>
For more info – click HERE to jump to the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities online Grants page.
Washington, DC and Sunderland, UK Sign Friendship Agreement
>
The UK’s Sunderland City Council will be signing a “Friendship Agreement” with Washington, DC tomorrow, February 22, 2010. Sunderland is the only non-capital in the world to have such an agreement with Washington, DC. The original agreement was signed in 2006, and a formal renewal and signing will take place at the British Embassy with the UK’s deputy head of mission to the US Philip Barton.In DC, delegates from Sunderland University, the Sunderland Chamber of Commerce and business representatives are joining Sunderland council chief executive Dave Smith at the Embassy renewal.
Delegates from the University of Sunderland tour the Washington Glass School
L-R Peter Fidler, Vice Chancellor Sunderland University, Angela Fidler, Erwin Timmers, WGS.
The delegation is attending a series of meetings, including a meeting with DC’s Mayor Gray – and a visit to the Washington Glass School.
Commercial Director of Sunderland AFC Gary Hutchinson said: “We all know that our city and region have strong links with the US and Washington DC. It was a major coup to see these strengthened in 2006, we’ve built upon that agreement and now we are about to renew it.”
Council leader Paul Watson said: “Since signing this historic Friendship Agreement with Washington DC, we’ve seen a range of economic and educational benefits.
“Young people in a number of our schools, as well as Sunderland Youth Parliament, have had the opportunity to learn more about America, explore issues important to young people on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as learn more about their own history and heritage.
In June 2006, Sunderland signed the original Friendship Agreement with Washington DC. The Friendship Agreement cements the city’s unique historical link with Washington DC, as George Washington’s ancestral home is located within Sunderland, England’s boundary and sets out to create benefits for the people of both cities through economic, educational, and cultural co-operation as well as exchanges of experience in key policy areas.
Later this year, Washington Glass School’s Professor Tim Tate and Professor Michael Janis will be teaching at the University of Sunderland and the UK’s National Glass Centre as part of their Fulbright Scholarship, and continues the interaction between the two glass centers.
Washington Glass School Winter Exhibition 2011
>
Mount Rainier City Councilman Jimmy Tarlau checks out the Open House – loving the artwork by Dave Cook.
The Washington Post had featured Erwin Timmers cast recycled glass in the Weekend Section – and his work had drawn many visitors.

Erwin Timmers chats about art with Stephan Thurman and Laurie Brown.

Sean Hennessey chats with one of the art patrons about his mixed media works.

Takoma Park’s Exhibits Director, Alison Carr with her family – checking out Sean Hennessey’s concrete-and-glass sculpture.
Syl Mathis‘ cast glass sculpture always draws a crowd.
Everyone wants to know more about the artwork on exhibit.
Debra Ruzinsky exhibits her beautiful cast glass – Sweet!

Speaking of years – this is also a big one for metalworker Chris Shea. Chris’ artwork was recently acquired by the Smithsonian Museum as part of the permanent collection at the Renwick Gallery. Congratulations, Chris!


Relaxing in the lounge – Robert Kincheloe, ceramic artist Novie Trump, and Sean Hennessey.
New Winter 2011/2012 Glass Class Schedule
>
________________________________________
Class 1201- Beginner’s Glass Lover’s Weekend
Instructors: Robert Kincheloe/ Mick Coughlan
Dates: Session 1201A – Sat/Sun Jan 21/22
Session 1201B – Sat /Sun March 17/18
Time: 1pm to 5pm each day
Tuition: $300 per student (all materials included) _______________________________________________
Class 1202 – Next Step Fused Glass
Instructor: Michael Janis Time : 2 pm to 5pm each day Tuition : $350 per student (all materials included) __________________________________________ |
Class 1203- Beginning MIG Welding
Ever wondered about learning to weld? Want to impress your friends, your older brother and that cute bartender? It’s easier than you think! In three evenings you will learn how to lay a bead, and handle all sorts of sharp and dangerous tools. You will be able to complete a small project and leave with lots of ideas and know-how for other projects. This class will teach you the basics of welding, metal work and design, joining, bending and finishing. And you will get dirty! Instructor : Erwin Timmers |
________________________________________
Class 1204 – Master Class: Painting On Glass with Bert Weiss
Led by master artist Bert Weiss, (just check who’s the most consulted guru on Warmglass.com) this three-day glass painting technique class features multiple projects designed to give the student a better understanding of lass painting and its enormous potential in fused glass. Bert’s techniques allow you to use vibrant colors without worrying about glass compatibility. The course will show you how to mix metallic oxide colorants with glass and create oil paint like-washes.
This course is suitable for all levels of experience. Students do not need to bring anything, all the tools and materials are provided for the course – just wear suitable old clothes and sturdy shoes… oh, and bring a lunch!
Bert Weiss studied traditional glass painting with Albinus Elskus and has developed and improved his techniques for the past 40 years. Bring any questions you may have had about glass fusing; within 10 minutes Bert should be able to troubleshoot! Cut off sign-up date is Jan 30, 2012.
Instructor : Bert Weiss Time : 10am to 4pm each day
Tuition : $400 per student
________________________________________ |
Class 1205- Going Green
Green up your life by doing something creative to help the environment! This is an exploration into using recycled glass to make sculptural pieces, tableware, and architectural elements. We will delve into multiple techniques, including casting, fusing and slumping. Glass chemistry, coloration, and firing temperatures will be explained for each particular application. It is a fantastic way to learn aspects of any warm glass work while focusing on recycling! Once you start down the path of recycled glass, you will see more and more opportunities for experimentation around you. No prior experience is necessary – you are encouraged to bring in materials you’d like to try…and you will leave with several very cool items!
Instructor : Erwin Timmers |
Class 1206- Open Studio – Work At Your Own Pace
Already know the basics of casting or fusing? 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.
Instructor : Studio Staff
Dates : Wed/Thurs/Sat afternoons (call to confirm appointment)
Time : 1pm to 5pm
Tuition : $300 for 4 sessions
To purchase class online – scroll thru PayPal listing below:
AACG Tours Washington Glass School
>

The Glass School and Flux Studios hosted a huge barbeque for the crowd – where the making of the food was part of the entertainment.

The approx 50-60 strong group of collectors are welcomed to Washington Glass School.
Erwin Timmers’ new works were a favorite of the group.
The tour continued with a brunch at Maurine Littleton Gallery in Georgetown on Sunday.
Washington, DC’s Newest Art Gallery Opens
>
photos by Painterly Visions /Anne Marchand
Gallery 555 opened with a flourish this past weekend, with a fantastic exhibition of paintings by Michelle Cormier. Also on exhibit are some great glass pieces by Erwin Timmers, wood pieces by Bruce Fransen, and encaustic works by Ellyn Weiss, amongst other works.
Ellyn Weiss chats up the opening night crowd.
Erwin Timmers works the crowds.
Gallerista Jodi Walsh.
Gallery 555 is located in the lobby of 555 12th Street, NW, Washington, DC
202.393.1409
A Farewell to Butterstick
>
Bling-Bling, the panda made of glass Photo by Anything Photographic
The giant panda Tai Shan was sent off to China from the National Zoo here in Washington, DC.
Our good-byes include the memories of the Washington’s DC Commission on the Arts public art project: Pandamania .
The Washington Glass School’s entry was Bling-Bling – a glass covered panda. Glass school students and resident artists cast unusual elements for the artwork, including a cub scout cap, a mouse whispering into the ear, a heart tattoo, a fish, and faces are among the over 7,000 pieces of recycled glass.
l-r Lisa Frieda, Justine Light and Kay Janis work on the panda.
The panda is ready to roll to its location in front of the Corcoran Gallery of Art.
Erwin Timmers & Kerri Sheehan celebrate the panda’s delivery.
Covered in cast recycled float glass and sporting dichroic glass jewelry.
The Capitol Hill newspaper Voice of the Hill called the panda a “dazzling concoction of shimmering glass”
Bling-Bling situated at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, 2004
photo: Anything Photographic
Foundry Gallery show features Washington Glass School Artists
> One of the hippest art galleries in Dupont Circle, Foundry Gallery, will feature artists of the Washington Glass School in an upcoming show.
“Visual Evidence” – works by the Washington Glass School
Washington, DC 20036
202-463-0203
Artist scheduled to have works on exhibition include: Anne Plant, Cheryl Derricotte Dan Schubmehl, Don Daniels, Allegra Marquart, Erwin Timmers, Liz Mears, Lisa Dano.