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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This year- 2026, Washington Glass School marks a major milestone—25 years of artists, ideas, and community.
To celebrate the anniversary, the Brentwood Arts Exchange will present a special exhibition from September 10 through October 31, 2026, with an opening reception on Saturday, September 19. The exhibition brings together many of the artists who have helped shape the Washington Glass School over the past quarter century, including founders, resident artists, instructors, and alumni.
Founded in Washington, DC in 2001 and based in Mount Rainier, Maryland since 2006, the Washington Glass School has grown into a vibrant center for contemporary glass and mixed-media art. Over the past 25 years, nearly 6,000 students have studied at the school, creating a dynamic community that continues to expand through teaching, exhibitions, public art commissions, and artistic collaboration.
Rather than focusing on a single style or technique, the exhibition reflects the remarkable diversity of artists connected through the school. Visitors will see work ranging from kiln-formed and cast glass to sculpture, installation, architectural glass, and mixed media—demonstrating the many creative paths that have emerged from the Washington Glass School.
The exhibition celebrates not only the artwork, but also the people and relationships that have defined the school for 25 years. We hope you’ll join us at the Brentwood Arts Exchange this fall as we celebrate the artists, friendships, and creative community that continue to make the Washington Glass School a unique place to learn, create, and grow.
Washington Glass School: 25 Years
September 10 – October 31, 2026
Opening Reception: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Brentwood Arts Exchange
3901 Rhode Island Avenue
Brentwood, MD 20722
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We’re excited to share that Washington Glass School Co-Director Michael Janis has been selected as a Guest Artist for the 2027 summer program at Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Washington. Janis will lead the two-week workshop Painterly Mark-Making in Kiln-Formed Glass during Session 3: Bricolage, running May 31 through June 11, 2027.
Pilchuck Glass School is internationally recognized as one of the world’s leading centers for glass art education, bringing together artists, educators, and students from around the globe each summer for immersive workshops in every area of contemporary glass.
Janis’ workshop explores his signature approach to creating painterly imagery using crushed glass powders and the sgraffito process. Students will investigate drawing, mark-making, composition, layering, and color while developing kiln-formed glass artworks that combine technical skill with personal narrative.
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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.