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.Keys-Empowers-Black-Letters
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.

Instructor Michael Janis demonstrates how to use glass powder to the KEYS class.

By noon, all the students are busy making their glass masterpieces.

By noon, all the students are busy making their glass masterpieces.

The KEYS Development instructors joing in the fun, making custom stencils.

The KEYS Development instructors joing in the fun, making custom stencils.

Making Functional Art From Recycled Materials Class

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The Eco-Tables class- where the students create the tables using recycled materials (both reclaimed steel & glass) just completed – here are some photos from the class!

The class first creating the table-tops, working with salvaged and recycled float glass.


After fusing the recycled glass, the tops were coldworked and made smooth.

Erwin Timmers – DC’s leading “Green-artist” outlines what is required to make the metal work support. Some students are overwhelmed.

Erwin outlines step-by-step the procedures to cut, weld and grind smooth the steelwork.

Some of the students were stylin’ in the welding helmets and green welding jackets.

Teaching Assistant Laurie Brown supervises the metal working.


Soon, tables are marching out from the coldshop.


The students – some who have never cut glass or welded before – are amazed at their artwork and celebrate their progress. “What’s next?
” is on each student’s mind.
The new class schedule is due out soon – Keep posted for the listing!