GlassRoots knows that the learning that goes on in our studios is deep.  Students learn about glass, yes, but also about science and math, about technology and engineering, and they learn important life skills necessary for success in life.  Our curriculum engages and educates.

One of our newest programs is the Volcano Program, created in partnership with the Rutgers Newark Earth Science department and its chairman Dr. Alexander Gates. Together with Dr. Gates, GlassRoots created three hands-on demonstrations that show how heat and pressure underground move rocks and earth to build up volcanic mountains, and in some cases, cause them to literally blow their tops. Volcanoes continue to captivate young and old, but they are a complex feature of earth science.  GlassRoots artists and Dr. Gates and his team work to clarify exactly how they work. This knowledge goes beyond casual intrigue or passing high school science; we believe a solid grounding in earth science will prepare students to understand and act on pressing societal issues such as climate change, oil exploration, pollution and species threatened with extinction, and hope to instill a desire in our inner-youth to stay in science classes in school, and to pursue science studies in higher education.

Hands-on, experiential education, here at GlassRoots. Read the evaluation report below to fully understand the impact our programs make.  Contact our program director if you'd like your class to experience GlassRoots!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GLASSROOTS HIRES LISA DUGGAN AS PROGRAM DIRECTOR
 
Newark-based GlassRoots is pleased to announce the recent hire of Lisa Duggan, who joins the GlassRoots team as Program Director.  In this role, Duggan will build and supervise our wide range of programs, responsible for implementing growth strategies, maintaining relationships, evaluating impact and reporting on progress and performance.

“I was attracted by GlassRoots’ 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.” Duggan said.  “This ancient art form brings tremendous lessons applicable to modern day life – the persistence and tenaciousness required to complete work, the communication between artists, and the risk involved in working with fire and glass.  I’m excited to take these messages to schools and individual students and engage them in our work.”
 
GlassRoots programs are STEAM-based (science, technology, engineering, arts and math), and are offered as in-school residencies, after-school and summer arts programs, and as workshops for teens and adults, using competency in handling molten glass as a pathway to personal development.  Additionally, GlassRoots offers three post-high school programs to move young adults to the world of college and work.  
 
Ms.  Duggan is a writer, editor and entrepreneur with over fifteen years of experience in publishing. She is the former Director of Membership for In Good Company, and Associate Producer for Parents of the Revolution, a 2014 documentary about parents inside the Occupy Wall Street movement. Lisa is a contributing editor for The Good Men Project, and founder of The Modern Village, a continuing education series dedicated to the social and emotional well-being of families.
 
Lisa is also a life-long activist who paints and writes poetry, having performed in spoken word events in both in New Jersey and New York City. She lives in South Orange with her daughter, a talented young artist and activist in her own right.
 
For more information about GlassRoots programs, please contact Lisa at 973-353-9555, email info@glassroots.org or visit the GlassRoots website at www.glassroots.org.
 

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,  March 15, 2017: The GlassRoots Board of Trustees unanimously voted to add two new members to help guide the Glass Arts Non-Profit’s mission to "transform the lives of underserved youth by fostering life-long learning and creative self-expression through the wonder of glass-making."  

​The new board members are Veda Truesdale of Maplewood and Roger Tucker of Montclair.

Veda Truesdale is an independent research consultant who currently works with academic institutions to enhance their strategic plans. She comes to GlassRoots Board with a background working on sustainability, environmental justice, and climate change policies in New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts. Veda is passionate about engaging young people in civic life, particularly on issues of environmental and social justice and has incorporated these issues into life skills lessons with the Varis Scientific Glass students at GlassRoots. She is a member of the Maplewood Green Team Advisory Committee and regularly volunteers to assist newly arrived refugees adjust to life in Northern New Jersey.  Veda received a BA in Geography and Spanish from Vassar College and a Master of Environmental Management from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.

Roger C. Tucker III is an innovative fine arts professional who continues to shape a career path as educator, art dealer, adviser, collector and curator to educate and advocate for emerging underrepresented artists. Tucker launched Tucker Contemporary Art, Inc. in 2012. This innovative fine arts advisory firm leverages Tucker’s extensive experience in art, business, education, communications, marketing and social media to position exceptional emerging and underrepresented artists in the national and global contemporary art world. As president of TCA, Tucker is a recognized influencer in social media advocating for a more inclusive art community that embraces the unique voices of diverse artists. Tucker received his BFA from Cooper Union, MS from Pratt Institute and Professional Certificate in Art Business from New York University, SCPS.
Ms. Truesdale has joined the program and events committees, and Mr. Tucker the marketing and communications committee.

"We are so fortunate to add individuals with such a high level of commitment and of this caliber our Board,” said Barbara Heisler, Executive Director of GlassRoots. “We’re in the midst of a wonderful growth phase, planning for the exciting and impactful future of our organization. We are so glad to welcome our new Board members, both of whom understand where we want to go, and are dedicated to moving GlassRoots forward.”

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, and as workshops for teens and adults, using competency in handling molten glass as a pathway to personal development.  Additionally, GlassRoots offers two workforce development programs to move young adults to the world of work.  For more information, please call 973.353.9555 or email info@glassroots.org.