Within the aftermath of the 2000 Artomatic present, famend glass artist Tim Tate and metallic/eco-artist Erwin Timmers felt the necessity to create an area for the rising glass artwork group in Washington, DC. Their answer was the founding of what was first referred to as “Meltdown”—the long run Washington Glass Faculty. The varsity’s very first-class, held on September 13, 2001, got here within the shadow of some of the tragic days in American historical past. Whereas the founders initially thought-about canceling the session, the overwhelming want of the scholars to maneuver ahead created an indelible bond. The category grew to become a therapeutic area, the place disappointment and concern have been channeled into creativity and connection.
From these early days, the Washington Glass Faculty (WGS) has embraced group and resilience as core values. In 2003, the college relocated from its unique residence—now the Rubell Museum in DC’s Southwest neighborhood—to the Washington Sculpture Middle. Michael Janis, an progressive artist who joined the college that 12 months, grew to become a director by 2005. His management, alongside Tate and Timmers, continued to steer the college because it grew in fame.
In 2006, a turning level got here when the college’s constructing was taken by eminent area to make approach for the Washington Nationals’ baseball stadium. Unfazed, the WGS group moved simply exterior the District to Mount Rainier, Maryland. It’s been their residence ever since, the place they proceed to show, collaborate, and create public artwork.
WGS has developed right into a dynamic hub for inventive exploration, encouraging artists to problem the standard limits of glass as an artwork medium. Their collaborative spirit thrives, with glass artists working alongside creatives from different disciplines, producing public artwork that speaks to the center of the group.
