The Studio at GlassRoots in Newark, New Jersey, where the after-school program offers opportunities for at-risk youth.
Since 2001, at-risk youth in Newark, New Jersey, have had a unique after-school option: glassblowing. GlassRoots has been offering educational programs for area teens since it was founded in 2001, and they’re now looking for a studio tech to keep the equipment running. The GLASS Quarterly Hot Sheet’s recent blog post about the organization highlighted some of the changes that have taken place since the arrival of new executive director, J. Wesley Simms. They recently expanded their National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship, educating students on everything from accounting to marketing to budget creation. While in the studio they are offered the opportunity to learn glassblowing, kilnforming and beadmaking. Students at GlassRoots recently collaborated with other local artists on mural in downtown Newark and created New Jersey’s ornamental adornment on the State Christmas Tree in Washington D.C.
The mission statement for the organization is as follows: “GlassRoots provides multiple opportunities for at-risk youth, ages 10-18, to realize their potential through the creation of glass art. As the only non-profit ‘hot shop’ for young people in the greater New York metropolitan area, GlassRoots provides a nurturing environment in which otherwise under-served children can achieve self-esteem and creative expression while also learning basic business skills and valuable life lessons through the exploration of the unique art forms of glassmaking.”
According to the official job posting, the Studio Technician will assist with studio preparation, help lead glassblowers teach classes, provide technical support and help with GlassRoots programming. The preferred qualifications include previous glass-blowing experience, previous experience working with youth, and equipment fabrication experience. The position is part time, with hours added as the employee’s skills develop.
The full job posting, along with more information about how to apply, can be found here.
Applications should be sent to Katie Witzig, GlassRoots’ Chief Operating Officer, via email at kwitzig@glassroots.org.
—Jason Guiterrez