Commemoration of the Slaves who Built the US Capitol
The recent order from President Trump to rescind DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs has led to a noticeable downplaying of Black History Month across government agencies. The U.S. State Department, for instance, has prohibited public events or messages celebrating the month, which has been a staple of American culture since the 1970s.
In contrast, local organizations in Washington, DC, are stepping up to honor Black history and contributions. The Lamond Riggs Library Friends, in collaboration with the DC Office of Planning, is hosting Foundations of Freedom: Recognizing the Enslaved People Who Built the U.S. Capitol. This special event will introduce WGS Director Michael Janis’ design for a new DC Memorial to Honor the Enslaved People Who Built the U.S. Capitol for Ward 5. Along with DC’s Office of Planning staff, Michael will offer an overview of a public art proposal. The program will include storytelling, a discussion of the design process, and a Q&A session to engage the community. Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 1 pm – 3 pm @ DC Public Library, 5401 South Dakota Ave NE, WDC. https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/12875262
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Virginia Athenaeum Sculpture Invitational features WGS Directors
Curated by Alison Sigethy and produced by Veronica Szalus, “Eclipse” is an invitational sculpture show opening Jan 16th at the Athenaeum that examines light and shadow, liminal space, and the passage of time.
An exhibition titled “Eclipse” evokes themes of transformation, obscuration, revelation, and the interplay of light and shadow. The works of Washington Glass School artists Tim Tate, Erwin Timmers, and Michael Janis seems to fit so seamlessly into such a thematic framework, each offering a unique interpretation of these ideas through their distinct techniques and narratives.
Eclipse
An Athenaeum Sculpture Invitational
Curated by Alison Sigethy
January 16, 2025 – February 23, 2025
The Athenaeum is home to the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association (NVFAA), an organization dedicated to the maintenance and preservation of the building and the celebration of regional arts.
The Athenaeum Gallery
201 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
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.
The American Craft Council interviewed Tim Tate about the post-studio glass movement in its April/May 2014 magazine – click HERE to jump to the article.
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.