Salem Community College in Carney Township, New Jersey, offers two glass-related associate's degrees - one in applied science for scientific-glass technology and another in fine arts. Both degree programs have proved so popular, with enrollment up by 220 percent and 115 percent respectively, that the institution is constructing a new, much-larger glass studio. The new building, named for the college's major benefactors Sam and Jean Jones, will include a 15,000-square-foot studio/lab as part of its 20,000-square-foot total area. The studio/lab space will be named in honor of the school's alumnus and internationally respected glass artist, Paul J. Stankard. The facility will replace the current Samuel H. Jones Education Center, which is located twelve miles from the campus in the town of Alloway.
The school's glass program is largely concentrated on flameworking and the campus is also home to the annual International Flameworking Conference, a three-day event featuring artist demonstrations and scholarly presentations. The event draws members of the glass community from around the world. The new education center will feature two flameworking studios to double the amount of flameworking studio space provided by the current facility.
The building is expected to be open by September 2019, and will allow for enough space for the separation of individual lines of glass art practices. It will feature an expanded glassblowing facility, kiln area, fabrication studio and 280-square-foot gallery for student and professional exhibitions.
The college's unique and intense focus on specialized practices such as flameworking, makes it a magnet for aspiring glass professionals and the addition of such an upscale structure will foster the artistic and technical growth of these students.