Brooklyn-Based Nonprofit UrbanGlass Celebrates 25 Years of Cornerstone Program, The Bead Project, with April 27 Celebration
The evening’s festivities will celebrate The Bead Project’s longstanding presence as an artistic and entrepreneurial space for women, femmes, and nonbinary creatives
New York, April 20, 2022 – UrbanGlass, the largest nonprofit in the country dedicated to making and learning about glass and its creative possibilities, recently announced The Bead Project 25th Anniversary Benefit Cocktail Reception honoring the cornerstone program, The Bead Project, a unique and free program designed for economically disadvantaged women, femmes and gender non-conforming individuals in New York City to learn the art of glass beadmaking while gaining an education in entrepreneurship.
Approximately 24 artists utilize the time, tools, and community support provided by UrbanGlass to pursue their creative ambitions and form actionable plans to turn an artform into a viable source of income. Over the course of 10 weeks, scholarship recipients take part in both studio and classroom coursework where they develop skills in jewelry fabrication and design, product marketing, and practical strategies for launching a successful small business. Today there are 500+ alums, each with their own unique story to share regarding the program’s impact on their lives.
“We are very excited to be celebrating 25 years of this vital program, its participants, and all those who have made this milestone possible,” shares UrbanGlass Executive Director Devin Mathis. “The program has had unprecedented success and impact and we so look forward to continuing The Bead Project well into the future.”
The Spring Benefit will feature alumni, program patrons, and notable speakers from the City’s local arts community. The evening sets out to explore the layered benefits the program has had on the lives of participants through the years and the community established.
“The Bead Project has offered me the opportunity to explore the materials that I first encountered on a family trip when I was 15 years old,” shares program alum Maria Aroche. “I didn't realize it then, but glass would always be something that intrigued me, and UrbanGlass allowed me to bring that curiosity to fruition.”
The event will be hosted at UrbanGlass’ studio at 647 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217 on April 27, 6 - 9 pm. Event details are provided at the following web address: www.givergy.us/urbanglassbeadp....
Media inquiries should contact Kolette Bodenmiller at kolette@urbanglass.org.
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