GlassRoots: Transforming Lives Through Artistry
GlassRoots has committed to transforming lives through a unique creative medium the nonprofit organization utilizes the artistry of glassmaking to connect and inspire. We are excited to collaborate with the local Newark organization in our Make with Makerhoods series.
GlassRoots was founded in 2001 by Pat Kettenring, an instructor at Rutgers Business School, Newark. A collector and avid fan of glass art, Pat was inspired by Hilltop Artists in Tacoma, WA, where artists recognized the need to provide youth with an alternative to being recruited by the groups proliferating violence in the streets of Tacoma in the late ’90s. Kettenring witnessed the impact that an introduction to glass-art instruction could have for kids, and imagined a similar benefit for youth living in Newark.
The art group uses a variety of methods from kiln forming, lampworking, to glass fusing to create their visual masterpieces. For our Makerhoods with Makerhoods virtual class, GlassRoots will be teaching their most prominent art style: mosaic. This classic but timeless style blends the use of cut glass to challenge our skill on perspective and imagination. Our interview with GlassRoots not only taught us about mosaic art-making, but an understanding of how glass art-making breeds the groundwork for creativity, sufficiency, and the foundation for entrepreneurship. We also get an exclusive peek at their plans for the new location set to open Fall 2021!
How do classes such as kiln forming, lampworking, glass fusing, jewelry-making, and glassblowing intersect with self-sufficiency skill sets?
Foremost, glass-art making requires communication and collaboration, with both instructors and classmates, to achieve the desired design, product or project. Therefore, the craft naturally pushes students to better express themselves and to work harder to communicate their ideas and vision. Secondly, glass breaks! Glass-art making, perhaps more than other mediums, requires patience and perseverance.
2016 Business and Entrepreneurship Students (Credit: Glassroots.org)
Can you give us a summary of your programs: youth, workforce STEM & STEAM career development, and entrepreneur innovation?
At GlassRoots, we believe arts education has the power to ignite the creative and economic vitality of communities. From its inception, we have offered career and college readiness programs for high school students and adults ages 18 to 24, where we teach the fundamentals of business ownership, product development, and entrepreneurship. GlassRoots’ academic-year-long business and entrepreneurship programs are collectively known as YES! Youth Entrepreneurial Spirit.
Share with us how Glassroots has created a destination for residents and those visiting the city…
GlassRoots offers a variety of beginner, intermediate and advanced lessons in glass-art making year-round to adults and kids, 10 years old and up. We offer classes and workshops to the public, as well as to private groups and organizations, days, evenings, and weekends.
How will your larger space in The Newark Arts Commons allow for the expansion and deepening of Glassroots’ connection to the community?
We are taking part in the renovation of the ground floor of the old St. Michael’s Hospital, an abandoned historic building constructed in 1867. Following the renovation, GlassRoots will occupy over 18,000 square feet of the building as an anchor tenant and collaborate with other educational and arts groups to catalyze the development of the entire neighborhood.
The move to this larger space will allow us to welcome more people in our community and help lead a resurgence of creativity and economic vibrancy in Newark. Programs at the new facility will join art, entrepreneurship, and STEM education in both practical and creative ways, helping local youth and adults explore their artistic sides while developing knowledge and skills to succeed in their careers.
The newly-renovated GlassRoots space will include:
Three glass art studios: a flame shop to form glass beads and small pieces; a flat shop to create fused glass, castings, and mosaics; and a hot shop to blow glass in a 2200° furnace.
Kiln, mold and sandblasting studios, and a finishing shop (also called a cold shop).
A professional scientific glassblowing production and repair shop, which will bring on-the-job training opportunities and jobs to Newark.
Flexible spaces to house workforce development programs and facilitate other entrepreneurial activities.
The GlassRoots’ WorkerSpace; a membership-based workspace for craft entrepreneurs.
Income-generating spaces, including a gift shop showcasing the work of students, teaching artists, and regional glass artists; a coffee shop; and a gallery as a venue for regional glass artists to exhibit work, which will also be available for event rentals.
The new spaces are currently planned to open to the public in the fall of 2021. Before then you can get a taste of GlassRoot’s incredible programming by joining us next week at our Mosaic ArtVirtual Class, Thursday, June 24th. Today is the last day to purchase your kit in preparation for sending your items for the workshop.
Mercedes Samuels, Maker Success Associate
Mercedes is writer, artist, and business coordinator who recently graduated from Rutgers University (NB). With a passion for music, media, and tech, Mercedes has worked to blend her creative assets with her knack for business which led her success in the nonprofit world.