Since its founding in 2001, GlassRoots has engaged more than 17,000 greater Newark-area youth with its services, including its core Business and Entrepreneurship program, student field trips and “art-for-art’s sake” classes for the public." Meet a few of our youth:
JOSE
Jose was born in Newark NJ. When he was young he was in love with all of the art that he saw around the city. Growing up in an urban community, Jose was surrounded by many types of art; graffiti, fashion and the countless murals on the side of buildings. Jose was inspired and even asked a teacher how he could get a job making art. The teacher referred him to GlassRoots and Jose was with us for three years -- gaining experience kilnforming and glassblowing. |
KEILA
Born in NY, Keila discovered her love for art early. After moving to Newark, the guidance counselor at her school recommended she attend Big Picture High School. She began school and her internship with GlassRoots. This was a new adventure. She had never seen glassblowing, and certainly didn’t know it as an art form. GlassRoots began to inspire her. Even after having a child her sophomore year, it was GlassRoots that inspired her to continue school. She knew to continue glassblowing, she had to continue going to school. She has said, “I make my art because this is my release from anger." |
XAVIER
Xavier, a Newark native, is a graduate of Big Picture Eastside High School. Xavier’s passion for art began as a child. Attending Big Picture allowed Xavier to have an internship with GlassRoots. Through working with GlassRoots, he discovered glassblowing and a subsequent passion for it. Xavier has been an intern at GlassRoots for four years and is becoming a proficient glassblower and artist. He intends to explore a career in the arts while attending Hudson County Community College. |