The Art of Recycling with Erwin Timmers

Corcoran College of Art & Design graduate student Uliana Bazar has been working on a documentary about our Mr Green - Erwin Timmers. Below is a link to her insightful video "The Art of Recycling With Erwin Timmers" - where Erwin talks of ecological sustainable artwork, his recycled glass casting process and a glimpse at some of his new cast recycled glass artwork.


Some walk-ons - "there's Bert Weiss!" - "...is that Susan Lomuto welding?"

"International Glass Prize" Competition

Flemish Center for Contemporary Glass Art, Lommel, Belgium

Charlotte van der Seijs - a private foundation - has announced a new competition for artists working with glass. The International Glass Prize is “a triennial international glass competition for arts, design, and crafts” hosted by the GlazenHuis in Lommel, Belgium, a glass museum housed in a strikingly modern building comprised of mostly glass.

The theme of the first competition is quite simple: The Object.

The prizes total 20,000 Euros (Appoximately $27,500 US), which is divided as follows: 10,000 Euros prize money, 10,000 Euros to purchase a work for the GlazenHuis collection, and two residencies at the GlazenHuis Studios. The organizers have made entry into the competition easy, accepting up to three works from any one artist, forgoing an entry fee, and no age limit. Acceptable types of entries include product design, free form, sculptural glass and mixed media, as long as glass is the primary material.

Applications are being accepted until February 1, 2012, with the selection of contestants notified within the following two weeks. Winners will be announced the 6th of July, and the exhibition will be on display in GlazenHuis until October 8, 2012.

MEMBERS OF THE JURY:

Tina OLDKNOW (US), curator modern glass, Corning Museum of Glass, New York, United States
Jan BOELEN (BE), director Z33, platform for design and visual art Limburg, Hasselt, Belgium
Richard MEITNER (US/NL), artist, professor Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal
Jeroen MAES (BE), artistic coordinator GlazenHuis, Lommel, Belgium

PRIZES:

• EUR 10,000 : This amount in total will be awarded as the prize. The jury will award this to 1 prize-winner, or divide the amount as it deems is in accordance with its findings, between 2 or (maximally) 3 prize-winners.
• EUR 10,000 : For the expansion of the municipal glass collection the City of Lommel (Belgium) will invest up to EUR 10,000 in purchasing work(s) from the exhibition.
• Residencies : In addition to the cash prizes, 2 residencies of 6 days in the GlazenHuis glass studio will be awarded at a value of EUR 3,900 including hot and cold glass studio time with assistant, and travel and accommodation expenses.

The application form is only being accepted online. Visit the official competition site - click HERE

Hamiltonian Artists Fellowship Applications

Hamiltonian Artists Fellowship Program is Now Accepting Applications for 2012-2014 Term.
Deadline: Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Hamiltonian Artists, a 501(c)3, is excited to announce its fifth annual open call to emerging artists to apply to our two-year Fellowship Program, aimed at aiding in the professional development of contemporary visual artists.
What will you receive as a Hamiltonian Fellow?
- Professional Development

- An Annual Stipend

- Five Exhibitions in the Gallery, as well as Off-Site Exhibition Opportunities

- Mentorship

- Critiques- Access to Premier Arts Professionals

- Involvement in the Vibrant DC Arts Community

Please refer to the website for application requirements, restrictions and forms. The application process will close at 6:00 pm on on Wednesday, February 29, 2012, and any applications received after that date will not be considered.

http://www.hamiltonianartists.org/apply/

Email or call the gallery with any additional questions.

Hamiltonian Artists
1353 U Street, NW
Suite 101
Washington, DC 20009
202.332.1116
www.hamiltonianartists.org
www.hamiltoniangallery.com

Harvey K. Littleton and the Studio Glass Movement

In 1962, two groundbreaking workshops led by artist Harvey K. Littleton and glass scientist Dominick Labino introduced artists to the material of glass as a medium for artistic expression. Littleton and Labino presented their development of a small, portable furnace and low temperature melting-point glass, providing artists access to glass and glassblowing techniques for the first time. These workshops kickstarted the Studio Glass movement, which emphasized the artist as designer and maker, with a focus on making one-of-a-kind objects.

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the American Studio Glass movement, in 2012, a number of museums will be mounting exhibitions on the history and origins of the movement.

The Corning Museum of Glass has two exhibitions that opened November 17, 2011 and will run through January 6, 2013.

In the Spring 2012: Chazen Museum of Art (University of Wisconsin, Madison) has an exhibition planned, and there is an exhibition planned for November 2, 2012 thru December 21, 2012 at the: Visual Arts Center of Richmond (Richmond, Virginia)

The man called the father of the Studio Glass Movement was not at first a glass artist. Littleton was born in 1922 and raised in Corning, New York. Throughout his childhood, he had many opportunities to observe glassworking processes and to learn about the properties of glass at the Corning Glass Works. His father, Dr. Jesse T. Littleton, known as J.T., was an expert in the infrared properties of silicon and the first physicist to join the newly established research team at Corning Glass Works headed by Dr. Eugene C. Sullivan.

J.T. Littleton often discussed the properties of glass as dinnertime conversation, and Saturday morning visits to the glassworks were routine for Littleton when he was young. In 1936, he and his brothers witnessed, with his father and many others, the dramatic failure of the first casting of the 200-inch mirror for the Hale Telescope at Mount Palomar in California.

Littleton’s mother, Bessie Cook Littleton, was instrumental in developing Corning’s Pyrex cookware. J. T. Littleton had the idea that Corning’s low-expansion borosilicate glass, which had been developed for use in battery jars (used in rural areas before widespread electrification), could be used for cooking. He took home a battery jar that had been cut into a round, shallow pan, and he convinced his wife to bake a cake in it. Her success led to the development of Corning’s Pyrex housewares.

After receiving a master of Fine Arts from Cranbrook Academy of Arts Harvey Littleton embarked on the career of potter. Littleton received recognition for his work as a ceramicist in a national exhibition sponsored by the American Crafts Council at the First International Exposition of Ceramics in Cannes, France.

In 1959 he began to investigate the possibility of glass as a medium, and in 1960 had melted glass and cold-worked lumps of cullet. In the summer of 1962 the Toledo Museum of Art invited Littleton to lead a glassblowing workshop. It was in that seminar that Littleton introduced the idea that glass could be mixed and melted, blown and worked in the studio by the artist. Up to that time it was widely believed that glass objects could only be made in the highly structured, mass-produced world of the glass industry where the labor of making glass is divided between designers and skilled craftsmen.

With Littleton’s active encouragement and promotion, glass programs sprang up at universities, art schools, and summer programs across the country during the late 1960s and early 1970s; and the Studio Glass movement became an international phenomenon. What began fifty years ago as a small group of artists who shared an interest in glass as an artistic material has grown into an international community of thousands.”

In 1984, his daughter, Maurine Littleton opened an art gallery committed to artists working in glass and ceramics in Washington DC’s historic Georgetown neighborhood.

Rizzoli Publications

Maurine advised on Joan Falconer Byrd's new book : “Harvey K Littleton: A Life in Glass” - This new book has many previously unpublished archival photographs and a detailed chronology. Images and the history of Littleton’s early ceramic and glass vessels and his richly colorful glass sculptures, among them the late “Lyrical Movement” series are detailed in this beautifully designed book. The book includes work by his close friend and European counterpart Erwin Eisch and his former student and much-celebrated glass artist Dale Chihuly.

Below is "Pioneers of Studio Glass" - a video that was produced by WGTE Public Media for the Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass. It is a fascinating look at the 1962 Toledo Workshops where Harvey Littleton and Dominick Labino first experimented with making glass outside of the factory setting.

Pioneers of Studio Glass from corecubed on Vimeo.

Tim Tate & Michael Janis - Fulbright Recipients

Professor Janis

This March, WGS Professors Janis and Tate will be heading over the pond to Ye Olde England as Fulbright Scholars - heading to University Of Sunderland and the The Institute for International Research in Glass (IIRG).

Professor Tate

Sponsored by the US Department of State, the Fulbright Program is a program of competitive, merit-based grants for international educational exchange for students, scholars, professionals, scientists and artists, founded by US Senator J. William Fulbright. The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious awards programs worldwide, operating in over 155 countries. Forty-three Fulbright alumni have won Nobel Prizes, including two in 2010.

IIRG's Centre

The University of Sunderland has the largest glass and ceramics department in Europe. The Glass & Ceramic department is housed in the National Glass Centre's landmark £17million building, adjacent to St.Peter's Campus.

The UK National Glass Centre has interesting glass shop procedures. Above is photo by Anna Liukas from Sunderland's 2010 calendar featuring shots of students at work in the hot shop.
Above, a flamework studio student pictured hard at work. photo: Anna Liukas
Apparently, the North East of England is much hotter than we were led to believe. Traveling light should be the bywords for our two intrepid scholars.

Tim and Michael will be teaching special courses at the University starting in the month of March, 2012. We are looking forward to their stories and blog photo updates of their escapades!

Nicole Puzan - In Memoriam

Nicole Puzan
1983-2011
Studio Coordinator, Glass Artist, Friend

We are sorry to report that our much loved glass studio coordinator passed away yesterday morning. Only 28 years old, Nicole succumbed to a very aggressive ovarian cancer. Our Nicole was a trooper to the end, and we understand that she seemed comfortable as she passed.

Nicole was integral to the Prince George's County Courthouse public artwork sculpture.

Nicole coordinated many art projects while working in the Washington Glass Studio. Here, Nicole is cleaning a just annealed glass casting that was part of the Vanderbilt University Critical Care Tower.

Nicole celebrating the arrival of Margaret Boozer's baby in 2009 with the Dutch sweet "beschuit met muisies".

Nicole shown here plugged through the messy part of studio work.

Nicole was an instructor of classes at the Washington Glass School. Nicole is hown here with artists Cheryl Derricott and Dave Cook.

A mural based on Nicole's tattoo was painted at the Fridge Gallery in Washington, DC. in 2010.


Services will be held Saturday at 11 am at the Oakton Unitarian Universalist.

Bullseye Gallery Features Painter(ly) Glass Artists

Michael Janis Observation of Signals
2011 Kilnformed glass

Jeff Wallin Kate
2008 Kilnformed glass

Bullseye Gallery - located near the Bullseye Glass Center in Portland, Oregon - has a special exhibit opening soon that focuses on artists that work.
Titled "FACTURE -Artists at the Forefront of Painterly Glass" the exhibit asks what advantages do the materials and processes found in glass provide that can’t be found in other painting media.

"FACTURE -Artists at the Forefront of Painterly Glass"

January 4 thru February 25, 2012
Bullseye Gallery, Portland, OR

Works by Michael Janis, Kari Minnick, Martha Pfanschmidt, Ted Sawyer, Abi Spring, and Jeff Wallin
Artist Reception: Wednesday, January 4, 5:30 - 7:30 pm

A panel discussion will be held with the artists moderated by Bullseye's Michael Endo on Sunday January 8 from 2pm–4pm.

Bullseye Gallery offers contemporary art objects and experiences examining the potential and complexity of kilnformed glass. The gallery also explores glass in the built environment, inviting art into architecture through collaborations with artists, designers, architects and clients.

The gallery hosts artist lectures, panel discussions, and events which encourage dialogue about the concepts and processes driving contemporary art.

Bullseye Gallery
300 NW 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
Phone: 503.227.0222
Gallery Hours: Tues - Sat 10:00AM - 5:00PM

Winter Exhibit

Works by M.L. Duffy and Debra Ruzinsky

The Washington Glass School is set up for the Open Studio and Winter Show that is held this Saturday, Dec 10. The show runs from 1 to 5 pm.
The artists and instructors have been setting up areas with some great works - The Washington Post newspaper selected the show as part of the Weekend Picks. Great image by Pete Duvall of Erwin Timmers cast recycled glass!

The Friday Weekend Section of the Washington Post.

Nancy Donnelly's cast glass woodblock

A Wall of Tim Tates!

Sean Hennessey's cast elements in front of Syl Mathis' cast glass boats

Chris Shea's fantastic sculpture.

Come on up to to the Mount Rainier studios, just across the Eastern Ave border. Next door studios like Flux Studio and Ellyn Weiss' are open!

Washington Glass School

3700 Otis Street
Mount Rainier, MD 20712

1-5 pm

December 10, 2011

New Winter 2011/2012 Glass Class Schedule

Have look at the all new school schedule - some new instructors and classes to make for a warm & cozy winter schedule!
________________________________________
Class 1201- 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: Robert Kincheloe/ Mick Coughlan
Dates: Session 1201A - Sat/Sun Jan 21/22
Session 1201B - Sat /Sun March 17/18
Time: 1pm to 5pm each day
Tuition: $300 per student (all materials included) _______________________________________________

Class 1202 - Next Step Fused Glass OK...we hear you! Our Next Step Fused Glass expands on the basic fused glass techniques and adds some fun extras that will help set your work apart. You will gain a more in-depth understanding of fused glass and the various techniques in the creation of more complex pieces. This 3 day class focuses on larger scale objects - plates, platters, etc, and will include working with pattern bars, and embellishments with frit powders and decals! Instructor: Michael Janis Dates : 3 consecutive Sat afternoons, January 28, February 04 & 11 Time : 2 pm to 5pm each day Tuition : $350 per student (all materials included) __________________________________________

Class 1203- Beginning 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 February 8, 15, 22 Time : 7 pm to 9 pm Tuition : $325 per student

________________________________________ Class 1204 - Master Class: Painting On Glass with Bert Weiss Led by master artist Bert Weiss, (just check who's the most consulted guru on Warmglass.com) this three-day glass painting technique class features multiple projects designed to give the student a better understanding of lass painting and its enormous potential in fused glass. Bert's techniques allow you to use vibrant colors without worrying about glass compatibility. The course will show you how to mix metallic oxide colorants with glass and create oil paint like-washes. This course is suitable for all levels of experience. Students do not need to bring anything, all the tools and materials are provided for the course - just wear suitable old clothes and sturdy shoes... oh, and bring a lunch! Bert Weiss studied traditional glass painting with Albinus Elskus and has developed and improved his techniques for the past 40 years. Bring any questions you may have had about glass fusing; within 10 minutes Bert should be able to troubleshoot! Cut off sign-up date is Jan 30, 2012. Instructor : Bert Weiss Dates : February 18, 19, 20 (President's Day Weekend) Time : 10am to 4pm each day Tuition : $400 per student ________________________________________

Class 1205- Going Green Green up your life by doing something creative to help the environment! This is an exploration into using recycled glass to make sculptural pieces, tableware, and architectural elements. 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 : Wednesday evenings in March 14, 21, 28 Time : 7 pm to 9:30 pm Tuition : $350 per student

____________________________________________
Class 1206- 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

To purchase class online - scroll thru PayPal listing below:

Class Registration

1201A- Beginner's Glass Lover's Weekend $300.00 USD 1201B- Beginner's Glass Lover's Weekend $300.00 USD 1202 - Next Step Fused Glass $350.00 USD 1203- Beginning MIG Welding $325.00 USD 1204 - Master Painting with Bert Weiss $400.00 USD 1205- Going Green $350.00 USD 1206- Open Studio $300.00 USD Living Social bowl class $150.00 USD