Sunderland, England Visits Washington, DC

clockwise from left: Novie Trump, Tim Tate, George Koch, Oliver "Skip" Dulle, Tom Hurst, Catherine Auld and Erwin Timmers talk about the prospects for an international exhibition of glass and clay. 

Based on the aftermath of Tim Tate & Michael Janis' successful Fulbright Scholarship assignment to the University of Sunderland, representatives from DC's sister city (which is Sunderland, England) popped in for proverbial "spot of tea and a bit of a chat" - re: the possibility of another international glass exhibition to be held in DC in Spring 2013. (One may remember the fabulous Glass 3 exhibit hosted by Artomatic in 2008.)  

George Koch, founder and board member of DC's Cultural Development Corporation, chats with WGS' Tim Tate 

This time the arts organization is proposing to expand the format to include ceramics and possibly another international partner; all together exhibiting at a downtown DC gallery space. Discussions included international workshops, marketplace events and how cultural tourism could be integrated. The representatives from the UK met at the Washington Glass School and at Flux Studios.

Artist Novie Trump explains the process of a commissioned ceramic installation to the Sunderland delegation.

Dr David Smith, Chief Executive, Sunderland City Council and DC Mayor Vincent Gray sign the Sunderland, UK / Washington, DC Sister City Agreement, February 22, 2012, 

We don't want to jinx the procedures and process at this early stage, but we are excited at the prospect of such an event!