International Glass & Clay 2013 Opens!

Opening reception for International Glass and Clay 2013 Exhibit in Washington, DC

This weekend, the opening reception for the International Glass & Clay 2013 was a great sucess!
The collaborative show, organized by Artomatic, the Office of the Secretary of the District of Columbia and DC's Sister City of Sunderland, England and the University of Sunderland had a great turnout for the first night of the month long event. A number of the UK artists exhibiting in the show were on hand at the opening, and they were able to make connections with collectors and the DC creative community. 
Below are some photos of the opening night and of the exhibition:

Colin Rennie (foreground) Michael Janis (L) Roger Tye

Colin Rennie talks about his process and influences.

Washington DC collectors contemplate Megan Randall's ceramic works.

Stephen Beardsell's glass sculptures are always a favorite.

UK glass artist Robyn Townsend answers questions about her glass artworks on exhibit.

Beautiful ceramic sculptures by Novie Trump.

Glass artwork by UK glass artist Jeffrey Sarmiento and beyond, works by US artists Nancy Donnelly and Audrey Wilson.

UK glass artist Phil Vickery chats with DC collectors.

Artwork by UK glass artist Criss Chaney and ceramic work by US artist Tamara Laird.

Ceramic sculpture by the UK's Philippa Whiteside.

UK glass artist Roger Tye expresses surprise at what artist Criss Cheney has to say.

Sunderland City International Manager Catherine Auld is happy as Sunderland's Anne Tye negotiates a sale with a Washington, DC art collector.

The international exhibit will be open to the public thru March 23, 2013. Location is Pepco Edison Place Gallery, 702 8th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20068.
Gallery hours Saturday & Tuesday 12pm-4pm. Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, 12pm-8pm.

 Click HERE to jump to the exhibit website for more info on special events and artist info.

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!