In glass-art studios across the country, a more diverse community of artists is being forged thanks to the work of nonprofit arts centers around the U.S. that are reaching out to younger artists of diverse backgrounds as part of their mission. From GlassRoots in Newark, New Jersey, to Firebird Community Arts in Chicago; from Public Glass in San Francisco, California, to FOCI Minnesota Center for Glass Arts, these organizations banded together during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic to launch a collective fundraising effort they have named "Glass Impact." (Disclosure: UrbanGlass, which publishes the Glass Quarterly Hot Sheet is among the member organizations of Glass Impact). The remaining organizations in the coalition are Hilltop Artists in Tacoma, Washington; North Carolina Glass Center in Asheville, North Carolina; and STARworks NC in Star, North Carolina.
On April 11, 2021, Glass Impact is holding a virtual event to share information about their effort to fund an endowment that will help to sustain the ambitious work its members do to address the lack of diversity in the glass field, and shape its future.
At 7 PM EST (4 PM PDT), the coalition's organizers will present a "Founding Funders Event" that will bring together artists, thinkers, and advocates to share stories and discuss the importance of expanding access to glass.
Guest Speakers will include artists Laura Donefer, Therman Statom, and Toots Zynsky; curator Susie Silbert; nonprofit director Barbara Heisler; and artist, educator, and director Nate Watson.
To learn more about Glass Impact, sign up for the April 11th Founding Funders event and presentation via the link below:
https://www.glassimpact.org/event-details/founding-funders-event