Maria Aroche is an artist and educator at UrbanGlass, who has been dedicated to the art of flameworking since graduating from the Bead Project in 2007. Maria is passionate about the ancient art of glass, and its unique properties. She finds peace and beauty in the meditative process of melting colorful rods of glass over a flame, and transforming this molten material into glass beads to be worn and adorn. Glass demands that the artist be present in the moment; offering wisdom that extends far beyond the flame. Maria is passionate about sharing the joy of glass with others through teaching classes at UrbanGlass, Corning Museum of Glass, and the Rudolf Steiner School. Maria has been co-teaching and supporting the Bead Project since 2009 helping others find a nurturing and supportive environment to cultivate their talents. Maria is the recipient of the 2023 Chelicca Award, 2018 AACG Visionary Scholarship Fund, 2013 New York Hall of Science Maker Faire Red Ribbon Award, and Bead Project Alumni.
