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.
Since then:
• nearly 6,000 students
• international exhibitions & exchanges
• major public art projects
• a studio shaped by resilience, curiosity, and community
Over the coming months, we’ll be sharing:
— archival images & early flyers
— stories from students, artists & instructors
— glass in motion
— moments that shaped who we are
This is a look back — and a look forward.
Follow along as we count down to our Fall 2026 anniversary exhibition.
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East City Arts covers Washington Glass School Hot Shop Heroes Program!
The American Craft Council (ACC) has posted the public event page for Glass Coast Weekend 2026 — curated by Habatat and marking its 11th year in sunny Sarasota.
It’s a clear (pun intended) snapshot of where contemporary glass is gathering right now, especially for collectors planning ahead.
ACC listing here: Glass Coast Weekend 2026 – American Craft Council | American Craft Council
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.
American Craft Magazine Features Washington Glass Studio
The June/July 2013 issue of American Craft Magazine featured an “In Progress” review of the collaborative process employed in the creation of the new glass doors for the US Library of Congress Adams Building. An interview with Michael Janis and Tim Tate outlines how the spectacular doors came into being – over a 9 year period. Some great photos in the article!
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.