Congratuations to Erin Sweeney & Antonio Valla
Erin Sweeney (HKS '07) and Antonio Valla (GSD '08) each came to Newark over five years ago, Erin to return to the urban nonprofit sector after a stint in the Foreign Service, and Antonio to continue his dream work as an urban planner; each fell quickly and deeply in love with Newark. Antonio was first to connect with GlassRoots, an incredible nonprofit glass art studio that uses the power of fire and glass to transform lives, especially those of Newark youth. A year after joining the Board, Antonio introduced Erin to the organization and they have each been devoted volunteers and supporters of GlassRoots ever since. GlassRoots is more than an art studio; it is an organization that has been changing the lives of thousands of youth, young adults, and adults since its start 15 years ago. GlassRoots uses various types of glass art methods to teach students not only about self expression and creativity, but about business, entrepreneurship, teamwork, patience, persistence, and much more. As volunteers and Board members, Erin and Antonio work countless hours each month assisting the organization. The highlight for both of them is whenever they teach career or life skill sessions to students in the programs. Erin says, "It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life to watch our students grow in front of our eyes from timid, self-conscious, unsure teenagers into confident, proud, and motivated young adults. GlassRoots changes lives every day and is a true force for transformation, not only for our youth, but for the greater Newark community."
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November and the first week of December were very busy for the apprentices in the Varis Program. Students had a number of site visits:
Following the presentation by NJIT, we will conduct job search on the new CareersConnectionNJ website of the NJ Department of Labor for both glass and related manufacturing employment. According to Ray Vaccari, the head of the manufacturing talent network, there are many openings and companies struggle to fill them. Finally, a number of positions have been listed on the ASGS employment board that we will explore. From the earliest days of the program, we have emphasized the need to be willing to move for work in scientific glass. At least one of our students will consider moving. All of the students are aware that the vast majority of jobs are obtained through networking and word of mouth. They will seek information interviews to jumpstart this process post-graduation. Students created LinkedIn pages as a part of the program. We continue to work on freelance production opportunities and the students have learned to make the vial pendants that may be commissioned by Aspiring Artists of the Earth and spreader tools used in the biology and life sciences departments of local university labs. Funding for this session of the Varis Scientific Glass Apprenticeship Training Program was provided by the Agnes Varis Charitable Trust, and by the M & T Bank Foundation. We are grateful for the support of these two organizations. Graduation is scheduled for December 15th at 4pm at GlassRoots. Graduates will invite friends and family to this festive event. They will receive their certificates of completion from GlassRoots, and the American Scientific Glassblowers Society via Mike Souza. Upon completion of the GlassRoots-Penland Collaborative “launch week, six students officially completed the first offering of this new exciting program. Two of the students have already reported their admission to Rutgers and we anticipate hearing about the other students who applied. In addition to college applications, students completed resumes, biographies, and cover letters for future jobs. Throughout the week students worked with Emma Stein and other staff, photographing the work they completed from Penland -- they even had extra time for students to study and take their drivers written test. The culmination of their experience was a show that students curated together and had a wonderful opening where images they took while at Penland were displayed. Students will now be on their way with pursuing a college career and having regular check-ins with GlassRoots and studio time every month. We are all very proud of the students for having completed this 9 credit program and look forward to seeing how this experience will shape their futures.
GlassRoots to Honor Roland Anglin, formerly of Rutgers Newark Cornwall Center, at luncheon on September 22
GlassRoots is a glass art education program in Newark, NJ whose mission is 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. We are a nonprofit and we function as a supportive team to accomplish our mission. We are seeking a hot shop apprentice to become a part of GlassRoots team in an opportunity to hone and advance skills as a studio technician, assistant glassblower, teacher and demonstrator. Based on current funding, we anticipate that this position will be part-time, up to 24 hours/week. GlassRoots is willing to make a serious investment in our new apprentice and requests a minimum two year commitment in return.
The Apprentice should have an Associate’s Degree or higher, be able to present a clear background check and fingerprint screening. While previous glassblowing experience is preferred, it is not required. Position description and application procedures are detailed here. Newark-area students present their products and plans in competition and trade fair
Keith Dent (Rising Tide Capital), Margaret El (Newark Public Schools), Michiko Sakano (Glass Designer), and Chike Uzoka (Entrepreneur and Business Coach) to choose winning business plan. GlassRoots Invites You to the 12th Annual Business and Entrepreneurship Competition & Trade Fair! At Science Park High School, 1st Floor Atrium/Media Center 260 Norfolk Street, Newark, NJ 07102 Wednesday, May 18, 2016, 4:30 to 7:00 PM GlassRoots is celebrating another successful year of our Business and Entrepreneurship Program. In this program, high school students craft a business plan, and promote and sell the glass art they design and create in our studios. We are proud to present these young entrepreneurs and invite you to join us for this inspiring event. The competition is followed by the trade fair showcasing handmade glass created by these entrepreneurs. Presenting 19 Entrepreneurs who created 11 Businesses! *Students from: Arts High School *East Side High School & East Side/Big Picture* Science Park High School* Purchase handmade glass products, designed and created by students! Support Youth entrepreneurship in action! For more information visit www.glassroots.org or call 973-353-9555. Some on-street parking available. The high school parking lot is on 12th Avenue between Market and Richmond Streets. Organization Attracts Talent; Works on Growth Newark, NJ, March 21, 2016: This year marks GlassRoots 15th 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 Wednesday, March 16, 2016, GlassRoots Board unanimously voted to add five new members to its Board of Directors 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 Stephanie Baker, Assistant Dean of Academic Advisement at Berkeley College; Vicki Fernandez, Program Director at the institute for Ethical Leadership at Rutgers Business School; Michael Petrucci, Vice President Area Manager for Provident Bank: Phil Smith, Vice President Business Development at Moody's Investor's Services, and Taseen Peterson, Newark resident and Founder of TapFactory LLC and Notefuly, Inc. Mobile Application Development Agencies. "Each year I’m astounded at the level of experience we’re attracting to our Board,” said Barbara Heisler, Executive Director of GlassRoots. “GlassRoots is in a very exciting growth phase right now, adding and enhancing our programs and strengthening our organization. We have a very strong leadership 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.” Taseen Peterson added, "Growing up in Newark and building businesses in this city I've learned the importance of community, support, partnership and having access to creative outlets to help round out my experiences and express myself. I'm truly honored to have the opportunity to help and to give back in my new role." 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 emailinfo@glassroots.org. GIRLS STEAM DAY is a five-hour glass experience for girls, 6th -12th grade, to experience elements of Earth Science and Visual Art using fire and glass! Your students will:
Participants choose one session: Wednesday, March 23, 2016 9 am to 3pm OR Saturday, April 23, 2016 9am to 3pm GlassRoots in Newark, 10 Bleeker Street (btw. Halsey & Washington Streets) FREE with pre-registration (required at least one week prior to date.) RSVP: Call Jenny Pollack at 973.353.9555 or email jpollack@glassroots.org GlassRoots’ goal is to build a supportive, creative environment, in which teachers/staff and artists work together to offer students new knowledge and experience in the arts. We teach skills, techniques and concepts in glassmaking while building students’ self-confidence and self-expression. Our programs require students to collaborate, think critically and creatively. GlassRoots will customize workshops that fit your needs as well NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards. This program made possible by The Jewish Women’s Foundation of New Jersey. |
GlassRootsThe mission of GlassRoots is 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. Archives
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