Mark your virtual calendars! August 22 Open Studio Tours goes ONLINE! See what the artists in the Glass School have been doing over the past months! 
Category Archives: Washington School of Glass
Pate De Verre Class Fun!
This weekend’s pâte de verre class was a great success!
Instructor Teri Swinhart (Bailey) demonstrates how to apply color frit powder into specific areas for the class.
Pâte de verre is a kilncasting method that literally means “paste of glass”. The general premise is to mix frit granules with some sort of binder such as gum arabic, then apply the glass to the inner surface of a negative mold.
Teri Swinhart demonstrates proper frit application.
The Pâte de verre students made plaster molds in which they would cast the glass.
Lively discussion on ways to kilncast glass sculpture was explored by the class.
The students all loved the process and can’t wait til the firings are out of the kilns.
WGS Contemporary Exhibits at AQUA / Art Miami Contemporary Art Fair
The DMV’s best and freshest media-specific artwork gallery – WGS Contemporary – will be at AQUA Art Fair in Miami>
WGS Contemporary’s mission is to contribute to thinking about art, new media, technology, and social issues through an open access forum, one that will facilitate contemporary and innovative projects worldwide. In that process WGS Contemporary aims at exposing the cutting edge work of artists working the new media frontiers of art. This year, WGS Contemporary will be one of the featured galleries at the prestigious Aqua Art Miami international contemporary art fair.
Steve Wanna “Myths of Creation”
Aqua Art Miami, which opens with a VIP Preview on Wednesday, December 4 and open to the public December 5 – 8, has become the premier destination for prominent collectors and art aficionados to procure works by young, emerging and mid-career artists. Throughout the years, Aqua Art Miami has continued to solidify itself as a completely unique art fair, consistently staying true to its signature relaxed yet energetic vibe. The 15th anniversary edition features 60 international exhibitors showcasing fresh new works, and set in the intimate exhibition rooms that open into a beautiful courtyard, all within a classic South Beach hotel.
WGS Contemporary will be showcasing works by artists: Teri Bailey, J Jordan Bruns, Michael Janis, Tim Tate, Erwin Timmers and Steve Wanna.
Aqua Art Miami at the Aqua Hotel
1530 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Peppermill Village at Night – The City of Lights!
Peppermill Community Center public art by Washington Glass Studio and the Peppermill/Landover community.
Cassi Hayden, the Senior Visual Media Photographer for The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) was at Peppermill Village Community Center covering an event recently and found the artwork (made by Washington Glass Studio) in front to be exceptionally beautiful!
Detail of the internally illuminated glass panels made with the Peppermill community as part of the public artwork.
Cassi took some shots attached high-res files for your use. All photos in this posting by: M-NCPPC/Cassi Hayden
The artwork reflects well in the glass of the new center – and on the community that inspired the creation!
Click HERE to see the public art sculpture in the daytime and how the work came to be!
Peppermill Community Center Public Art
Peppermill Community Center with the internally illuminated artwork “Telling Our Story…” by Washington Glass Studio.
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) commissioned Washington Glass Studio (WGS) to create a public art sculpture for the new addition to the Peppermill Community Center in Landover, MD.
Shop drawing of sculpture by WGS.
Some communities see public art as a way of enhancing or personalizing otherwise impersonal spaces. Others view it as a means to activate civic dialogue or provide a vehicle for the community to express its identity.
These landmarks and special events enhance our experience of a place and our quality of life. They engender a sense of pride and community identity. They reach audiences outside museums, galleries, and theaters, and they add to the beauty of everyday life. They declare the worth of a place and a time in our shared culture.
Erwin Timmers leads a community glass making workshop at the Washington Glass School.
As such, the design of the site-specific sculpture by WGS was centered on finding ways to get the community excited and engaged with the convergence of art, history and community. The proposal for the art was based on a 15’H tower of glass and steel that would be internally illuminated with over 100 glass inset panels. The artwork of the insets were to be created by involving the community via a series of glass-making workshops held at the Washington Glass School.
A great cross section of community came out to be part of the creation of the new public art for Peppermill Community Center.
The residents and stakeholders were tasked with showing what they felt important to them and what inspired them were made. Images of family, nature, the environment, their neighborhoods, their sports teams were rendered in glass.
All sorts of imagery and glass techniques were employed to great effect.
Cast glass images of the social groups – the sewing groups, the cheer squads, the state flag – even a Maryland blue crab were crafted. Historical references to the nearby horse farms and the old roller rink were included in the mix of glass panels. Part of the fun of the artwork is seeing how this mix of images and references all somehow work together.
The tower, titled :”Telling Our Story…” adds a powerful and dramatic artistic element at the new entry at the community center.
Shaping places—with landmarks and landscapes, events and ideologies—sets the stage for a critical part of our existence: our connection with our environment; with our past, present, and future; and with other human beings.
The mix of images and stories told create a compelling and inclusive mixture – each distinctive and unique – yet cohesive as a whole.
“Telling Our Story…”
Artist: Washington Glass Studio
Project Team: Teri Bailey, Michael Janis, Erwin Timmers, Tim Tate and Lee Kind.
Media: Cast and fused glass, steel, LED lighting, concrete.
Location: Peppermill Community Center, 610 Hill Rd, Landover, MD 20785
Client: The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
Smithsonian Museum Curators Visit Washington Glass School
Smithsonian Renwick Museum Curator-In-Charge Nora Atkinson is compelled to touch the artwork by Michael Janis and Tim Tate on her visit to Washington Glass School.
Nora Atkinson, Curator-in-Charge of the Smithsonian Renwick Museum and Robyn Kennedy, Smithsonian Renwick Chief Administrator pay a visit to the studio to have a look at the new collaborative glass installation by Tim Tate & Michael Janis.
Artist Michael Janis talks about the process and inspiration that he and artist Tim Tate used to make the stunning, collaborative artwork.
The two Renwick Museum leaders wanted a preview of the work titled, “All That Is Solid Melts Into Air” before it heads up to Chicago as part of Habatat Prime pop-up exhibit that is part of SOFA Expo in a few weeks (Oct 31-Nov 3).
Artist Erwin Timmers points out the features of his thoughtful glass sculptures to SAAM Curator Nora Atkinson and Chief Administrator, Robyn Kennedy.
And a walk thru of the Washington Glass School looking at the artists work – what great way to spend a spectacular Friday in DC.
Michael Janis describes his sgraffito glass technique to Smithsonian’s Robyn Kennedy and Nora Atkinson as they tour the work on exhibit.
Washington Glass School Origins
The 9/11 anniversary always puts everyone in the Washington Glass School in a reflective mood.
Originally named “Meltdown” an original class schedule.
Washington Glass School started in 2001 (the original name of the school was “Meltdown”) with its first class scheduled for September 13th, 2001, at the Millennium Arts Center in SW Washington, DC.
After the tragedy of 9/11, Director Tim Tate and Erwin Timmers contacted the students – sure that no-one was going to go to a glass class in Washington, DC. All the students asked that the class continue – as they wanted some sense of normalcy and wanted to work at creating something.
Artist Diane Cooper Cabe was a student in the first class. Said Diane : “Being at Meltdown during that stressful, sad time with warm-hearted folks and creative work to do helped us all heal.” Photo circa 2002.
The School started strong – with early student exhibitions covered by the Washington Post and Washington Times. Classes continued thru the years with some great glass and art instructors: Liz Mears, Lucartha Kohler, Sean Hennessey, Joseph Cavalieri, Allegra Marquart, Bert Weiss and Debra Ruzinsky. Workshops by glass superstars Judith Schaechter and Therman Statom.
Tim Tate (L), Erwin Timmers (Center L) talk with a student about glass and steel sculpture. Photo circa 2001.
Many of the students and teaching assistants have went on to open their own studios and become renown artists in their own right – including Cheryl Derricotte, Jeff Zimmer, Teddie Hathaway, Audrey Wilson, Laura Beth Konopinski and (later a Co-Director of WGS) Michael Janis.
In 2003, the school was reorganized and moved to the Washington Sculpture on Half Street in SE. Renamed “The Washington Glass School” remained at that location until the city used eminent domain to clear the area (and demolish the building) to make room for the new Nationals baseball stadium.
Washington Glass School circa 2004.
In 2006, The Washington Glass School moved to Mount Rainier, MD, and to its current facility in 2007.
We look back on the memories of the past 18 years with a bittersweet mixture of pride, sentiment, and fondness for those days and love for those who have passed on.
And then take a deep breath and get back on to work.
A 2002 Washington Post newspaper article about the glass program – features Cheryl Derricotte and Erwin Timmers.
Job Opportunity: Washington Glass School Studio Coordinator!
WGS is Hiring!
The Washington Glass School and Studio is excited to announce the hiring of a new full-time Studio Coordinator!
Located just outside of Washington DC, WGS is a privately owned, public access art studio. Washington Glass School and Studio is dedicated to creating and promoting kiln-formed glass and mixed-media sculpture.
Washington Glass School and Studio has 3 primary missions:
1. Community involvement through engagement of large-scale public artworks
2. Educate through teaching art classes and mixed-media classes
3. Promote and support Washington Glass Studio artists
Studio Coordinator
We are looking for someone who is excited about fabricating artwork, hands-on glass and art education, community involvement, and managing a studio. Someone who wants to learn about the contemporary art world and to expose themselves to new techniques and mediums. The Studio Coordinator serves two roles: assisting studio artist Tim Tate and coordinating an active mixed media studio and school.. A great candidate will be self-motivated with positive energy, who can independently organize and manage studio activities, as well as collaborate closely with all staff and studio residents.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
*Manage artwork and assist glass and mixed-media artist Tim Tate
*Help to oversee and fabricate public art projects
*Organize and teach classes and workshops
*Serve as the primary liaison for students and resident artists
Other Responsibilities:
-Fabricate parts for artwork
-Consult and work closely with Directors on a daily basis
-Serve as a public face for WGS, including private and public events
-Interact with resident artists and visitors on a daily basis
-Implement and reinforce safety protocol and procedures
-Travel to national art fairs to assist/represent WGS artists
-Conduct studio tours
-Manage and order studio materials
-Attend weekly staff meetings
-Performs other duties as they arise
Preferred Education and Qualifications (not all necessary):
-Experience managing a glass or art studio
-Basic understanding of glassmaking equipment and shop maintenance
-Fast and efficient working capabilities is a must
-Experience with mold making
-Experience with casting glass and acrylic resins
-Implement and follow WGS quality control standards
-Ability to interact with a variety of personalities
-Time management and organizational skills
~Experience in welding and working with metals
~Ability to work with electronics
-Ability to work as a part of a team
-Ability and desire to work independently
-Desire to further your own art career!
-Other material experience is helpful
-Creative ideas are always encouraged!
-Must be able to meet strict deadlines
We realize that no one meets all these criteria, but the more the better. We will train candidate in those unfamiliar to them.
The Studio Manager is a 35/45 hour per week position, depending on deadlines and includes some evening and weekend events. These can be flexible with hours. Starting salary at $15.00/hour plus $1200 annually towards health insurance. Position includes an opportunity for teaching bonuses. Access to all studio equipment and a studio space dedicated for your own work is provided!
WGS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation national origin, age, disability or genetics.
To apply, please submit a cover letter telling us why you are a good candidate, resumé, and 3-5 images of your work to TimTateGlass@aol.com.
Washington Glass School & Studio
3700 Otis Street, Mount Rainier, MD 20712
WGS 2018 Year In Review
Join us for a look back at 2018’s biggest moments at the Washington Glass School … and we try our best to see what’s ahead in 2019.
January
The year started out with a glass gala – as Florida’s St. Petersburg welcomed the opening of the new Imagine Museum. 
The new museum’s primary collection focuses on the explosive growth and diversification of the studio glass movement in America since the 1960’s, and extends to new directions in contemporary glass. In 2019, as the Glass Arts Society (GAS) conference is in St Pete, the museum is to be one of the main venues. Look for the featured talks about glass at the world’s main art fairs with William Warmus and Tim Tate! 
(Tim Tate was named Imagine Museum’s “Artist of the Future” in January as well!)
February
The American Craft Council (ACC) named Sarah Schultz as its new executive director, introducing her at the Baltimore ACC Show. Sarah, who has more than 25 years’ experience in arts leadership, fundraising, and education, succeeds Chris Amundsen, who left the organization in September, 2017. Kent State University
had our Miss Wilson doing a walk-on in their Super Bowl ad! Kent State University created a 30-second spot that touts the “boundless innovation” on the Ohio campus and features shots of students participating in science, fashion and art programs during the 2018 Super Bowl game.
March
The Chrysler Museum appointed Robin Rogers as the Perry Glass Studio Manager and Program Director.
In March, Norfolk’s Chrysler Museum named Robin Rogers the new Glass Studio Manager and Program Director
April
Erwin Timmers was one of the feature artists in Foggy Bottom’s sixth Outdoor Sculpture Biennial. His artwork “Glimpse of Possibilities”, made from recycled glass, aluminum, LED lights, was one fo the highlights of the outdoor sculpture exhibit. His work and that of Sean Hennessey were some of the standout works.
Erwin Timmers captivates the sculpture aficionados during the Foggy Bottom artist talks.
Michigan’s Habatat Galleries held their 46th Annual International Invitational at the beautiful Royal Oak, MI gallery, and works by Tim Tate and Laura Beth Konopinski were selected by the jurors for upcoming museum exhibits.
Works by WGS artists Tim Tate and Laura Beth Konopinski were selected for future museum exhibits.
May
One of our Badass Women of Glass – DC Rollergirl supastar Jennifer Lindstrom was featured in the Washington Post Express. She outlined one of her dreams is to be working at the Washington Glass School. Natch!
Jennifer Lindstrom – President of DC Rollergirls
July
Laura Beth Konopinski’s new sculpture artwork for her show “Building Worlds” at Reston’s GRACE Arts. LBK’s elegant and enigmatic narrative sculptures were reviewed in the Fairfax Times.
Laura Beth Konopinski installs her work at GRACE Arts in Reston, VA.
August
August had some tragedy -a devastating fire destroyed artists Christina Bothwell and Robert Bender’s studio in rural Pennsylvania. The family is ok – but the barn that made their shop and studio, along with all their works have been destroyed. Last year, glass artist Clifford Rainey‘s studio and work were lost in California’s “Atlas fire”. To help the artists, Austin Art Projects, Habatat Galleries and Heller Gallery worked together to create an on-line exhibition from surviving artworks from the three galleries. Christina and Robert still need new equipment before they can begin working again. In this spirit, we thought it would be best for any donations to be made directly to them at the address below:
Christina Bothwell and Robert Bender
148 Karns Rd., Stillwater, PA 17878
Remnants of Christina Bothwell’s sculpture lie in the charred remains of her studio.
September
Eric M. Hess – a former Resident Artist here at WGS – was awarded 3rd place in 2018 Stanislav Libenský Awards in Prague! Eric was the only US citizen that was selected as a finalist. Well Done and Congratulations Eric!
Eric Hess won third place in the Stanislav Libenský Award competition for “Fragile,” a glass sculpted fetus encased in a 1-foot square ice cube.
October
October was a big month for awards and honors. First, our Tim Tate was honored as the James Renwick Alliance “Distinguished Artist” for his work in the Glass Medium. Tim lectured about his work and history to a standing room only crowd at the American University Museum.
Dean Allison was awarded the JRA Chrysalis Award for glass. The James Renwick Alliance’s $5,000 Chrysalis Award, designed to recognize and encourage emerging artists, was presented at American University Museum’s Katzen Arts Center on October 7, followed by a lecture given by Tim Tate as part of the JRA Distinguished Artist Series.
Big Day @ American University Museum. l-R: Dean Allison, Susan Sanders, Tim Tate, Cicie Sattarnilasskorn, Donovan Lessard, Michael Janis, Fred Sanders
The Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County (AHCMC) honored our Erwin Timmers by awarding him the 2018 County Executive’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts and Humanities. Established in 2002, these awards honor community leaders whose work in the cultural sector has made an impact in Montgomery County, MD. Erwin was named Montgomery County’s 2018 “Outstanding Artist” for his work in both environmental art as well work as mentor/educator. “I find it very rewarding in itself to work in art, with students, with communities, or by myself, and it has become an avenue for me to speak out for our environment and what we as a society can do to preserve it,” Erwin said. “I hope to continue to inspire people of all ages to use their hands to express themselves and not just their thumbs.”
Erwin Timmers (center) receives the MoCo award flanked by Catherine Leggett and Montgomery County Executive Isiah “Ike” Leggett.
WGS artist John Henderson and Otis Street Arts Project Founder, Sean Hennessey collaborated together to create new public art for Baltimore, MD. The site specific artwork is an internally illuminated, four-sided obelisk with panels mounted into the framework. Their narrative concept for the artwork story was to have the bottom panels on the sculpture represent a wanting or dream, with the upper panels represent fulfillment.
“Inspire” ; cast glass and steel public art sculpture by Sean Hennessey and John Henderson for Baltimore’s Lots Alive Outdoor Community Art Program.
The public art sculpture by Sean Hennessey was also a bit of a farewell love letter to Baltimore as he and his family move West to Seattle, WA.
A teary farewell to one of the area’s best artists – Sean Hennessey.
December
Galas, glitz and glorious opening nights was the mantra for December. Washington Glass School was represented very well at the Art Basel/Art Miami fairs! Works by Tim Tate could be seen all over Miami, and DC’s Alida Anderson Art Projects exhibited works by Erwin Timmers, Audrey Wilson, Laura Beth Konopinski and Michael Janis.
Opening night of Art Miami/Context
Tim Tate’s work at Art Miami / Context Art Fair
DC’s Alida Anderson Art Projects space at Context / Art Miami featured works by artists of the Washington Glass School.
What’s coming in 2019?
Looking ahead there are some great things coming up! Kerri Sheehan comes back to teach at WGS starting in January! Laurie Brown opens a gallery in Memphis, TN. Tim Tate and William Warmus will be speaking at the Glass Art Society 2019 Conference being held in Saint Petersburg at the end of March! The Habatat International in May is always a must-see! Some new public art projects are just being commissioned – more info in 2019!
We know 2018 was full of ups and downs, but remember that underneath it all, love is our constant. It’s what unites us. ― Happy New Year 2019!
May the fortune and renewed creativity help us all to make the right decisions in our professional and personal life.
Love! Peace! & Soul!
from the artists, educators, staff and all at the Washington Glass School & Studio!
Baltimore’s K.E.Y.S. Developement Class Goes to Washington (Glass School)
Baltimore’s KEYS Development‘s goal is transformation of urban areas through investment in its youth; youth that see themselves as leaders, entrepreneurs, and ultimately change agents who will usher in a new age of industry in its communities, that state of Maryland and beyond. The mission at K.E.Y.S development is to provide social support and guidance in becoming esteemed leaders with outstanding problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
As part of that goal, this summer sees art glass classes for their students at Washington Glass School. The first of the glass classes took place this week – it started off with a lot of fun!
Instructor Michael Janis demonstrates how to use glass powder to the KEYS class.
By noon, all the students are busy making their glass masterpieces.
The KEYS Development instructors joing in the fun, making custom stencils.