass Studio, Washington School of Glass, wgs contemporary | Tagged ,