Collector Tour Hits Washington Glass School

Artist/Author Lenny Campello (R) joins the tour group.

Lenny Campello's book about the Washington, DC arts scene - 100 Artists of Washington, DC has generated much press. An Art Forum tour group from Santa Cruz, CA, included the Washington Glass School as part of its DC arts tour.

Erwin Timmers talks about how he recycles glass into his sculptural forms.

 The tour continued to Flux Studios and to Red Dirt Studios and off to Georgetown later.

Tim Tate entertains with stories of how he makes his videos.

Until I started talking of how to do frit powder drawing, the audience was captivated.

 The tour continued to Flux Studios and to Red Dirt Studios and off to Georgetown later.

Habatat Galleries Michigan 40th International Invitational

Habatat Galleries (Michigan) hosts its 40th Annual International Glass Invitational Exhibition

April 26 to May 26, 2012 GRAND OPENING: April 28, 2012 8:00 PM

TIM TATE Mermaids Past Their Prime

Blown & Cast Glass, original video

Ferdinand Hampson’s Habatat Galleries will feature the work of over 90 artists at this invitational, the oldest and largest annual presentation of contemporary glass in the country. Also on display is the Habatat inventory of studio glass for-sale.

Also on exhibit is Evolution Revolution: A special 50th Anniversary exhibition will trace the history of studio glass in the US with the help of works by 35 artists, plaques, and videos.

SUSAN TAYLOR GLASGOW Chandelier Dress II

In its "Off" position, the chandelier dress rests on a chrome dress form stand  and it is lit by 8 bulbs around the skirt, as well as one bulb at the finial.  

Habatat Galleries

4400 Fernlee Ave, Royal Oak, MI

The "King" Goes to Ohio's Brazee Street Studios

Brazee Street Studios in Cincinnati

The King of recycling - Erwin Timmers - heads off this week to Cincinnati's Brazee Studio, where he will be giving an artist talk on his work on exhibit in the show "Another Man's Treasure" currently at Gallery One One. The talk is scheduled for Saturday, April 28, 2012 from 5:00 pm.

Erwin Timmers' use of recycled glass is featured in his Going Green class.

 While in Cincinnati, Erwin will be teaching a class on using recycled glass  - click HERE for more details of the classes held at Brazee Street Studios.

Cincinnati, Ohio, home of WKRP.

And of Cincinnati style chili (made with unusual seasonings such as cinnamon, cloves, allspice or chocolate. And served over spaghetti doused with shredded cheese.!)

Yet Even MORE Glass Fun Facts! Mars Is Filled With Glass!

C'mon Wall-e

Dark patches visible across much of the northern Martian hemisphere aren't canals or vegetation, as once thought, but glass created by volcanic action according to a new study. The discovery by Briony Horgan and James Bell from Arizona State University, provides evidence of the same sort of processes seen on Earth, also happening on the Red Planet.

Dark areas are thought to be volcanic glass.
Credit: NASA/University of Arizona. 

Using near infrared spectroscopic data collected by the European Space Agency's Mars Express orbiter, Horgan and Bell found widespread weathered volcanic glass covering the surface of the Martian lowlands.

"The volcanic glass was created when hot magma reacted explosively with ice or water," says Horgan. "The same sort of thing happens in Iceland, where volcanoes erupt under glaciers. The interaction with the ice and the water causes the magma to become super-explosive, creating tons of sand sized black particles…"We see these dark plains and enormous glassy sand dune fields up in the northern Martian polar regions"

Horgan and Bell also found evidence of dips in the spectrum consistent with weathering caused by the glass being exposed to acidic water.

Their finding, which appear in the journal Geology, represents the first detection of widespread surface weathering during the Amazonian epoch -- the most recent of the three Martian geologic periods. Click HERE to read about it in the Huffington Post

Mars may have glass, but what it needs is a more feminine touch.

Click on each line below to jump to previous Glass Fun Facts postings:
Glass Fun Facts: Gaffer/Composer
More Glass Fun Facts: Bullseye GlassFloat Glass Fun FactsGlass Fun Facts - Shattered Glass Predicts Weather
Why is Glass Transparent?

Historical Glass Fun Facts - How the Invention of Pyrex and The Studio Glass Movement are Connected.

Erwin Timmers Glass Artwork @ 30th Smithsonian Craft Show

Among the 121 artists on display this weekend at the 30th annual Smithsonian Craft Show, Erwin Timmers’ glass artwork made from recycled glass sparkle like gemstones.

Erwin (also known as the “KING of Recycling”) uses glass diverted from the waste stream as his main source of raw material for his creations. Environmental integrity may be the inspiration of his work, but the result is pure beauty. Erwin has said that his work looks to bring out the unseen qualities that are often overlooked.

Make sure you stop in at the KING of Recycling’s space at the Smithsonian Craft Show held at the National Building in Washington, DC.

Smithsonian Craft Show
April 19 - 22, 2012
Erwin Timmers - Space 503
National Building Museum
(Judiciary Sq. Metro - Red Line)
401 F Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001

Chrysler Museum of Art Glass Studio Workshop

Christina Bothwell "Clockwork"

The Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, VA is offering an exciting new dynamic duo - everybody's favorite ceramic/glass artist Christina Bothwell and our own Professor Pangloss (Panglass?) Tim Tate. The five day workshop runs from May 30 thru June 3.

Tim Tate "Dreams of Flying"

from the Chrysler Museum Glass Studio website:

Take advantage of a rare opportunity to learn from two working studio artists that have much to share. Discover the techniques and influences behind the works of Christina Bothwell and Tim Tate, both former winners of the Virginia A. Groot Foundation Award for Sculpture. Bothwell’s work often combines clay and lost wax casting in a figural narrative, while Tate’s art focuses heavily on mixed-media electronics and lost wax casting. Demos will include lost wax casting, open face molds, and casting voids in artwork. Students, whether beginners or experienced glass artists, will have time to work in the Studio, but will benefit most from the group discussions of each student’s work and how to advance to another level in expressing their creativity in glass.

Click HERE to jump to the Chrysler Museum's site for more info about their workshops.

Wendy Rosen Wins US House Dem Primary!

Congrats to Wendy Rosen As She Wins US House Democrat Nomination for Maryland's 1st District!

Wendy Rosen at the Washington Glass School with a tour group from the World Craft Council in 2011. The North American branch of the World Crafts Council (WCCNA) along with its counterparts in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America sent representatives here to participate in the business seminars held as part of the Buyers Market of American Craft that was held at Baltimore's Convention Center in 2011.

In a tight primary race, US House candidate Wendy Rosen led opponent John LaFerla by 82 votes out of more than 25,000 cast after state election officials had counted most of the absentee and provisional ballots. The district includes portions of Baltimore, Carroll and Harford counties as well as Maryland's Eastern Shore.

Wendy Rosen advocates the “Made in America” movement. For 30 years she has advocated American Made products. Through her company, The Rosen Group, and The American Made Alliance, her writings, interviews and workshops have fueled consumer interest and political awareness of American-made products.

Wendy Rosen’s company, The Rosen Group was founded in 1981 and provides American artisans and producers with guidance in starting and growing their micro-enterprise businesses from a local to a national and international marketplace. Each year The Rosen Group produces the only trade show in the country devoted to American Made products, The Buyer's Market.

The Arts Business Institute was founded by Wendy in 2004. ABI's mission is to partner with guilds, vocational schools and university art programs to educate artists about sustainable and practical business practices for creative entrepreneurs. More than 6,000 artists have been trained in dozens of workshops throughout the US and Canada.

Wendy is the publisher of AmericanStyle magazine and Niche Magazine - that features fine craft, art festivals, gallery shows and museum events.

Way back in 2006, American Style Magazine writer Lee Lawrence wrote a fascinating article about the Washington Glass School artists - "Filling Glass With Meaning"

Click HERE to jump to Lee Lawrence's article.

Click HERE to jump to Baltimore Sun news article about the US House results.

Click Here to jump to Wendy Rosen for Congress site.

Erwin Timmers Preps for Smithsonian Craft Show

Erwin Timmers' luminescent sculptural forms are made from glass diverted from the waste stream.

Our master of sustainable design, Erwin Timmers, is getting his glass balls polished and ready for display at the Smithsonian Craft Show. This show is the 30th Anniversary of what is often referred to as the premier juried show of fine American Craft Art, running April 19 - 22, 2012, with a Preview Night Benefit on Wednesday, April 18, 2012.

WUSA's JC Hayward

Erwin will be interviewed by WUSA9 anchor JC Hayward. The two will be discussing the Smithsonian show held at the National Building Museum and how Erwin's sculptural work references environmental issues. His interview will be during the 9 News Now At Noon (slotted between "The Price is Right" and "The Young and the Restless")

We will post links once they appear online!
Click Here to jump to the Smithsonian Craft Show website.

Smithsonian Craft Show
April 18 - 22, 2012
Erwin Timmers - Space 503
National Building Museum
(Judiciary Sq. Metro - Red Line)
401 F Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001

New Washington Glass School Class Schedule

The new Glass School schedule is out - have a looky-loo at the lineup!

April - August 2012 Class Schedule

Class 1301- Beginner's Glass Lover's 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 Winter session. Instructors Mick Coughlan Dates Offered twice this summer : Session 1301A - June 16/17 Session 1301B- Aug 18/19 Time 1pm to 5pm each day Tuition $300 per student (all materials included)

Class 1302- Steel and Glass Sculptural Development For this incredible class, we are teaming up with our sister school at DC GlassWorks to form this amazing collaborative experience. For anyone who has dreamed of creating true sculptural work, this is the class for you! This unusual class will feature 5 Sunday workshops, some discussing sculptural theory, while most are simply hands on with material in both studios. Students will be introduced to the basics of metal working, glass casting and fusing, and aluminum casting. This class is designed for anyone from beginner to the most advanced, no prior knowledge of glass, steel or aluminum are necessary. (An 18" height restriction will be imposed on all pieces). Instructors: Dave D'Orio, Erwin Timmers Dates: Sunday Afternoons in May (6, 13, 20, 27)/June (3) Times: 1pm to 5pm each day Tuition : $450

Class 1303-Glass Lighting For Your Home This class will bring some serious color to your life, and brighten up your living space. This is yet another installment in the popular lighting series, and will focus on ceiling lamps. You will design your own glass, create 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 mold materials, glass, and mounting hardware. Some glass experience is useful, but not necessary and electrical experience will be provided. Instructor: Erwin Timmers Dates: Wednesday evenings in May/June (30, 6, 13) Time: 7 to 9:30 pm Tuition: $350

Class 1304- Elements Of 21st Century Reliquaries Reliquaries with internal healing objects have been important cultural objects for centuries. They have been made with a wide variety of materials. But what makes a reliquary in the 21st century? What elements can go inside? Which materials seem most appropriate in modern times? In this class we will utilize clay and glass to explore current concepts in reliquary forms. This class will be split between a clay and kiln cast glass studio, allowing each participant the use of both materials and many techniques. There will be a wine and cheese reception at the end of this workshop to allow friends to see the work in a professional setting. Instructors : Tim Tate/Novie Trump Dates : Sat/Suns in July/Aug (July 14,15,21,22,28,Aug 4,11) Time : 1pm to 5pm Tuition : $600

Class 1305 - Bas Relief In Glass (An Overview of 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. Instructors : Michael Janis Dates : Sats - June 2nd and 9th Time : 2 pm to 5 pm Tuition : $300

Class 1306- Open Studio - Work At Your Own Pace 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 afternoons (call to confirm appointment) Time : 1pm to 5pm Tuition : $300 for 4 sessions

Pay the deposit for the new class schedule online via PayPal

Deposit for Class Registration

1203B - MIG welding $50.00 USD 1301A - Beginner's Glass Lover's Weekend $50.00 USD 1301B - Beginner's Glass Lover's Weekend $50.00 USD 1302 - Steel and Glass Sculptural Development $50.00 USD 1303 -Glass Lighting $50.00 USD 1304 - Elements Of 21st Century Reliquaries $50.00 USD 1305 - Bas Relief In Glass $50.00 USD 1306 - Open Studio $50.00 USD

ART-O-MATIC Registration Opens!

Registration is Now Open for Artomatic 2012!

1851 South Bell Street

Crystal City, VA

Friday, May 18 - Saturday, June 23

Registration is now open for artists and performers to display work at Artomatic, the DC area's biggest free arts festival!

Artists, performers, filmmakers, and creatives of all types may now register to participate in Artomatic at www.artomatic.org.

With no criteria to participate, anyone can show art at Artomatic. Exhibit space is allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. At our last event in 2009, Artomatic attracted more than 76,000 visitors to see work by more than 1,200 artists, as well as 600 performances. This year, we expect to attract more visitors than ever before.

"We are very excited for this year's artists to exhibit at Artomatic," says Barry Schmetter, Artomatic's Event Director. "It's always amazing to see the variety of work displayed by our artists and performers, and exciting to see how much our visitors enjoy discovering new art."

To register, and for more information about the festival, visit

www.artomatic.org.

For the most recent updates, subscribe to Artomatic by email

or Facebook, and check the Artomatic website.

(It may take a bit to get thru - the number of artists rushing to the site had overwhelmed the server on the first night - but there are plenty of spaces!)

Get Yer Art On!

Howard Theatre Topper by Sean Hennessey

The Washington DC Howard Theatre restoration is a big story being covered by all. With good reason - the historic performing arts venue has new life and the building is topped with a sculpture by Brower Hatcher and Mid-Ocean Studios that included work by DC artist Sean Hennessey (click HERE to jump to WGS posting about the process Sean used to create the trumpet of the " Jazz Man".)

Sean Hennessey - The master caster.

Sean made two cast concrete-and-glass trumpets; one for the outdoor sculpture, one for the lobby of the refurbished theatre.

Here are some shots from the topping out of the building with the new sculpture finial:

It has been said that any artwork that requires a crane to install is automatically awesome - I agree!

Over 2,000 visitors attended the opening ceremony, and later in the day, Sean was on NPR radio talking about the work. Congrats to Sean, Brower, Mid-Ocean Studios and all involved in the theatre renovation!

JRA Penland Trip Update

Tim Tate has an update on the James Renwick Alliance trip to Penland. Its First Come - First Served, and 10 have already signed up - there are 10 slots are left!
Have a look at the description of the tour:

Hey There...

The most enjoyable trip I have ever taken was to Penland School of Crafts, outside of Asheville, North Carolina. This area of the country is dense with amazing artists. You may know my work, but you may not know what Penland and the artists in the Asheville area have meant to my career. I first attended a class at Penland in 1989. Thus began my lifelong relationship with this spectacular school and the generous artists who surrounded it. Here is a link to an article that goes into depth on why I have such a strong commitment to this area.

A central focus of the trip I am planning for the James Renwick Alliance will be attending Penland's 27th Annual Benefit Auction, featuring the sale of over 200 craft items and the centerpiece of a gala weekend in the North Carolina mountains. The Penland auction is one of the premier craft collecting events in the Southeast, and it is a wonderful opportunity to interact with fellow craft enthusiasts. Additionally, we will be visiting the studios of some of the most talented artists in and around Asheville. This will honestly be the best five-day excursion you have ever taken (at least I'm gonna' try to make it that way)!

Here is an outline of events:

• Wednesday, August 8 - Arrive at the Inn at Little Switzerland, our base for this trip.

• Thursday, August 9 - Visit the studios of ceramist Michael Sherrill, wood art sculptor Stoney Lamar, metalsmith Hoss Haley and bookmaker Dan Essig, finishing at Blue Spiral Gallery in Ashville.

• Friday, August 10 - Visit the studios of ceramist Christina Cordova and her husband, glass-maker Pablo DeSato; the Penland Gallery, featuring work by artists affiliated with Penland School of Crafts. Our last stop is at Penland for a cocktail party, exhibition preview, silent auction, dinner, live auction, dessert, party, live music and dancing.

• Saturday, August 11 - Start with coffee at The Barns at Penland, shows by both the resident and Core students at Penland, silent auction, lunch, live auction, and a reception at the Penland Gallery. Two major works will be the big spotlight, one by Beth Lipman, and the other by Dan Clayman - both stunning! After the auction, we will head back to the Inn at Little Switzerland for a lovely farewell cocktail and dinner party, where you will be able to swap stories with the new friends you made on this spectacular trip.

• Sunday, August 12 - Time to go home. Transfers are offered to the airport, if needed.

Cost of the trip is $525 for members and $625 for non-members, which includes a $100 non-refundable tax-deductible contribution to the James Renwick Alliance. The cost of the trip covers airport transfers (if needed), one welcome dinner, Penland ticket to four auctions, coffee, one lunch and one dinner.

Participants will be responsible for the cost of their hotel room, breakfasts at the hotel, 2 lunches and 2 dinners, travelers insurance and airline tickets or car rental fees. Ground transportation will be by car. Those who want to drive down from Washington, DC can share on-site transportation with those who choose to fly down. Hotel rates are from $199-189 per room, and each person is responsible for hotel reservations. Details on reservations will be available once deposits are made.

Confirmations will be sent out once deposits are made. A deposit of $250 is due by June 1, and final payment of $275 ($375 for non-members) is due by July 2. Hotel cancellation fees apply and are the responsibility of the individual. Invitations from Penland will be mailed in early June. Refunds will be based on expenses incurred minus the $100 non-refundable tax-deductible contribution to the James Renwick Alliance. No refunds will be given once final payment is made or benefit tickets have been purchased. Cancellations must be in writing.

Love you all,

Tim Tate

Tour Organizer

James Renwick Alliance Board of Directors

To register for the Penland trip, please fill out the registration form and send it to the James Renwick Alliance by email at admin@jra.org, fax at (301) 907-3855 or mail to the office at 4405 East West Highway, Suite 510, Bethesda, MD 20814.