Glass Sparks: Diane Cabe

Moving into the Capitol Hill/Half Street campus - circa 2003.

Diane Cabe was one of the Washington Glass School's first Resident Artists - helping set up the main classroom in 2003 at the Half Street, DC location. Her glass studies included courses at The Studio at the Corning Museum of Glass, where she studied with Lucartha Kohler, author of Glass: An Artist’s Medium. She was a Bullseye E-merge Finalist in 2004 and has exhibited at many area fine art galleries including the Fraser Gallery ,Target Gallery, VisArts Gallery, and the Glenview Mansion. Diane's work was part of the seminal "Compelled by Content" exhibition of narrative glass held in 2005.

Diane's glass portfolio comprises both sculptural and functional pieces. She is a resident artist with the Art Glass Center at Glen Echo, where she now teaches casting and other forms of kilnformed glass.

Diane's cast glass purses are meant to evoke the bags, purses, satchels, backpacks that would sit with her wherever she would travel, holding her life. Diane sees the bags as how one holds treasured objects, secrets and the important items that define one's life, paradoxically rendering them in beautiful translucent glass.

Some of Diane's recent works expands on exploring items from the domestic life; La Bella Figura is about personal memories, reflections, sensations. Diane said of the work that it ..."is a tribute to my genetic inheritance that has compelled me to find beauty in mundane objects"…

La Bella Figura

Glass, Wood, Copper, Mica

DC's Longview Gallery juried invitational exhibition showcasing the people and work of the artists of the Washington Glass School. The show opens in May.

Washington Glass School: The First 10 Years

LongView Gallery

1234 9th Street, NW, Washington, DC
May 19 - June 19, Opening Reception, May 19th, 6:30-8:30 PM

Click HERE to jump to Diane's artwork website.

For other glass artist profiles:

Sean Hennessey

Teddie Hathaway

Elizabeth Mears

Jeff Zimmer

Allegra Marquart

Jackie Greeves

Collaborative Art Project to Commemorate WGS' 10th Anniversary

from drab...

to FAB!

Artists from the Washington Glass School are working together on a collaborative outdoor artwork to commemorate our 10th year anniversary. Artists, instructors, teaching assistants, and friends of the glass school are helping create a wall installation that, while being a singular work of art, expresses the individuals that make up the glass school. This weekend, the glass school held a "play date" to get many of the school's artists together to make the artwork and have a great time socializing. Here are some pix from the day:

Laurie Brown working with recycled glass.

Leslie Beil working on her design.

Kay Janis gets extra special attention from the instructor. She also gets points for wearing earrings made from "panda-glass" (the remnants from the dichroic glass that was used in the making of the Washington, DC Commission on the Arts 2004 public art project "Pandamania" - where the Glass School had made a glass mosaic covered panda that sat in front of the Corcoran Gallery of Art.)


Anne Plant carefully aligns her glass elements prior to fusing.

Erwin Timmers works with recycled elements to reference ...recycling.

Some of the tiles after fusing.

The installation of the exterior grids will happen at the school's anniversary date. More images of the panels will be added as we continue with the making of the artwork - the fun will be the guessing on which artist made which panel.

Visit to the Glass School

L-R Gallery Owner Jane Sauer, UrbanGlass Director Fred & Susan Sanders, Judith Schaechter, Tim Tate

This weekend's busy social calendar included the events of the James Renwick Alliance Spring Craft Weekend.
Some of the visitors to the events dropped by the glass school for a visit - including Renwick Craft Invitational 2011 artist Judith Schaecter. Judith will be back to teach a creativity workshop for the JRA, to be held at the glass school on May 21, 2011.

Also visiting were collectors Fred & Susan Sanders - who recently had their art collection featured in American Style Magazine. Fred is the President of the Metropolitan Contemporary Glass Group and is on the Board of UrbanGlass in Brooklyn. Jane Sauer, the eponymous owner of beautiful Jane Sauer Gallery in Santa Fe, NM joined the tour thru the glass school.

The events include the Benefit dinner and auctions at the Renwick Gallery’s Grand Salon. It was a great chance to rub elbows with some glass superstars.

Michael Janis and Erin Timmers enjoy drinks at the Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery, looking overlooking the art scene.

Erwin Timmers chatting with Lino Tagliapietra about new trends in glass.

Tim Tate & Judith Schaechter enjoy the view.

A good time was had by all!

American Craft on Tim Tate & Marc Petrovic Collaborations

Sins Under Glass
The April/May issue of American Craft magazine has an 8 page review of Tim Tate & Marc Petrovic's collaborative work.

Tim Tate & Marc Petrovic
photo by Pete Duvall/Anything Photographic

The article, written by American Craft's Senior Editor, Julie Hanus; with photos by Pete Duvall of Anything Photographic, talks of "Connectivity and collaboration" and the ways they are molding our lives. The author profiles in-depth their two recent joint works Apothecarium Moderne and Seven Deadly Sins, and how, within the two works, Marc and Tim are model­­ing one vision of the interconnected future of art: genuine collaboration.

Above: Two works from the Seven Deadly Sins series.

Shattered found pottery lends sculptural interest to Wrath. For the finial, Marc made a tiny maple rolling pin on a lathe. Visually, I like the look of Envy a lot," says Marc. They designed the piece around the video concept: a creepy eye, peering through a keyhole. Each piece is loaded with detail. The green finial that sits atop Envy, for example, is a cast-glass likeness of Michael Janis, a tongue-in-cheek poke at an artist with whom Tim shares workspace at the Washington Glass School (...or is it?). The tiny gate is Marc's handiwork - a rare opportunity to exercise a long-ago minor in metals, he says. His wife, artist Kari Russell-Pool (with whom Marc also has collaborated), lent a hand with the grass.

Above: "Vanity" from the Seven Deadly Sins series
blown and cast glass, camera and audio soundwave electronics, found objects

In Vanity, a small video screen displays the image of all who approach. Peek into this technological mirror and a recorded voice gushes, "You look wonderful. Have you lost weight? You look younger every time I see you."
Drawing in viewers to interact with the work is, arguably, the pièce de résistance of their collaborative process - the sharing of a work that transforms everyone who sees it into an active participant.

For the entire article - click HERE (or check out your newsstands!)
Email for Pete Duvall: pete@anythingphoto.net

Glass Sparks: Sean Hennessey

The Measure of Value (detail)

Sean Hennessey is a Sculptor, Painter, blogger, propmaker and installation artist, and member of the Washington Glass School family. A graduate of the unique Berea College, Sean worked in professional theater for 10 years as a welder, carpenter, rigger, scenic artist, prop artist, and designer all the while creating his own artwork. Sean has been with the Washington Glass School since 2004 when Tim Tate finally convinced him that glass was cool.

The Measure of Value
Glass, Concrete, Steel
42"x13"

He began his relationship with the Washington Glass School by teaching mold making and concrete casting and assisting various classes. Slowly and steadily Sean began including more and more glass into his mixed media sculptures. By 2010 Sean focused primarily in glass and became a resident artist at the Washington Glass School. His current work uses a combination of glass, concrete, found objects, and steel to create works based on mythologies, philosophy, personal experiences, and whimsy.

We Share What We Have
Glass, Concrete, Steel
24"x13"

A Dream of Flying
Glass, Concrete, and Steel
24x13

Sean creates pieces that have the feel of archaeological finds, as if messages from today have been uncovered in some not too distant future. The earthiness of the concrete in his pieces suggests age and patina, slightly covering and obscuring his glass reliefs. He equates the glass with ethereality and the concrete as a corporeal coating. His work touches on issues of overcoming in everyday life--judging yourself and being judged by others, finding and maintaining inspiration, and dealing with dreams and hopes than conflict with our reality.

Ghost Light
Glass, Concrete, Steel
43"x13"

Sean uses the Dry Plaster Relief Casting technique in his work. He sets up boxes inside the kiln, fills the box with sifted plaster power, makes impressions in the plaster, places sheets of float glass on top of the box and fires the glass to slump into the mold.

Sean working inside the kiln.

It's a dusty process

Example of a Mold used for Dry Plaster Relief Casting

Once the glass is removed from the kiln, Sean uses special primers and polymers to add a coating of cement to the surface.

Glass castings fresh out of the kiln.

Adding layers of concrete to the glass

But it's not done yet! Apparently Sean loves adding many complicated processes into each piece! He then goes on to stain, sand, and distress the concrete, adding to the sense of age and antiquity. Sometimes he will paint the back of the glass using translucent coatings to allow light to come through. He then welds up steel frames to finish off his work.

Finding Your Power

Glass, Concrete, Steel 42"x13"

Sean will be one of the artists exhibiting at DC's Longview Gallery juried invitational exhibition showcasing the people and work of the artists of the Washington Glass School. The show opens in May.

Washington Glass School: The First 10 Years

LongView Gallery

1234 9th Street, NW, Washington, DC
May 19 - June 19, Opening Reception, May 19th, 6:30-8:30 PM

Click HERE to jump to Sean's artwork website.

For other glass artist profiles:

Teddie Hathaway

Elizabeth Mears

Jeff Zimmer

Allegra Marquart

Jackie Greeves

New Flamework Class Schedule

Now that Spring has sprung - its time to get busy! Below are the new Spring/Summer Torchworking class offerings -

Class 1108 - Flamework Club - Open Studio For Flameworkers
Already know the basics of flameworking? Want to join others in a social atmosphere while you work? Our Flamework Club gives each student the opportunity to work independently in a world class studio while meeting some great new friends! Materials extra. Class Limit: 6 students
Instructor : Robert Kincheloe
Dates : Sat/Sun afternoons (call to confirm appointment)
Time : 1:30pm to 5pm
Tuition : $300 for 4 sessions (or included with instructor classes)

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Class 1109 - Flameworkers Weekend Workshop

Develop your sculptural voice through working with glass at the bench torch. This 2-day workshop will focus on advancing your individual skills while allowing you to work on your own personal sculptural projects. In this free-form workshop the participants will be able to not only learn techniques necessary to accomplish their personal projects, but also be able to learn the techniques required by others. The materials fee provides student with an initial pack of glass, fuel for the torches and the loan of a full set of hand tools. Additional glass and supplies are available for purchase as the class progresses. This is a fun way to reinforce your skills while working with other great artists! Class Limit: 6 students
Instructor : Robert Kincheloe
Dates : Session A Sat/Sun April 23 & 24

Session B Sat/Sun May 28 & 29

Session C Sat/Sun June 25 & 26

Time : 11 am - 5pm
Tuition : $250 +$50 material fee (pay material fee to instructor in class)

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Class 1110 - Beginning Sculptural Flameworking
Learn the basics of making objects in the flame from borosilicate (Pyrex) glass. This 2-day class will focus on skills that are the basis of working with glass on the torch. You will come away with knowledge and some fine objects too! Rob is an energetic, knowledgeable instructor and artist who is ready and willing to help anyone learn this fascinating art form. The materials fee provides student with initial pack of glass, fuel for the torches and the loan of a full set of hand tools. Additional glass and supplies are available for purchase as the class progresses. Take this class more than once to reinforce your skills! Class Limit: 6 students
Instructor : Robert Kincheloe
Dates : Sat/Sun May 21 & 22
Time : 10 am - 1pm (the 1:30pm to 5pm open lampwork studio directly following the class is free to any class member)
Tuition : $250 +$50 material fee (pay material fee to instructor in class)

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Class 1111 - Coldworking 101 - How to Grind and Polish


Learn how to incorporate coldworking techniques into your glass art. This 1-day class will focus on skills that are the basis of coldworking glass on the flat lap grinder. You will come away with knowledge and the ability to work safely and effectively with coldworking equipment! Robert will explain and demonstrate how the various pieces of equipment in the studio are used so that the students gain familiarity with what tools are available and how they can be properly utilized for glass art. The materials fee provides student with several "Blank" forms that they can use to practice these techniques. Students are also encouraged to bring small glass items that are less than 2" in surface are to experiment with. Class Limit: 8 students
Instructor : Robert Kincheloe
Dates : Sat May 7
Time : 1pm to 5pm
Tuition : $130 +$20 material fee (pay material fee to instructor in class)

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PayPal WGS Spring/Summer 2011 Flamework Class Registration Scroll down & Click on class listing

1108 - Flamework Club $300.00 1109A - Flameworkers Weekend April $250.00 1109B - Flameworkers Weekend May $250.00 1109C - Flameworkers Weekend June $250.00 1110 - Beginning Sculptural Flameworking $250.00 1111 - Coldworking 101 $130.00

New Spring & Summer Class Schedule

It has been said that Spring is Nature's way of saying: Let's Party! - so why fight it? In the spirit of the season - here is the NEW Washington Glass School class schedule! The Lampworking Schedule will be online shortly.
Class 1046 - Turning Your Wood - Cuts and Lino - Cuts Into Cast Glass Panels

This incredible process will allow your wood cuts or lino cuts to be duplicated in a cast glass panel with out harming your original cut piece! What a miraculous way for that printing technique to be used architecturally! You can also print from the glass plate. Imagine a wall of your wood cuts all translated into glass, then gridded out within in a metal frame....and made into a 10 ft high x 20 ft long wall. Or as simple a single back-lit glass panel! ....The possibilities are myriad! This is the perfect way for a lino cut printer to enter the world of large scale public art or to incorporate a quality of translucency into their work. The process is very simple to learn ....... and it will expand your artistic dialog exponentially .... All while using your own imagery!

Instructor	Kirk Waldroff
Dates	Saturdays April 2,9 & 16
Time	1pm - 5pm
Tuition	$300

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Class 1101 - Lighting Solutions For Your Home

This class will bring some serious color to your life, and brighten up your living space. This is the perfect way to use glass in a most practical application: ceiling lamps. You will design your own colored glass, determine your own shape, and have your choice of several different hanging or mounting options. For considerably less than the price of a designer fixture, you can put your own name on one. Tuition includes glass, mold materials, and mounting hardware. No glass experience is needed, and electrical experience will be provided.

Instructor	Erwin Timmers
Dates	Wed Evenings in May 4,11 & 18
Time	7pm - 9:30pm
Tuition	$300

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Class 1102 - Beginner’s Glass Lovers Weekend

Our most popular class, this is the fastest way to learn all aspects of warm glass in the shortest amount of time! Under the supervision of a professional glass artist you will learn the fundamentals of fusing, slumping and dimensional kiln casting. Everything from bowls and plates to sculptural objects... this is the perfect way for a beginner to learn the basics of glass... and you will leave with several very cool items! Offered 2 times in the spring/summer schedule.

Instructor	Robert Kincheloe, Tim Tate
Dates	Session 1102A Sat/Sun May 21 & 21 Session 1102B Sat/Sun July 16 & 17
Time	1 pm to 5 pm each day
Tuition	$300 per student (all materials included)

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Class 1103 - Going Green - Recycled Glass Art Workshop

Green up your life by doing something creative to help the environment! This is an exploration into using recycled glass to make sculptural pieces, architectural elements, and tableware. We will delve into multiple techniques, including casting, fusing and slumping. Glass chemistry, coloration, and firing temperatures will be explained for each particular application. It is a fantastic way to learn aspects of any warm glass work while focusing on recycling! Once you start down the path of recycled glass, you will see more and more opportunities for experimentation around you. No prior experience is necessary - you are encouraged to bring in materials you'd like to try...and you will leave with several very cool items!

Instructor	Erwin Timmers
Dates	Wed Evenings in June (1,8,15)
Time	7pm - 9:30pm
Tuition	$350

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Class 1104 - Hot Class Casting with Glass Inclusions and Cast Metal Bases

Here is this summer's fun and unusual crossover class! Start here at the Washington Glass School making molds from clay or lost wax. After those parts are cast and cleaned up....we next head to our sister school, DC Glassworks and ladle cast glass over those inclusions and then pour molten aluminum for the bases. This is one intense class! While it will be a lot of work.....the results will be purely sculptural.

Instructor	Dave D'Orio, Tim Tate & Erwin Timmers
Dates	Sat June 25 & Sat July 9
Time	1pm to 5pm each day
Tuition	$400

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Class 1105 - Beginner’s MIG Welding

Ever wondered about learning to weld? Want to impress your friends, your older brother and that cute bartender? It's easier than you think! In three evenings you will learn how to lay a bead, and handle all sorts of sharp and dangerous tools. You will be able to complete a small project and leave with lots of ideas and know-how for other projects. This class will teach you the basics of welding, metal work and design, joining, bending and finishing. And you will get dirty!

Instructor	Erwin Timmers
Dates	Wednesday evenings in June(29) and July (6, 13)
Time	7pm - 9:30pm
Tuition	$325

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Class 1106 - Bas- Relief In Glass / Overview of Deep Relief Dry Plaster Casting

Tired of working flat? Want an easy way to get some real depth into your glass? Here's a fun class where you will learn one of the easiest methods of kilncasting sheet glass to achieve bas-relief sculpture. This incredibly versatile method has endless fine art and architectural applications. In this two day class, we will discuss different types of glass and their firing schedules. Working with color and how it can affect dimensional casting will also be explored. Bring items you may want to cast with this method or choose from our image library. All materials and firings included.

Instructor	Michael Janis
Dates	Sat/Sun Aug 20 & 21
Time	2pm - 5pm
Tuition	$350

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Class Class 1107 - Studio Access/Open Studio

Already know the basics of casting or fusing? Open Studio gives each student the opportunity to work independently in a world class studio. Tuition includes a kiln firing per session, clear base glass and colored scrap glass, use of studio tools.

Instructor	Studio Staff
Dates	Wed./Thurs./Sat (call to confirm appointment)
Time	1pm - 5pm
Tuition	4 sessions - $300

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PayPal Online Registration for Spring / Summer Classes. Scroll thru list for class numbers:

1046 - Wood-Cuts $300.00 1101 - Lighting Solutions $300.00 1102A - Beginner's Weekend May $300.00 1102B - Beginner's Weekend July $300.00 1103 - Going Green $350.00 1104 - Hot Glass Casting with Glass Inclusions $400.00 1105 - MIG Welding Class $325.00 1106 - Bas-Relief In Glass $350.00 1107 - Open Studio $300.00