The Washington Glass School is thrilled to celebrate the achievements of two of our talented resident artists, April Shelford and Kate Barfield, whose works have been selected for prestigious contemporary art exhibitions. Their unique glass artworks showcase the innovative spirit and technical mastery that define our studio’s creative community.

Kate Barfield’s Vibrant Works at “The Power of Color” Exhibition
Kate Barfield’s captivating glass pieces, Tribute to Ms. Lois Mailou Jones and Rejoice Wind Up Bird, have been selected for the upcoming The Power of Color exhibition, sponsored by MD Fine Arts at the Circle Gallery in Annapolis, Maryland. This show highlights the dynamic use of color in contemporary art, and Kate’s work perfectly embodies this theme. Her piece Tribute to Ms. Lois Mailou Jones pays homage to the renowned Black DC painter, capturing the angular shapes, curves, and vibrant “POW!” of color that defined Jones’ work. Rejoice Wind Up Bird further showcases Kate’s ability to infuse glass with narrative depth and vivid expression. We invite you to visit the Circle Gallery to experience these stunning works in person and see how Kate’s artistry transforms glass into a powerful storytelling medium. MFA’S Circle Gallery from July 30th – August 23rd, 2025

April Shelford’s To Monet in “A Sense of Place” Online Exhibition
April Shelford’s evocative piece To Monet has been selected for the A Sense of Place online exhibition, launched on July 7, 2025, by the Contemporary Glass Society (CGS), the UK’s foremost organization supporting glass artists. This global celebration of glass art features 77 international artists, each exploring how glass captures personal and cultural connections to place. April’s To Monet reflects her signature focus on color and pattern, inspired by her meticulous attention to detail and questing curiosity. Her fused glass work, reminiscent of the historian’s craft, assembles diverse elements into a cohesive and meaningful whole, evoking a profound sense of place. This online exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore April’s work alongside other visionary glass artists from around the world. Visit the CGS website to immerse yourself in this remarkable showcase.
Celebrating Our Artists’ Vision and Craft
Both Kate and April exemplify the Washington Glass School’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of glass as a medium for contemporary art. Their selections for these prestigious exhibitions highlight their individual talents and the vibrant creative energy fostered at our studio. We are incredibly proud of their contributions to the global glass art community and invite you to join us in celebrating their achievements.
Stay tuned for more updates on our artists’ exhibitions and events, and visit the Washington Glass School to discover the transformative power of glass art!