Expanding Horizons 2017

Now in its third year, Expanding Horizons is a week-long intensive class at The Corning Museum of Glass, in partnership with the Robert M. Minkoff Foundation, for the top students in at-risk glass art programs around the United States. The outreach program includes airfare, lodging, and meals for the duration. The itinerary blends instruction, touring the collections with curators, a visit to the Rakow Research Library, a meeting with a prominent collector, a discussion about preparing an artist’s portfolio, and a presentation on applying to college with a focus on glassblowing.

The students in the 2017 class — Santiago Aguilera (Chicago), Nia Fairley (Chicago), Taquita Pendelton (Chicago), Tanner Martin (Tacoma), Jeremiah Brown (New Orleans), Dantrell Blake (Chicago) — were busy from 9 to 9 on most days as we attempted to cram in as much information and technique as we could. The students not only worked in the hot shop for hours each day, they also toured the museum and the library, met with our museum buyer, the editor of Glass Quarterly, a local independent glass worker, a glass scientist, and many more.

Students Jeremiah and Nia creating a bit monster in The Studio.

Expanding Horizons student Dantrell assists artist Laura Donefer with during her live stream.

Expanding Horizons student Santiago works with artist Laura Donefer during her live stream.

Susie Silbert (fourth from left), curator of modern and contemporary glass, leads the Expanding Horizons students and mentors on a tour of the Contemporary Art + Design Galleries.

Back at The Studio, student Taquita, mentor Josh Laabs, students Santiago, and Nia work on a project.

Mentors Joe Waropay, Ross Delano, and Josh Laabs assist student Santiago (seated) with his project.

Student Jeremiah gathers some glass.

Taquita adds a hot bit to her project.

Tanner shapes his glass with the help of mentor Trenton Quiocho.

The 2017 Expanding Horizons class (l-r): Dantrell Blake, Jeremiah Brown, Santiago Aguilera, Tanner Martin, Nia Fairley, and Taquita Pendelton.

For more information about Expanding Horizons, please visit http://www.atriskglass.org/outreach.html.