Tag Archives: glass

Contemporary Glass: The Hunt Goes Digital

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The Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass (AACG) is a not-for-profit organization and leading resource for glass collectors, art enthusiasts, artists, gallerists, museum personnel, and educators on all things related to glass art. The AACG has coming up this Friday, March 6 on online zoom talk.

Collector’s Edge presents “The Thrill of the Hunt: Collecting in a Digital Age”, a conversation about how discovery, instinct, and decision-making shape contemporary collecting today.

🔥Reserve your spot today! Free & Open to the public 🔥

Date: March 6

Time: 1pm EST

Where: Zoom online! https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/zAQ4OX1DTJmlOP8BU9SYPg

Panelists include:

• Sarah Traver, President and Director of Traver Gallery

• Charles Shepard, President & CEO of the Fort Wayne Museum of Art

• Jerry Paulson, AACG member and collector

• Ray Chimienti, AACG Board member and collector

• Moderator: Brit Micho; Curator, Fort Wayne Museum of Art

Collector’s Edge presents “The Thrill of the Hunt: Collecting in a Digital Age”, a conversation about how discovery, instinct, and decision-making shape contemporary collecting today. As more and more of the collecting journey unfolds through online access, how do collectors navigate that process and have confidence in their decisions, when work is not always viewed in person before a purchase?

AACG is bringing together a gallerist, museum director, established collector, and newer collector, to hold a dynamic panel discussion exploring how relationships, education, and trust come together to guide the collecting experience in an increasingly digital world.

Posted in aacg, art alliance for contemporary glass, Uncategorized | Tagged ,

Washington Glass School Turns 25

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In September 2026, the Washington Glass School marks 25 years of teaching, making, breaking, rebuilding, and believing in glass.

WGS was founded in 2001, by artists Tim Tate and Erwin Timmers, and held its very first class on September 13, 2001 — just two days after the attack on the United States. At a moment when much felt uncertain, a group of artists and students chose to gather, work with fire, and make something with their hands.

Washington Glass School 1336 Half Street, SE, Washington, DC in 2003

That instinct to keep going forward has defined the studio ever since.

First class listing brochure

What began as the glass program at the Millennium Arts Center at 65 I Street SW (now the Rubell Museum) moved in 2003 to the Washington Sculpture Center. In that same summer, an intrepid, lapsed architect named Michael Janis walked in and took his first class. By 2005, he was named co-director alongside Tim & Erwin — just as the studio was given its marching orders to vacate Capitol Hill due to eminent domain and the arrival of the Washington Nationals.

In 2006, WGS relocated to Mount Rainier, Maryland, where it has now spent 20 years building a community that extends far beyond the hot shop walls.

Along the way:

  • Nearly 6,000 students have passed through the studio
  • WGS has organized landmark exhibitions such as Glass 3 (2006) and International Glass & Clay (2013)
  • Both Janis and Tate have become Fulbright Fellows
  • The studio has weathered Artomatic dramas, funding cycles, kiln rebuilds, and more than a few cracked molds
  • And WGS has created major public works, including the monumental glass doors for the Library of Congress Adams Building, along with numerous civic and community-based projects throughout the region

In September 2026, the anniversary year will culminate in a major exhibition and celebration at the Brentwood Arts Center — a space that, in a twist of history, was once slated to become WGS’s new home back in 2006 before Hurricane Katrina-related construction delays reshaped those plans.

Over the coming months, we’ll be sharing stories from the archives, voices from the studio, images of works-in-progress, and reflections from the many artists who have made WGS what it is.

This isn’t just a look back.
It’s a living history — and an invitation to be part of what comes next.

Posted in anniversary, mount rainier, washington DC, washington glass school, Washington Glass Studio, Washington School of Glass | Tagged

Hot Shop Heroes Returns to Washington Glass School!

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This fall, the Washington Glass School (WGS) in Mt. Rainier, MD is honored to host the second session of Hot Shop Heroes, a powerful collaboration with the Museum of Glass (MOG) in Tacoma, WA. The program brings military veterans into the glass studio for a unique and inspiring journey of creative arts therapy.

washington glass school director Michael Janis with military veterans work in the kiln

Over the coming months, veterans will work side by side with WGS artists to create glass and steel sculptures. For many participants—some navigating the long road of recovery from combat-related injuries and trauma—the workshop provides much more than technical skills. The studio becomes a space of connection, trust, and expression. Veterans bond with one another while discovering the transformative qualities of melted glass: its fragility, resilience, and potential for reinvention.

The program underscores the healing power of the arts. Each workshop session offers not only hands-on training but also a shared experience of collaboration, focus, and renewal.

The veterans’ artworks will be on display at the Washington Glass School Winter Open House on December 13, 2025—a celebration of creativity, community, and the enduring strength of those who have served.

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WGS’ New Sculpture Blossoms in Greenbelt

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This past weekend, the City of Greenbelt, Maryland, celebrated the dedication of a stunning new public sculpture, The Beauty in a Garden Comes from More Than One Flower, created by Washington Glass School Co-Director and eco-artist Erwin Timmers.

Crafted from steel and recycled glass, the sculpture’s graceful petals carry a story far beyond their materials — they are the handiwork of the very community the artwork now welcomes. In a series of hands-on glass work sessions at the Washington Glass School in Mount Rainier, MD, residents of the new Motiva apartments and their Greenbelt neighbors joined Erwin in creating the vivid glass infill panels that make the piece glow with life and individuality.

“The concept was always about unity through diversity,” says Erwin. “Just like a garden thrives because it has many flowers, a community flourishes because of its different voices, talents, and hearts.”

The project, sponsored by Motiva, blossomed into more than just a public art commission — it became a joyful, collaborative journey. Over the course of multiple workshops, participants experimented with recycled glass, learned kiln-forming techniques, and left their personal creative mark on the sculpture.

The finished work now stands as both an artistic landmark and a symbol of connection â€” an invitation for all who pass by to remember that beauty is born from many hands working together.

đź’š Washington Glass School is proud to have been part of this community-centered creation, bringing people into the making process and showing how recycled materials can tell vibrant new stories.

Congratulations to Erwin, to all the participating residents, and to Greenbelt Recreation Arts for championing public art that grows from — and for — the community.

Posted in art from recycled material, cast recycled glass, recycle glass, recycle glass sculpture, recycled glass public art | Tagged , , ,

Washington Glass School Artists Featured in “The Art of the Art Clinic Online” Exhibition at Glen Echo Park

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This Friday, August 1, The Art of the Art Clinic Online opens at Glen Echo Park’s Popcorn Gallery, showcasing an impressive lineup of over 30 artists from the DC-area Art Clinic Online (ACO) community—including Washington Glass School artists Erwin Timmers, Tim Tate, and Michael Janis.

Presented as part of Glen Echo’s First Friday Art Walk (6–8 PM), this group exhibition runs through September 28 and offers a compelling glimpse into the diversity of creative voices shaping the region.

đź“Ť Popcorn Gallery
Glen Echo Park
7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD
Free + open to the public

Founded in 2020, ACO has become a vibrant platform for community, conversation, and exchange among artists throughout the DMV. Every other Saturday, the group hosts online sessions where a featured artist presents their work and engages in lively dialogue with participants. The program’s inclusive spirit and broad range of voices are central to its mission—and now, those connections come off-screen and into the gallery space.

The Art of the Art Clinic Online is a reflection of the many practices and perspectives nurtured through ACO’s ongoing work, and we’re proud to see WGS artists included in this thoughtful and energetic survey.

Participating Artists Include:
Blair Anderson, Maremi Andreozzi, Sondra Arkin, Julia Bloom, F. Lenox Campello, Eric Celarier, Aishwariya Chandrasekar, Schroeder Cherry, Jeffery Everett, Kate Fleming, Erin Fostel, Barbara Epstein Gruber, Ric Garcia, Sarah Jamison, Michael Janis, Robert Knudsen, Christine Lashley, Kyujin Lee, Laurel Lukaszewski, Akemi Maegawa, Dana Jeri Maier, Lindsay Mueller, Cory Oberndorfer, David Page, Erin Raedeke, Ephraim Rubenstein, Nicole M. Santiago, Tim Tate, Valerie Theberge, Erwin Timmers, Bennett Vadnais, Steve Wanna, Dawn Whitmore, and Andrew Wodzianski.

Make time to visit Glen Echo Park this summer—you’ll find a rich cross-section of the region’s creative talent and a strong sense of community threaded through every work on view.

Posted in glen echo, j jordan bruns | Tagged , , ,

Washington Glass School Artists Shine in Contemporary Art Exhibits

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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.

Artist: Kate Barfield; “Tribute to Ms. Mailou Jones”, Fused Glass, steel, wood; Photo Credit: Pete Duvall

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

Artist: April Shelford; “To Monet”, Fused Glass; Photo Credit: Pete Duvall 

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!

Posted in april shelford, kate barfield | Tagged , ,

“New Connections in Glass” Exhibit at Ice House Gallery

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Washington Glass School resident artist Patricia de Poel Wilberg will be featured in the upcoming “New Connections in Glass” exhibit at the Ice House Gallery in Berkeley Springs, WV. Curated by Maureen Storey, the show runs from May 30 to July 27, 2025, with an Opening Reception on Saturday, May 31, from 6:30 – 8:30 PM.

The exhibition brings together eight exceptional glass artists exploring diverse techniques and perspectives within the medium. Each artist offers a unique lens into the many ways glass can be transformed, manipulated, and used to tell visual stories.

Patricia de Poel Wilberg’s work continues to captivate with her painterly approach to glass. For this exhibit, Patricia debuts a vibrant new series of figurative panels celebrating noted women artists throughout history. These tributes aren’t just portraits—they’re rich, layered interpretations that reference each subject’s distinctive art and style, translated into glass.

Patricia de Poel Wilberg working on her new glass artwork series

Using vitreous enamels and kiln-formed glass, Patricia meticulously builds her panels through multiple firings, fusing and reforming components to create dynamic narratives. Her newest works honor the legacies of women whose creative voices have shaped the art world—brought to life in color, texture, and light.

Evolution of Patricia’s glass artwork tribute to Yayoi Kusama. (The Japanese artist known for their signature use of polka dots and large-scale installations.)

“I wanted to show how the spirit of these artists can be reinterpreted through the language of glass,” Patricia explains. “Each panel is a conversation between their work and mine.”

Featured artists in the show include:
Elizabeth Braun
Rachel Brooks
Mark Hill
Sharon Moffitt
Patricia de Poel Wilberg
Laurie Madsen Snarr
Maureen Storey
Nancy Weisser

We encourage everyone to make the trip to the scenic Ice House Gallery to see this remarkable collection and to support Patricia and her fellow artists. It’s sure to be a stunning and inspiring celebration of innovation in glass.

New Connections in Glass
May 30 – July 27, 2025
Opening Reception: Saturday, May 31, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Ice House Gallery
138 Independence Street, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411
www.icehousecoop.com

Posted in fused glass, patricia de poel wilberg | Tagged , , ,

Upcoming Washington Glass School Event at the National Building Museum!

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National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

Step into the world of architecture, design, and history at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. Located at 401 F Street NW, just four blocks from the National Mall.

national building museum features Washington Glass School classes
WGS leads workshop at the National Building Museum.

Washington Glass School Event! :
A Maker’s Workshop: The Art of Mosaics
Join Graciela Granek from The Washington Glass School for a hands-on mosaic workshop inspired by the Visible Vault exhibition. Two sessions are available on May 17: 10:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. (NOTE: Both sessions are now SOLD OUT!!)
Don’t miss the chance to explore the stories of the world we design and build. Visit the National Building Museum and be inspired!

Posted in mosaic, national building museum, workshop | Tagged , ,

Washington’s Innovative Glass Scene Seen at Artomatic 2024

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trish kent, patricia de poel wilberg, nancy kronstadt, april shelford, graciela granek, kate barfield
Washington Glass School Co Founder Erwin Timmers outlines the Studio Glass Movement timeline to audience at Artomatic 2024.

In the 1960s, The American Studio Glass movement transformed glass from craft into fine art.

Artomatic helped create the movement, as after the 2000 Artomatic, the Smithsonian Museum acquired artist Tim Tate’s glass sculpture that was on display. Artist Erwin Timmers’ artwork was also on exhibit at that Artomatic, and after that show, the two began to collaborate, later teaming up to start the Washington Glass School & Studio with the funds from the sale of Tate’s glass artwork to the Renwick.

Washington Glass School Co-Founder Tim Tate’s work at Artomatic 2024.

In 2008, Artomatic organized an exhibit at the Washington Glass School, showcasing the unique approaches to glass sculpture in three “glass” cities: Washington, DC; Toledo, Ohio; and Sunderland, England, fostering international partnerships and collaborative ventures.

Glass works by VA-based artist Griffon Dillon on exhibit at Artomatic 2024.

As the 21st century unfolded, artists across various media have shown growing interest in glass as a creative medium, despite its technical challenges. The Washington Glass Scene has emerged as a hub of innovation, elevating glass to a significant position in contemporary art. The Washington Glass School encourages artists to push boundaries and redefine the possibilities of glass as a fine art medium.

There is a great example of works by DC glass creatives on display at Artomatic 2024, open now thru April 28th. Although the glass works are on many of the 8 floors of art, the 5th floor is the central spot to get ones glass fix. Some photos of Washington Glass School’s reception are featured in this post.

Glass artwork by artist Michael Janis seen at Artomatic 2024 on M Street.

The James Renwick Alliance will hold a craft tour of works on display at Artomatic 2024, March 24th, at 1-3PM More info here on the free tour: James Renwick Alliance Craft Tour – 5th Floor Washington Glass School Installation – Artomatic.

patricia de poel wilberg, kate barfield, april shelford
Curator Howard Cohen reviewing glass art on exhibit at Artomatic 2024.

Baltimore based art curator Howard Cohen came this past weekend to Artomatic to handpick glass artists from the DC area for a contemporary glass showcase exhibit at Montpelier Art Center this June. Howard was able to talk with many of the artists and get insight to their narratives and process. Looking forward to the upcoming show!

artomatic 2024

Artomatic, 2100 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20037

Posted in american studio glass, artists of the washington glass school, artomatic, contemporary art glass, contemporary craft, contemporary sculpture, washington glass school, Washington Glass Studio, Washington School of Glass, wgs contemporary | Tagged , , , ,