Glass Fusing Warriors: An exhibition of Veterans from the Brooklyn VA

Opening Reception December 3rd from 6-8 PM.

UrbanGlass is proud to present Glass Fusing Warriors, an exhibition of fused glass artwork created by 26 veteran artists who have participated in our Fun With Fusing program at the Brooklyn VA. Curated by co-instructors of the program, Jane Bruce and Tara Traister, this exhibition celebrates the stories, creativity and resilience of our service members. 

Since 2020 UrbanGlass has partnered with the Brooklyn Veterans Affairs Medical Center to engage local veterans in transformative programs that foster creativity, community and self-expression through glass art. Combining hands-on workshops, demonstrations, artist talks and public exhibitions for veterans and active duty service members, our programming is designed to provide a healing creative outlet that reduces stress, builds self-confidence and promotes social connection.

Fun With Fusing, a cornerstone of our veterans initiative, is a free 6-week glass art program held at the Brooklyn VA every fall and spring since 2023. Each session welcomes 8 veterans for a hands-on workshop exploring fusing, the process of creating layered glass artworks in a kiln, providing a safe and supportive environment for veterans to explore new avenues of creative expression. The program culminates in a glassblowing demonstration and group showcase at UrbanGlass that invites fellow vets, friends, family and the wider public to celebrate the participants’ artistic achievements.

Jane Bruce, whose work has been acquired by renowned museums and private collections worldwide, has extensive experience teaching diverse audiences in a variety of glass mediums. Bruce teaches and exhibits internationally, and her dual careers as teacher and maker have taken her around the world; from England to the USA, to Australia and back again to the USA.

Tara Traister is a veteran and emerging artist who holds degrees in psychology and fine arts. Drawing on her training and military background, Traister has built profound connections within the veteran community and is uniquely adept at motivating students to persevere through the inevitable frustrations that accompany learning a new skill.

Class Schedule

• November 29th – January 4th, 2026