Join us for a look back at 2018’s biggest moments at the Washington Glass School … and we try our best to see what’s ahead in 2019.
January
The year started out with a glass gala – as Florida’s St. Petersburg welcomed the opening of the new Imagine Museum. 
The new museum’s primary collection focuses on the explosive growth and diversification of the studio glass movement in America since the 1960’s, and extends to new directions in contemporary glass. In 2019, as the Glass Arts Society (GAS) conference is in St Pete, the museum is to be one of the main venues. Look for the featured talks about glass at the world’s main art fairs with William Warmus and Tim Tate! 
(Tim Tate was named Imagine Museum’s “Artist of the Future” in January as well!)
February
The American Craft Council (ACC) named Sarah Schultz as its new executive director, introducing her at the Baltimore ACC Show. Sarah, who has more than 25 years’ experience in arts leadership, fundraising, and education, succeeds Chris Amundsen, who left the organization in September, 2017. Kent State University
had our Miss Wilson doing a walk-on in their Super Bowl ad! Kent State University created a 30-second spot that touts the “boundless innovation” on the Ohio campus and features shots of students participating in science, fashion and art programs during the 2018 Super Bowl game.
March
The Chrysler Museum appointed Robin Rogers as the Perry Glass Studio Manager and Program Director.
In March, Norfolk’s Chrysler Museum named Robin Rogers the new Glass Studio Manager and Program Director
April
Erwin Timmers was one of the feature artists in Foggy Bottom’s sixth Outdoor Sculpture Biennial. His artwork “Glimpse of Possibilities”, made from recycled glass, aluminum, LED lights, was one fo the highlights of the outdoor sculpture exhibit. His work and that of Sean Hennessey were some of the standout works.
Erwin Timmers captivates the sculpture aficionados during the Foggy Bottom artist talks.
Michigan’s Habatat Galleries held their 46th Annual International Invitational at the beautiful Royal Oak, MI gallery, and works by Tim Tate and Laura Beth Konopinski were selected by the jurors for upcoming museum exhibits.
Works by WGS artists Tim Tate and Laura Beth Konopinski were selected for future museum exhibits.
May
One of our Badass Women of Glass – DC Rollergirl supastar Jennifer Lindstrom was featured in the Washington Post Express. She outlined one of her dreams is to be working at the Washington Glass School. Natch!
Jennifer Lindstrom – President of DC Rollergirls
July
Laura Beth Konopinski’s new sculpture artwork for her show “Building Worlds” at Reston’s GRACE Arts. LBK’s elegant and enigmatic narrative sculptures were reviewed in the Fairfax Times.
Laura Beth Konopinski installs her work at GRACE Arts in Reston, VA.
August
August had some tragedy -a devastating fire destroyed artists Christina Bothwell and Robert Bender’s studio in rural Pennsylvania. The family is ok – but the barn that made their shop and studio, along with all their works have been destroyed. Last year, glass artist Clifford Rainey‘s studio and work were lost in California’s “Atlas fire”. To help the artists, Austin Art Projects, Habatat Galleries and Heller Gallery worked together to create an on-line exhibition from surviving artworks from the three galleries. Christina and Robert still need new equipment before they can begin working again. In this spirit, we thought it would be best for any donations to be made directly to them at the address below:
Christina Bothwell and Robert Bender
148 Karns Rd., Stillwater, PA 17878
Remnants of Christina Bothwell’s sculpture lie in the charred remains of her studio.
September
Eric M. Hess – a former Resident Artist here at WGS – was awarded 3rd place in 2018 Stanislav Libenský Awards in Prague! Eric was the only US citizen that was selected as a finalist. Well Done and Congratulations Eric!
Eric Hess won third place in the Stanislav Libenský Award competition for “Fragile,” a glass sculpted fetus encased in a 1-foot square ice cube.
October
October was a big month for awards and honors. First, our Tim Tate was honored as the James Renwick Alliance “Distinguished Artist” for his work in the Glass Medium. Tim lectured about his work and history to a standing room only crowd at the American University Museum.
Dean Allison was awarded the JRA Chrysalis Award for glass. The James Renwick Alliance’s $5,000 Chrysalis Award, designed to recognize and encourage emerging artists, was presented at American University Museum’s Katzen Arts Center on October 7, followed by a lecture given by Tim Tate as part of the JRA Distinguished Artist Series.
Big Day @ American University Museum. l-R: Dean Allison, Susan Sanders, Tim Tate, Cicie Sattarnilasskorn, Donovan Lessard, Michael Janis, Fred Sanders
The Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County (AHCMC) honored our Erwin Timmers by awarding him the 2018 County Executive’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts and Humanities. Established in 2002, these awards honor community leaders whose work in the cultural sector has made an impact in Montgomery County, MD. Erwin was named Montgomery County’s 2018 “Outstanding Artist” for his work in both environmental art as well work as mentor/educator. “I find it very rewarding in itself to work in art, with students, with communities, or by myself, and it has become an avenue for me to speak out for our environment and what we as a society can do to preserve it,” Erwin said. “I hope to continue to inspire people of all ages to use their hands to express themselves and not just their thumbs.”
Erwin Timmers (center) receives the MoCo award flanked by Catherine Leggett and Montgomery County Executive Isiah “Ike” Leggett.
WGS artist John Henderson and Otis Street Arts Project Founder, Sean Hennessey collaborated together to create new public art for Baltimore, MD. The site specific artwork is an internally illuminated, four-sided obelisk with panels mounted into the framework. Their narrative concept for the artwork story was to have the bottom panels on the sculpture represent a wanting or dream, with the upper panels represent fulfillment.
“Inspire” ; cast glass and steel public art sculpture by Sean Hennessey and John Henderson for Baltimore’s Lots Alive Outdoor Community Art Program.
The public art sculpture by Sean Hennessey was also a bit of a farewell love letter to Baltimore as he and his family move West to Seattle, WA.
A teary farewell to one of the area’s best artists – Sean Hennessey.
December
Galas, glitz and glorious opening nights was the mantra for December. Washington Glass School was represented very well at the Art Basel/Art Miami fairs! Works by Tim Tate could be seen all over Miami, and DC’s Alida Anderson Art Projects exhibited works by Erwin Timmers, Audrey Wilson, Laura Beth Konopinski and Michael Janis.
Opening night of Art Miami/Context
Tim Tate’s work at Art Miami / Context Art Fair
DC’s Alida Anderson Art Projects space at Context / Art Miami featured works by artists of the Washington Glass School.
What’s coming in 2019?
Looking ahead there are some great things coming up! Kerri Sheehan comes back to teach at WGS starting in January! Laurie Brown opens a gallery in Memphis, TN. Tim Tate and William Warmus will be speaking at the Glass Art Society 2019 Conference being held in Saint Petersburg at the end of March! The Habatat International in May is always a must-see! Some new public art projects are just being commissioned – more info in 2019!
We know 2018 was full of ups and downs, but remember that underneath it all, love is our constant. It’s what unites us. ― Happy New Year 2019!
May the fortune and renewed creativity help us all to make the right decisions in our professional and personal life.
Love! Peace! & Soul!
from the artists, educators, staff and all at the Washington Glass School & Studio!