Join the Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass (AACG) on Friday, July 11, at 1pm Eastern time when they present Face to Face: The Language of Faces & Figurative Work. Aaron Schey of Habatat Galleries will facilitate a discussion about faces in work and figurative work with artists Dean Allison and Michael Janis. The program will include a presentation by each artist, followed by an in-depth question & answer session with the artists discussing their work and how the public responds to faces and figurative work versus abstract art.
Through glass powder portraits and cast glass sculpture, we explore how faces reveal what we hide and reflect who we truly are. Fired. Fractured. Fused. Every face tells a story.
Washington Glass School is excited to share that co-directors Michael Janis and Tim Tate are among the artists included in a significant new acquisition by The Baker Museum in Naples, Florida. The museum has received The Dr. Laurence and Rita Sibrack Collection of Contemporary Glass and Ceramics, a gift that brings 74 works by 60 artists into the museum’s permanent collection.
The Baker Museum in Naples, FL
The Sibrack Collection includes works by some of the most influential names in contemporary glass and ceramics, including Dale Chihuly, Judith Schaechter, Amber Cowan, Preston Singletary, Lucio Bubacco—and now, Michael Janis and Tim Tate. This collection spans nearly every major glass technique, from flame-worked to blown and cast, and reflects a deep appreciation for material, form, and light.
The Baker Museum’s decision to fully integrate these works into its broader holdings marks a continued shift in how museums value glass and ceramics—not as separate from fine art, but as essential parts of its story. For Janis and Tate, who have each spent decades advancing contemporary glass as a narrative and conceptual art form, this recognition is especially meaningful.
“Our work is about storytelling through material,” said Michael Janis. “Being included in a collection like this, which treats glass as a vehicle for meaning and not just decoration, affirms why we do what we do.”
Tim Tate added, “What the Sibracks have built is not just a personal collection—it’s a statement about the relevance and emotional range of glass today.”
Rita and Dr Laurence Sibrak
The Sibracks, longtime supporters of Artis—Naples, were first inspired by a 2000 exhibition of Chihuly’s work at the museum. Their decision to make this donation stems from a long commitment to both the institution and the idea that art should be lived with, shared, and accessible to all.
This acquisition places the work of two DC-based artists into one of the most respected collections in the region, further establishing the impact of the Washington Glass School on the national stage. We’re proud to see Michael and Tim’s work recognized alongside such powerful voices in the field and grateful to the Sibracks and the Baker Museum for helping bring greater visibility to the language of glass.
The collection will be celebrated in the upcoming exhibition “The Passion of Collecting: Stories in Glass and Ceramics from the Sibrack Collection,” opening January 10, 2026 at The Baker Museum and remaining on view through the fall.
Following is a complete list of artists in the The Dr. Laurence and Rita Sibrack Collection of Contemporary Glass and Ceramics: Dean Allison, Adrian Arleo, Michael Behrens, Susan Beiner, Alex Bernstein, Charles Birbaum, Christina Bothwell, Peter Bremers, Emily Brock, Lucio Bubacco, Jim Budde, Nancy Callan, Dale Chihuly, A-Mi Choi, Amber Cowan, Dan Dailey, Stefen Dam, Laura Donefer, Michael Glancy, Peter Hora, Agnes Husz, Jannet Iskander, Martin Janecky, Michael Janis, William Kidd, Sabrina Knowles, Velarde Kukuli, K. William LeQuier, Dianne Martin Lublinski, Emma Luna, Robert Mickelsen, Shelley Muzylowski Allen, Harumi Nakashima, Sybelle Peretti, Lindsay Pichaske, Jenny Pohlman, Clyfford Rainey, David Regan, Colin Reid, Ross Richmond, George Rodriquez, Davide Salvadore, Judith Schaechter, Livio Seguso, Preston Singletary, Carmen Spera, Kristen Stingle, April Surgent, Matthew Szösz, Etsuko Tashimu, Tim Tate, Tip Toland, Margit Tóth, Hidenori Tsumori, Sam Tuffnell, Janusz Walentynowicz, Patti Warashina, Ann Wolff, Loretta Yang and Mary Ann Zynsky.
To learn more about the museum and the artists in the collection, visit artisnaples.org.
PG Dept of Parks and Rec wants the community to help ideate the look of the Mt Rainier Skatepark. Photo by Michael Janis.
The Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation is working with the Mt Rainier Arts Commission and together they will host Deck the Skate Park: A Public Art Bash on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Mount Rainier Skate Park (down the street from the Glass School and across from Otis Street Arts Project). This Creative Community Day marks the first step in a beautification project for the newly renovated 6,000-square-foot plaza-style skate park, situated at the corner of Wells Avenue and Otis Street.
Mount Rainier residents are invited to contribute ideas for the park’s artistic redesign, with options including murals, sculptures, or a combination of both. Attendees will have the opportunity to vote on the design’s aesthetic, shaping the park’s future as a community landmark. The skate park, equipped with ramps, rails, steps, picnic tables, and benches, serves as a popular gathering spot for skaters and families.
The event features several activities, including:
Free skating lessons for all skill levels
Community art projects facilitated by Arts on a Roll
Complimentary ice cream
Door prizes
Activities suitable for all ages
So, on Saturday, June 28th, Noon – 2pm, grab your skateboard, and roll on over to make the Mt Rainier Skate Park a vibrant masterpiece!
For more information, contact the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation (301)446-3232.
Now for something completely different! Need any more tranquility, abundance, wisdom, strength, comfort, creativity, patience, or intuition in your life? Who doesn’t??
Healing dolls, also known as spirit or intention dolls, are here to help. Charming folk-art dolls carry ancient cultural or spiritual meaning, and each doll is as unique as the vision of its creator.
You will create your own cherished doll from simple materials and your personal intention. We use polymer clay to create the face, either from a mold or hand-built.
Michael Janis “The Pale Dawn” photo credit Pete Duvall.
Co-Director Michael Janis’ glass sgraffito panel “The Pale Dawn” will be part of the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass’s Live Auction “Catching Fire” on June 11 – an artful virtual auction featuring over 100 glass artworks and experiences with proceeds supporting the participating artists and the BMM Glass educational programs. Bid on silent auction items June 4–14, with a live virtual auction June 11th at 6:45pm CST.Â
The work “Pale Dawn” is a portrait that leans into quiet tension—between realism and abstraction, softness and structure. The figure is set against blocks of muted olive and turquoise, with black powdered frit forming the clothing and gradually dissolving into the white background. There’s a sense of stillness in her gaze, but also a bit of mystery in how the form starts to fade at the bottom.
Michael Janis studies for “The Pale Dawn” showing how color and pattern were investigated.
We’ve included some of the early studies for color and detail to show how the piece came together—those small experiments helped evolve and shape the final direction.
What a great visit! This Monday, the Washington Glass School welcomed DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities Ward 5 Commissioner Cecily Habimana!
It was an honor to show her around the studio—sharing how we connect with our community through glass art classes, support the local arts scene, and create powerful public art.
Thank you, Commissioner Habimana, for your energy, support, and passion for the arts in DC!
L-R Erwin Timmers, Michael Janis, CAH Commissioner Habimana, and Tim Tate
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 RaĂces 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 RaĂces 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!
Washington Glass School resident artist Patricia de Poel Wilberg will be featured in the upcoming “New Connections in Glass” exhibit at the Ice House Gallery in Berkeley Springs, WV. Curated by Maureen Storey, the show runs from May 30 to July 27, 2025, with an Opening Reception on Saturday, May 31, from 6:30 – 8:30 PM.
The exhibition brings together eight exceptional glass artists exploring diverse techniques and perspectives within the medium. Each artist offers a unique lens into the many ways glass can be transformed, manipulated, and used to tell visual stories.
Patricia de Poel Wilberg’s work continues to captivate with her painterly approach to glass. For this exhibit, Patricia debuts a vibrant new series of figurative panels celebrating noted women artists throughout history. These tributes aren’t just portraits—they’re rich, layered interpretations that reference each subject’s distinctive art and style, translated into glass.
Patricia de Poel Wilberg working on her new glass artwork series
Using vitreous enamels and kiln-formed glass, Patricia meticulously builds her panels through multiple firings, fusing and reforming components to create dynamic narratives. Her newest works honor the legacies of women whose creative voices have shaped the art world—brought to life in color, texture, and light.
Evolution of Patricia’s glass artwork tribute to Yayoi Kusama. (The Japanese artist known for their signature use of polka dots and large-scale installations.)
“I wanted to show how the spirit of these artists can be reinterpreted through the language of glass,” Patricia explains. “Each panel is a conversation between their work and mine.”
Featured artists in the show include: Elizabeth Braun Rachel Brooks Mark Hill Sharon Moffitt Patricia de Poel Wilberg Laurie Madsen Snarr Maureen Storey Nancy Weisser
We encourage everyone to make the trip to the scenic Ice House Gallery to see this remarkable collection and to support Patricia and her fellow artists. It’s sure to be a stunning and inspiring celebration of innovation in glass.
New Connections in Glass May 30 – July 27, 2025 Opening Reception: Saturday, May 31, 6:30 – 8:30 PM Ice House Gallery 138 Independence Street, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411 www.icehousecoop.com
Join us in celebrating Graciela Granek with these photos from her farewell lunch at Washington Glass School and her time at the school! 🥂 Since 2020, Graciela has been a cherished resident artist, instructor, and friend. She’s now heading back to Tel Aviv to reunite with family and launch her own studio. Wishing her endless creativity and success!
National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Step into the world of architecture, design, and history at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. Located at 401 F Street NW, just four blocks from the National Mall.
WGS leads workshop at the National Building Museum.
Washington Glass School Event! : A Maker’s Workshop: The Art of Mosaics Join Graciela Granek from The Washington Glass School for a hands-on mosaic workshop inspired by the Visible Vault exhibition. Two sessions are available on May 17: 10:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. (NOTE: Both sessions are now SOLD OUT!!) Don’t miss the chance to explore the stories of the world we design and build. Visit the National Building Museum and be inspired!
Friday, July 11, 2025 at 1PM Eastern time
