Category Archives: black artists of DC

WGS John Henderson’s Glass Art Shines in “The Evidence of Things Now Seen” at Arena Stage

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Washington Glass School resident artist John Henderson’s captivating glass artwork is featured in the upcoming exhibition The Evidence of Things Now Seen, presented by Black Artists of DC (BADC) and Tres Raíces Arts. This powerful show, running from Saturday, May 24, 2025, to Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater (1101 6th Street, SW, Washington, DC), celebrates the richness of Black life through themes of belonging, equality, legacy, liberation, love, and joy.

Jon Henderson, kiln fused glass on exhibit at Arena Stage

Curated by Gia Harewood, the exhibition draws inspiration from the profound legacy of American writer and civil rights activist James Baldwin, whose work fearlessly illuminated truths about identity and humanity. John Henderson’s glass art, known for its color and emotive depth, resonates deeply with these themes, offering viewers a unique perspective on the Black experience through the transformative medium of glass.

A special talk about the works will take on June 11, 2025, from 6:30–7:30 PM, about the stories behind the works. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience John Henderson’s artistry and the collective brilliance of BADC and Tres Raíces Arts in this inspiring exhibition.

Event Details: The Evidence of Things Now Seen

Exhibition Dates: May 24–June 17, 2025

Location: Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street, SW, Washington, DC

Talk: June 11, 2025, 6:30–7:30 PM

Celebrate Black creativity and explore “The Evidence of Things Now Seen”.  Click HERE to see online catalog of the show!

#WashingtonGlassSchool #JohnHenderson #BlackArtistsDC #TresRaicesArts #ArenaStage #GlassArt #BADC

Posted in BADC, black artists of DC, john hendersen, john henderson | Tagged , ,

Commemoration of the Slaves who Built the US Capitol

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Glass art by Michael Janis

The recent order from President Trump to rescind DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs has led to a noticeable downplaying of Black History Month across government agencies. The U.S. State Department, for instance, has prohibited public events or messages celebrating the month, which has been a staple of American culture since the 1970s.

Michael Janis’ design for DC Ward 5 Memorial

In contrast, local organizations in Washington, DC, are stepping up to honor Black history and contributions. The Lamond Riggs Library Friends, in collaboration with the DC Office of Planning, is hosting Foundations of Freedom: Recognizing the Enslaved People Who Built the U.S. Capitol. This special event will introduce WGS Director Michael Janis’ design for a new DC Memorial to Honor the Enslaved People Who Built the U.S. Capitol for Ward 5. Along with DC’s Office of Planning staff, Michael will offer an overview of a public art proposal. The program will include storytelling, a discussion of the design process, and a Q&A session to engage the community.

Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 1 pm – 3 pm @ Lamond-Riggs DC Public Library, 5401 South Dakota Ave NE, WDC.

For more information – click on link to jump to DCPL site: https://dclibrary.libnet.info/event/12875262

Posted in african american glass, american craft, american glass, architect of the capitol, architecture, black artists of DC, bullseye, creative economy, creative glass, DC, DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, future of glass, glass architecture., history project, kiln-formed, martin luther king jr, michael janis, mike janis, Public Art, studio art glass, studio artist, US Department of State, warm glass, washington DC, washington glass school, Washington Glass Studio, 玻璃艺术 | Tagged ,

Black Artists of DC

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This past weekend, the Washington Glass School was host to the Black Artists of DC (BADC) monthy meeting. The artist group often conducts studio visits as a way to network and offer new opportunities for the members.
The mission of BADC is to promote, develop and validate the culture, artistic expressions and aspirations of past and present artists of Black-Afrikan ancestry in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Click HERE to jump to BADC’s facebook page.

Posted in african american artists, BADC, black artists of DC, washington DC