WASHINGTON GLASS SCHOOL — 25 YEARS!
In 2026, the Washington Glass School marks 25 years of glass and 20 years in Mount Rainier, MD.
Founded in 2001, WGS held its very first class on September 13, 2001 — two days after 9/11. What began as a small glass program grew through multiple moves, moments of uncertainty, and a deep belief in making work with our hands.
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Washington Glass School to Participate in ACC National Craft Open Studios Weekend
The Washington Glass School will join more than 1,500 artists and studios nationwide participating in the American Craft Council’s inaugural National Craft Open Studios Weekend, taking place July 18–19, 2026 from 12 PM to 5 PM.
Part of the ACC’s larger Handwork 2026 initiative, the free public event invites visitors into working artist studios, workshops, and creative spaces across 36 states and Washington, DC. Designed as a nationwide celebration of handmade culture and contemporary craft, the weekend offers the public a rare opportunity to experience how artists work behind the scenes.
As part of the event, the Washington Glass School will open its studio facilities on the northeast edge of Washington, DC during the school’s 25th Anniversary year.
Visitors will be able to explore the School’s specialized kiln-glass and sculptural fabrication studios, meet resident artists and instructors, view works in progress, and purchase contemporary glass artwork directly from makers. Register here to get the map of free spaces participating! National Craft Open Studios Weekend – American Craft Council | American Craft Council
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Ongoing exhibition:
Rip! Tear! Collage as Critique
DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities
Eye Street Gallery
200 I St SE, Washington, DC 20003
WGS artists Michael Janis and Tim Tate each as glass/mixed media work that is included in this exhibition featuring 23 DC artists exploring collage and assemblage as forms of disruption, critique, and reconstruction.
The exhibition expands collage beyond paper — incorporating video, sculpture, quilting, glass, and installation to reflect the fractured pace and layered realities of contemporary life.
Opening reception: June 11, 2026
Exhibition on view through August 7.
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Fort Wayne Museum of Art International Glass Exhibition
WGS Artist Michael Janis is a featured artist int the “Summer of Glass” International Contemporary Glass Exhibition at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. Organized by Habatat Galleries, the exhibition is recognized as the oldest and largest annual juried exhibition of contemporary glass art in the United States. June 20 thru Aug 23, 2026
Janis’ award-winning cast glass artwork was selected alongside leading international artists working in contemporary studio glass, highlighting his continued exploration of figurative narrative, sgraffito imagery, and sculptural glass processes. The exhibition showcases innovative approaches to contemporary glass art and expands the dialogue around glass as a powerful contemporary fine art medium.
Jurors included Brit Micho, James Gerhardt, and Sharon Karmazin. More info – click on link: Habatat International Glass 54th Invitational – FWMoA
BOOKS & Magazines
Glass Secessionism
The intent of this group is to underscore and define the 21st Century Sculptural Glass Movement and to illustrate the differences and strengths compared to late 20th century technique-driven glass. While the 20th century glass artists contributions have been spectacular and ground breaking, this group focuses on the aesthetic of the 21st century. The object of the Glass-Secession is to advance glass as applied to sculptural expression; to draw together those glass artists practicing or otherwise interested in the arts, and to discuss from time to time examples of the Glass-Secession or other narrative work. Jump to the Facebook group page.
Voyage MIA Magazine Features Michael Janis
VoyageMIA Magazine featured Washington Glass School Co-Director Michael Janis, exploring his transition from architecture to glass art and his signature sgraffito frit powder technique. The interview highlights how Janis uses kiln-formed glass to narrate complex stories regarding human experience and identity. Read the full conversation at Check Out Michael Janis’s Story – Voyage MIA Magazine | Miami City Guide
Glass Art Magazine Features Michael Janis
The Jan/Feb 2017 issue of Glass Art Magazine features a great profile on Michael Janis. Michael was interviewed for Glass Art’s podcast series “Talking Out Your Glass” earlier in 2016, and the magazine has followed up their 2012 cover story about Michael with another great article!
American Style Magazine’s June 06 issue featured the works of Tim Tate, Erwin Timmers, Michael Janis, and Liz Mears, and reviewed the impact the Washington Glass School has on the ‘content-driven’ art movement.