It's hard to let go of summer!  But fall has many delights.

ConnectionsFirst of all, fall is packed with art shows and festivals where you can find lovely work.  One of my favorites is the Glen Echo Labor Day Art Show, which reminds us that art is best served with the sauce of community.  I have two wall pieces in this show, so not a big selling event for me, but so many of my friends (and my husband) have pieces in this show that it feels like a big art party.  The opening reception is Friday evening September 1st 7:30 - 9.  The show continues through Monday, noon to 6 each day.


Blue OffsetThe first actual art festival of the season is the Alexandria Old Town Art Festival September 30 - October 1st.  Then on October 7th there is Art on the Avenue, a very busy  one-day show in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria.  And I'll be participating in my absolute favorite event of the fall, the CH/ART Art Walk, when 77 artists will be showing our work in 30 artist homes/studios in Chevy Chase MD and the Chevy Chase neighborhood of DC.  

I know we need the rain, but I'll be so happy to see the sun again this weekend -- and just in time for the Chevy Chase/Washington DC Fine Art Festival!  This is one of my favorite shows -- it's next to the Friendship Heights metro station by Bloomingdale's, only a mile from my home!  It's Saturday and Sunday 10 to 5, hope to see you there!  At this show I will be showing my jewelry, but not my glass art,  For both my jewelry and glass art, come to the Tephra ICA Arts Festival May 20-21st, in Reston Town Center.  
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With our confusing weather this month, I'm not sure what season it is;  but I do know that spring shows are coming!  I will be at American Craft Made Baltimore show this coming weekend, March 3-5, at the Baltimore Convention Center. 
I will have new work to show in Baltimore:  my Golden Woods series features a golden glow (or sometimes a silvery glow) along with flowing turquoise foliage.  Kind of mystic looking, I think.  Also, of course, I have new jewelry!
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Welcome to 2023!  Thanks to everyone who visited my shows this year, or took a workshop - I hope my art (and yours) brought you joy  As we anticipate a "normal" year, I look forward to a full schedule of shows and workshops.  My first show will be March 3rd-5th, at the American Craft Made Baltimore.  Mark your calendar, details to follow.


I resolve this year to remember how rejuvenating it is to be out in nature -- even a short hike, as in this New Year's Day hike in Blackwater Falls State Park.  Also, I will pull myself out of the studio more frequently to immerse myself in art museums and visit local artists and artisans.   

I've been enjoying time in the studio this summer -- in fact I've been going a little crazy making pendants, see below.  (August will be for rings and earrings!)  
And you have had fun in the studio too -- we've had some amazing workshops, and gorgeous art has been made.  Take advantage of the August workshop schedule, because the fall is busy with shows.  Click on the dates for more information and to sign up.

Plates:  August 1st and August 15th
Jewelry:  July 31st and August 14th
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(I may add workshops the weekend of August 28-29th. If there is interest, let me know.)

Art is more than just a pretty thing, it can also touch something in you, stir an emotion or just make you happy – if you let it.
But to be moved by art, it is necessary to take time to listen and to be open to the experience.  There is something I call the “ah-ha moment”, when the piece I am putting together jells and feels complete – I actually feel my body shift in response.  When I visited Yellowstone National Park recently, I had that feeling when Yellowstone's Grand Canyon came into view -- I was awed and gladdened by its power and beauty. 
This summer, I wish for you the time to let in the beauty around you -- whether in the forest or gallery -- to do its magic, to relax you or take you to a place of greater joy.  

Spring in Washington is a joy, and it marks the beginning the art show season. 
Visit the first art show of the season on Sunday April 18th from 11-4, located behind the PNC bank at 5530 Connecticut Ave.  

Welcome  2021, Welcome Joe and Kamala!
While we still face huge challenges, I'm betting that that this year will turn out to be awesome.  As the vaccines roll out and activities start to resume, our collective good will and creative energy will propel us forward.  I feel these jewelry pieces reflect the mood of the moment.

With Everything Going On -- We All Need a Treat!
Who's stressed?  Everybody!  Certainly me.  Like many of you, I'm yelling at whatever screen makes me mad.  More constructively, I just voted -- hopeful you have or will too.  Yay democracy!
And I'm also aiming to get more art in people's hands and homes.  So here's the deal:  10% off the price of anything in the shop.  Use code deepbreath -- when you go to checkout, click on "add a coupon code".  Here are some new items to tempt you.

Art is a Balm for the Soul, and Our Community Still Needs Help
Last spring and early summer, I donated 25% of the proceeds of any sales from the Joy of Glass web site to the Capital Area Food Bank.  That initiative resulted in $726 donated to the Food Bank.  

The need has only grown.  And I continue to gratefully make jewelry and glass art, hopefully bringing beauty and balm.  So I'm renewing that promotion:  25% of any purchases from Joy of Glass before October 31st will go to the food bank. (If you are not local to DC and want the funds to go to your local food bank, put a note in your order.)

At some point we will be able to hug, mingle and go to school -- and come to workshops and art shows!  We can hurry it along with masks and distancing.  We will look back on this and tell stories, right?  Hopefully there will be humor and perhaps unexpected success.
My artist "light at the of the tunnel" is the exciting news that DC has approved the Downtown Holiday Market to operate, with many precautions to ensure safety.  We'll have to work that patience muscle, though, because it doesn't start until November 20th.  Joy of Glass will be there from November 20th through December 6th (the show runs through Christmas Eve). 
In the meantime, shopping is always open at the Joy of Glass website!  In addition, you can shop in person at Taylor's Collective in charming downtown Ellicott City MD.  The are open every day except Monday -- check their website for hours.

I miss you guys! 
My studio hasn't been the same without you.  (My husband tells me I've started talking to myself...)  Fortunately, Covid 19 stats are moving in the right direction and things are starting to open up. 
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I am bringing plate workshops back by inviting groups of 2 or 3 people in a family or in the same "bubble."   I will be able to distance myself at one end of my 8' worktable, and all tools, surfaces and materials will be either sterilized or will be untouched for 3 days before the workshop.  We will all wear masks.

If you are not familiar with my Creative Plate Workshops, you will spend 3 hours in my sunny studio and immerse yourself in the creative process. (No experience necessary!)  You will learn about how glass works, and make a 7" square or round plate using an incredible variety of glass materials.  I will fire your pieces, smooth them if you like, and shape them into a graceful curve.

If you have a group of 2-3 people interested,  contact me at harrigan@joyofglass.com with a few dates that work for you and we will set up your workshop. 

$95 includes all materials and firing.  I am located in DC near Chevy Chase Circle.

I sent $500 to the capital Area Food Bank (rounding up from $471) -- a couple of you  even matched or added to the donation.  Thank you for supporting my glass art, and for helping our community!


The Offer Still Stands -- Buy Local Art, Help Those in Need
The Capital Area Food Bank is an especially important resource at this time.  I will donate 25% of the purchase price of anything you buy from Joy of Glass, through at least May, maybe longer. If you are not local, I can send the donation to your local food bank.  And for my neighborhood fans of the Circle Yoga Cooperative, you can choose that to receive the donation; just send me a note.