Cheers to Our GlassBall Storytellers

“Like glassblowing, creating a safe space for the artistic expression of inner-city youth in Newark, NJ is not an easy task. But the qualities that drew me to this field—resilience, openness, and a willingness to embrace creative messiness—are the same qualities that make GlassRoots so valuable to the community it serves.”

- GlassRoots | Peters Valley 2024 Fellow, Phoenyx Ojo

This is just one of many personal accounts shared by this month’s Featured Community Members: our GlassBall 2025 Alumni Storytellers!

As seen here (L to R): Angel Ruano, Nila Reid, Lisandra Wieters, Mateo Pazmino and Phoenyx Ojo opened the evening with stirring testimonies about their experiences with GlassRoots and the impact of the organization in shaping them as artists and young people.

Thank you for a Glowing GlassBall!

Thank YOU for making GlassBall 2025 such a rousing success! From the glow of the Mobile Hot Shop to the exuberant live auction, the evening was buzzing with spirited chatter, lively connections and inspired presentations.

Special thanks to our host, the Montclair Art Museum, our generous sponsors, the GlassRoots Board of Trustees and, of course, the GlassRoots studio artists and our impressive Youth Entrepreneurial Spirit (YES) teens!



Congratulations as well to our GlassBall 2025 Honorees John Schreiber, Robinson Holloway, Roger C. Tucker III and Andy Toxtle who shared moving testimonies reinforcing GlassRoots' impact and continued need for support as we look forward to the next 25 years!



Last Chance: Fired up for Father’s Day!

Spots are still available for Father’s Day Weekend! Join Dad for a hands-on glassblowing experience or work with our table torches to sculpt a unique gift for the occasion. Book a date night to bond one-on-one with your special partner or bring the kids (at least 12 years of age) for a family-friendly adventure like no other! Whatever you choose, book now to c create an original keepsake - while making memories - in a relaxed, creative environment.



GlassRoots Celebrates Pride Month

Our popular Pride Month classes invite LGBTQ+ couples to explore their creativity while learning the art of glassblowing in a supportive environment. Participants work side-by-side, crafting beautiful glass pieces together under the guidance of our skilled Teaching Artists. Register today and enjoy an evening of artistry and romance as you make lasting memories together!

GlassRoots Awards Shine on Broadway

As Hamilton creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda, reunited with the original cast at the Tony Awards, we felt an even deeper appreciation of our work and our studio artists. Just last month, our team collaborated with The Town Hall to create The Town Hall Vanguard Award for Miranda who was honored at their Spring Shout Benefit Concert on May 19th! In addition to this bespoke award, we also made fellow honoree Tom Wirtshafter’s award by hand right here in downtown Newark.

Photo Credits: (1) Phellix Rodriguez Video_LIN (2) Allison V. Brown_TOM

Welcome our 2025 GRPV Fellows!

GlassRoots is pleased to introduce you to our 2025 GlassRoots | Peters Valley Fellows! Join us in welcoming (L to R) Sean Jones, Jamesia Griffin, Liz Henderson, ShaNoah Rutledge, Orchid Sylvester and Cezar Regala,

Selected from a pool of dozens of applicants, this talented group has been immersed in all things glass for the past two weeks ranging from stained glass and glassblowing to fusing and sandblasting. They start most mornings in professional development workshops led by various industry professionals and are in the process of meeting our community partners. It’s been a pleasure getting to know this year’s cohort, and we can’t wait to see what they create this summer with our partners at Peters Valley School of Craft! Learn more about this dynamic program here.





GlassRoots sparks change and enables growth in individuals and communities through the transformative power of glass art. Building skills, igniting creativity, inspiring confidence and impacting economic vitality.