[Newark, New Jersey – April 19, 2022] GlassRoots, a Newark arts education center that ignites and builds the creative and economic vitality of Greater Newark through the transformative power of glass, announced today that it has received a substantial grant from the New Jersey Children’s Foundation (NJCF). This grant will enable GlassRoots’ Teaching Artists to teach mosaic lessons in nine of Newark’s public middle schools. 

Since its founding in 2001, GlassRoots has engaged tens of thousands of Greater Newark-area youth and young adults with its programs, including school-based and public classes and workshops, field trips, summer camps, fellowships and internships, events and commissions. While our students learn the process of glassmaking, they also develop social emotional learning skills like creative problem-solving, teamwork, discipline and resilience needed to work safely with 2,200-degree fire and molten glass. They gain hands-on experience in chemistry, physics and math. They become young entrepreneurs as they develop and market their products. They join a vibrant community in which they grow stronger each time they forge glass and experience the power of their own creativity.

"For over 20 years, GlassRoots has helped transform lives and reshape the Newark community," stated Carol Losos, GlassRoots Executive Director. "While the passion and dedication of our staff makes our work possible, none of it would be feasible without contributions from individuals, corporations, foundations and government. The significant support of the New Jersey Children's Foundation will enable GlassRoots to serve more Newark youth, specifically students in our public school system. This is a game-changing grant for Newark schools, and we are so thankful to NJCF for their support and continued dedication to Newark."

With this grant, GlassRoots has selected the following public schools in Newark to participate in mosaic art programs run by GlassRoots’ Teaching Artists: Abington Avenue, Dr. E. Alma Flagg, Hawkins Street, Hawthorne Avenue, Ivy Hill Elementary, Luis Munoz Marin, Park Elementary, Peshine Avenue, and South Street. These programs will provide approximately 180 Newark students with hands-on and culturally responsive art-making lessons that are aligned with New Jersey State Learning Standards in Visual and Performing Arts and Science. Students will be introduced to the medium and history of mosaics, glass tools, color and design. “We are excited that GlassRoots and its partners are expanding their footprint in Newark Public Schools and providing our students with an amazing opportunity to experience the transformative power of glass,” said Roger León, Superintendent of Newark Public Schools.

"The New Jersey Children's Foundation is committed to supporting community nonprofits such as Glassroots and specifically finding ways we can appropriately extend day-long learning," stated Kyle Rosenkrans, Executive Director of the New Jersey Children's Foundation. "GlassRoots’ continued dedication to Newark represents a local approach to service that we are dedicated to supporting. We are thrilled to be able to partner together to support Newark's public-school children and believe that this support will ultimately provide more opportunity for Newark's students to thrive and learn in their hometown."

Along with the New Jersey Children's Foundation, GlassRoots also partners with Rutgers-Newark, Newark's Boys and Girls Club, University Hospital, Newark Arts Council, Newark Opportunity Youth Network, Bridges, Newark Museum, and the Newark Regional Business Partnership.
​
                                                                     #.#.#

About GlassRoots
GlassRoots is a Newark-based 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for achievement to youth and young adults by engaging them in the creation of glass art and the development of entrepreneurial and life skills. GlassRoots programs are STEAM-based (science, technology, engineering, arts and math), and are offered as in-school residencies, after-school and summer arts programs, workforce development programs, and as workshops for teens and adults, using competency in handling molten glass as a pathway to personal development. For more information, please call 973.353.9555 or email info@glassroots.org.

​

Click to listen (or read the transcript):
"Glass arts is a vehicle for changing people’s lives.”

The Newark City Council voted unanimously on Wednesday, January 9, to provide funding to help complete the build-out of GlassRoots’ new space. Since its doors opened in Newark in 2001, the nonprofit has served 25,000+ people through its STEAM based, glass-art and entrepreneurial educational programs, classes and workshops designed for youth, young adults and adults, with at least 60% of participants Newark residents.
 
“GlassRoots is a community-based nonprofit organization working to ignite and build the creative and economic vitality of greater Newark, with a focus on underserved youth and young adults, through the transformative power of the glass art experience,” said GlassRoots CEO Barbara Heisler. “At the very heart of the organization’s work is the focus on engaging youth from our Newark community. We use glass art as a vehicle to promote the flame within them to create, to innovate, to reach and exceed their potential and to guide them towards educational and career opportunities that they may have not had access to otherwise. We are grateful that the Mayor and the Council see the immense value we bring to our city. We look forward to increasing our impact in our new space later this year.”
 
GlassRoots has provided programming to students in 41 of the 59 Newark Public schools in grades 5 through 12 (GlassRoots serves students 10 years and older) through its after-school youth entrepreneurial program, long-term in-school art residencies, summer youth leadership programs, summer extended learning workshops, craft school fellowships, and through STEAM-based educational field trips and workshops. Additionally, GlassRoots enjoys longstanding partnerships with several charter and private schools and community organizations, such as Philips Academy and the City’s Recreation Department. With a policy of ensuring that every Newark student is able to benefit from its programs, GlassRoots actively engages in both fundraising and entrepreneurial activities to subsidize its programs for secondary school students.
 
The $500,000 grant from the City of Newark will help fund the organization’s expansion later this year in the Newark Arts Commons, in the old St. Michael’s Hospital building, currently undergoing renovation in Newark’s Central Ward.
 
“We appreciate the City of Newark’s support for the work of GlassRoots. Our expansion as the arts anchor of the Newark Arts Commons will allow us to greatly increase the number of students and young adults we serve through school field trips, youth leadership and entrepreneurial programs, and college and career readiness programs. We are especially excited to announce the addition of a dedicated Scientific Glassblowing Workshop where we will offer a workforce development program that prepares young people for work in New Jersey’s scientific glass industry,”stated GlassRoots’ Board President, Roger C. Tucker III. “Further, we envision it becoming a community hub for education, creativity, innovation and partnerships with Newark’s citizens and institutions such as The Newark Art Museum, Rutgers University and NJIT.”
 
The Newark Arts Commons is a mixed-use residential and commercial property currently under development in the old St. Michael’s Hospital building, a long-vacant building constructed in 1867, at the intersection of Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive and Central Avenue in Newark’s Central Ward. As the building’s arts anchor, GlassRoots will occupy over 18,000 square feet on the building’s lower levels. Its facility will include expanded studios for glassblowing, flameworking and glass fusing, as well as an artist WorkerSpace which will provide access and technical support to artist entrepreneurs, allowing them to earn income from the sale of their work. GlassRoots’ new headquarters will also include public spaces such as a café, gallery and conference center. Expanded classroom and studio space will allow for multiple school groups to visit at the same time, which is not possible in their current home at 10 Bleeker St. Other partners in the project include the City of Newark, New Jersey Community Capital, Hanini Group and Crawford Street Partners.

Find out more about our new home in "Creative hub to get a new home and expand footprint to meet growing demand of community members"

Jersey’s Best describes how GlassRoots transforms lives in "GlassRoots gives underserved individuals a path to success through glass art"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
NEWARK, NJ,  July 3, 2019: This year marks GlassRoots 18th year serving the greater Newark community and the organization is making an unprecedented push to plan its future and meet community needs by honing and  expanding its offerings. On June 19, 2019, GlassRoots Board unanimously voted to elect Roger C. Tucker III as its President for the 2019-20 year to help guide the Glass Arts Non-Profit’s mission to "ignite and build the creative and economic vitality of greater Newark, with a focus on under-served youth and young adults, through the transformative power of the glass art experience."  
Immediate past president Sheila Kenny will remain on GlassRoots’ executive board, provide a seamless leadership transition.
Upon assuming his board leadership position, Mr. Tucker said, "Making glass art broadens the horizon of teens and adults. Most glass art admirers focus on the beautiful shapes and colors this ancient craft produces. I am inspired by the hands-on experience in chemistry, math, physics, problem-solving and critical thinking required to make each work of art. I also applaud all GlassRoots entrepreneurs who combine these skills with our business classes to market their amazing creations.  As Board President, I will leverage my experience and network to build an even bigger, stronger and dynamic GlassRoots to take its place as one the premier arts organization in the great city of Newark, New Jersey." 
"I am excited to have Roger as a partner in leadership during this exciting transformational year,” said Barbara Heisler, GlassRoots CEO. “During this important growth phase, we’ve done exciting work to enhance our programmatic impact and strengthening our organization. Roger’s professional background and passionate commitment to youth and Newark will bring insightful leadership to our Board as we continue this work and move to our new space.” 

About GlassRoots
GlassRoots is a Newark-based 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for achievement to youth and young adults by engaging them in the creation of glass art and the development of entrepreneurial and life skills. For more information, please call 973.353.9555 or email info@glassroots.org.

​(NEWARK, NJ – September 13, 2018) GlassRoots announced today that its annual Gala and Auction, this year entitled Glowing + Growing will be held on October 18, 2018, and will celebrate the nonprofit's 17 years of impact by paying tribute to the deep connections among organizations invested in arts education by honoring Horizon Foundation for New Jersey and Lauren Meehan of the Newark Arts Education Roundtable.
 
“It is only right that we announce our event during this National Arts in Education Week. This year, we are recognizing the extraordinary and dynamic value of the arts and to lead, serve, and advance the diverse networks of organizations and individuals who cultivate the arts in Newark, serving both our youth and adult communities. Lauren Meehan, through her previous work with the Victoria Foundation, and now as the leader of NAER, demonstrates passion for reaching our young people through the arts and to enriching their lives through all of the artistic mediums.  The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey has long been a supporter of arts in our state, and understands that arts make New Jersey residents, and communities, healthier. We are pleased to honor them both.” said Board Chair Sheila Kenny.    
 
GlassRoots is a community-based nonprofit organization working to ignite and build the creative and economic vitality of greater Newark, with a focus on underserved youth and young adults, through the transformative power of the glass art experience. At the very heart of the organization’s work is the focus on engaging youth from Newark and throughout the state in an effort to promote the flame within them to create, to innovate, to reach and exceed their potential and to guide them towards educational and career opportunities that they may have not had access to otherwise.
 
The gala, the organization’s largest fundraising event each year, will take place at The Priory at St. Joseph’s Plaza in Newark, NJ, on Thursday, October 18 from 5:30 -9 pm.  The event includes wine and hors d’oeuvres, and an auction of glass art created by students in its programs and by talented glass artists, along with fun experiences and local and regional sites. 
 
“The GlassRoots annual celebration enables our organization to showcase our strong mission and dynamic programs to new friends, longtime supporters and the community at-large” said Barbara Heisler, Chief Executive Officer. “And it allows us to recognize those who have a tremendous impact on the organization and the educational and artistic community. Proceeds from this year’s auction will benefit our out-of-school time programs. Too many urban, low-income youth grow up without even a cursory understanding of what high-quality arts programs are like, or what benefits may accrue from participation. Support from this event will help us increase the number of students that can participate in our out-of-school time programs.”   
 
Corporate sponsorship opportunities are available from $1,500 to $15,000, while individual tickets start at $195.  For information on sponsorships, placements in the ad journal or tickets call 973.353.9555 or visit https://www.glassroots.org/celebration.
 
The Honorees:
Lauren Meehan, Director of the Newark Arts Education Roundtable, was born and raised in West Orange, NJ, Lauren pursued music, playing violin at the age of 8. While perfecting her musical craft in her teens, she performed at Lincoln Center, the Capitol, and the United Nations. GlassRoots met Lauren while she was serving as a Program Associate at the Victoria Foundation, supporting the foundation’s work in arts education and summer learning.  As Director of NAER, Lauren continues to work to ensure that all children in grades PreK-12 in the city of Newark have equitable access to high quality, sequential arts education opportunities, both in and out of school - work GlassRoots heartily supports.
 
The mission of the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey is to support organizations that make New Jersey healthier.  Since its formation in 2004, the Foundation has awarded more than 1,400 grants and more than $51 million in support of non-profit organizations that have improved public health and the quality of life in New Jersey. It is committed to working alongside those who can help improve NJ’s health, inform their health decisions and inspire them to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. GlassRoots is proud to be a grantee of the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey as it recognizes the role of the arts and cultural organizations in improving the quality of life for New Jersey residents.
 
###
​
About GlassRoots: GlassRoots is a Newark-based 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for achievement to youth and young adults by engaging them in the creation of glass art and the development of entrepreneurial and life skills. GlassRoots programs are STEAM-based (STEM+Art), and are offered as in-school residencies, after-school and summer arts programs, workforce development programs, and as workshops for teens and adults, using competency in handling molten glass as a pathway to personal development. For more information, please visit www.glassroots.org, call 973.353.9555 or email info@glassroots.org. 

NEWARK, NJ,  July 9, 2018: This year marks GlassRoots 17th year serving the greater Newark community and the organization is making an unprecedented push to plan its future and meet community needs by honing and  expanding its offerings. On Saturday, June 2, 2018, GlassRoots Board unanimously voted to elect Sheila Kenny, Esq. as its Chairwoman and to add two new members to its Board of Directors to help guide the Glass Arts Non-Profit’s mission to "ignite and build the creative and economic vitality of greater Newark, with a focus on under-served youth and young adults, through the transformative power of the glass art experience."  The new board members are Dr. Sherri-Ann Butterfield and Will Simpson.

     The organization also announced that its immediate past chairwoman, Kathryn Markel, will chair GlassRoots Campaign 20/20 to raise capital funds as the organization renovates the first floor of the old St. Michael’s Hospital – an abandoned historic building – into a creative hub that will serve youth and adults throughout Newark and throughout New Jersey. The re-imagined site will connect community members with arts and education and drive economic growth towards revitalizing a once blighted neighborhood. GlassRoots is planning its move from its current location at 10 Bleeker Street in Newark to the new Newark Arts Common at 111 Central Avenue in the early spring of 2019.

     Upon assuming her board leadership position, Ms. Kenny said, “I am excited to lead our outstanding Board of Trustees at this exciting point in GlassRoots’ history.  As we prepare for our move to the Newark Arts Commons, our Board will serve an important role during this watershed year.  We have the talent and energy to make this happen.  I am fortunate that my predecessor, Kathryn Markel, is taking her talents to lead our crucial Capital Campaign.  She will be a tremendous partner in the year ahead."

     Sherri-Ann P. Butterfield is Executive Vice Chancellor and Associate Professor of Sociology at Rutgers University–Newark. Her scholarly interests are immigration, race and ethnic relations, sex and gender, identity development and culture, and urban education within the Afro-Caribbean diaspora.   William Simpson is the Director of Collaborative Action at My Brother’s Keeper Newark Initiative. Prior to working with MBKN William served as Program Manager for Congressman Donald M. Payne Sr. of New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District.

    "GlassRoots board is an exciting place to serve right now - and we have the right people at our leadership table!” said Barbara Heisler, GlassRoots CEO. “GlassRoots is in a growth phase, adding and enhancing our programs and strengthening our organization. We have a very strong foundation in place and we are excited to welcome our new Board members. Each of these individuals’ deep professional backgrounds and passionate commitment to youth development and Newark will bring insightful perspectives to our Board.” 

Contact: Carly O’Brien
carly.obrien@mslgroup.com
202.683.3163
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 25, 2018

Mayor Baraka, Rutgers Chancellor Cantor among Dignitaries Joining the Celebration
 
NEWARK, N.J. – GlassRoots, a Newark-based nonprofit that transforms lives through the art of glass-making, today announced that it will take part in renovating the ground floor of the old St. Michael’s Hospital – an abandoned historic building – into a creative hub that will serve youth and adults throughout Newark and New Jersey. The refurbished site will connect community members with arts, sciences and education and drive economic growth toward revitalizing a once blighted neighborhood.
 
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, GlassRoots Board President Kathryn Markel, Founding Board Member Dena Lowenbach, and Jan Nicholson and Barbara Nicholson McFadyen, Trustees of The Nicholson Foundation, joined Barbara Heisler, Chief Executive Officer of GlassRoots, at the groundbreaking ceremony today. The original St. Michael’s Hospital is a long-vacant 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.
 
“GlassRoots is so much more than the glass arts. Through glass, we introduce math and science in unique ways, help our students create paths for their futures and nourish important life skills in our community,” said Barbara Heisler, Chief Executive Officer of GlassRoots. “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 estimated total cost of GlassRoots’ facilities renovation is $2.1 million, of which nearly $1.5 million has been raised to date through GlassRoots’ 20/20 Capital Campaign. The Nicholson Foundation, a Newark-based organization, will contribute a transformational gift of one million dollars to the project.
 
GlassRoots is working side by side with the philanthropic community to cultivate and secure support to not only reach the $2.1 million goal – but to exceed it, according to Kathryn Markel, Chair of the 20/20 Campaign. “We are tremendously grateful to Jan Nicholson and Barbara Nicholson McFadyen for their confidence in our efforts and their commitment to seeing that GlassRoots remains a vital part of the Newark and New Jersey community,” she said.  
 
“My father supported GlassRoots at its inception because of the vision that it could reach, engage and help Newark’s youth,” said Jan Nicholson, President of The Nicholson Foundation.  “Today, 17 years later, it is giving young people boundless opportunities for personal and professional development.”
 
GlassRoots is one of many organizations turning the old hospital into a creative hub, including Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company and Newark Arts. “Newark Arts is thrilled that a new cultural center will be anchored by GlassRoots. For the arts community, University Heights neighborhood, and arts organizations that will share space there, it’s a win-win-win. We’re excited to be among the prospective tenants that will create critical mass for the city’s arts sector,” said Jeremy Johnson, Newark Arts Executive Director.
 
Other partners in the project include the City of Newark, New Jersey Community Capital, Hanini Group, Hollister Construction and Crawford Street Partners.
 
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. 
• Gallery space with a quasi-permanent “history of glass” exhibit from the Newark Museum to provide a robust educational experience for visitors, including school groups.
• 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.

Hollister Construction serves as the construction manager and will be responsible for bringing the vision for the new space to life. “Hollister Construction is proud to partner with GlassRoots to construct their new creative hub within the historic St. Michael’s Hospital building. We’ve been committed to Newark and its revitalization since our inception in 2004, and we are confident the redeveloped site will transform the neighborhood and bring new opportunities to downtown Newark. Today is a special day as we join the ground breaking and celebrate what’s to come,” said Brendan Murray, Executive Vice President at Hollister Construction.

"Our Community Asset Preservation Corporation is excited to be a partner in fueling the redevelopment of this community asset in University Heights. We are thrilled that GlassRoots will call St. Michael’s home and look forward to bringing other Newark nonprofits and educational institutions to this arts and cultural incubator as well," said Wayne T. Meyer, President, New Jersey Community Capital.

The full renovation process is expected to take eight months, and the new spaces are planned to open to the public early in 2019.
 
#  #  #

About GlassRoots: GlassRoots is a Newark-based 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for achievement to youth and young adults by engaging them in the creation of glass art and the development of entrepreneurial and life skills. GlassRoots programs are STEAM-based (STEM+Art), and are offered as in-school residencies, after-school and summer arts programs, workforce development programs, and as workshops for teens and adults, using competency in handling molten glass as a pathway to personal development. For more information, please visit www.glassroots.org, call 973.353.9555 or email info@glassroots.org.
 
About The Nicholson Foundation: The Nicholson Foundation is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of vulnerable populations in New Jersey. The Foundation’s approach emphasizes partnerships and performance-based grant making; its goal is sustainable systems reform. For more information about the Foundation, visit http://thenicholsonfoundation.org.