COVID Update
These are unprecedented times, and we remain dedicated to our mission to build community through glass art. Due to COVID, we made some difficult decisions in order to keep the studio and our mission moving forward. During this time, we have temporarily closed and taken additional measures to reduce costs, until it is safe to open. The move and expansion are on hold but planning will resume after we are able to reopen. Your support helps us to re-open and move into the new space, thank you.
We hope you are staying safe as we all look forward to being able to return to all the things we love.
Our Mission
Glass Commons is a mission-driven organization, and glass art center. Our mission is simple: build community through the art of glass.
Core to this mission is educating the public through classes, demonstrations, and lectures. We want to make sure that this medium is accessible to all who are interested. That's why we are expanding and offering subsidies, scholarships, and grants.
Working with glass allows people to express themselves creatively and connect to an ancient art form. And, because glassblowing is so collaborative, it brings people together.
What We Do
Glass Commons is an open access glass studio. We offer glassblowing, as well as coldworking, casting, and the emerging art of neon/plasma.
We provide classes, demos, and lectures for all experience levels - from beginner to master. As people learn and grow, they can rent studio time and become more involved in the community.
A big part of what we do is hands-on time for team-building and special events. These events are a great way to introduce people to the art of glass.
With your support, our goal is to expand our outreach to include:
- Apprenticeships, fellowships, and internships
- Subsidies and scholarships for classes
- Outreach programs for underserved and at-risk communities
- Artist residencies for emerging artists
- “Microgrants” for local and emerging artists
- Bring demos and experiences to groups using our mobile studio
Why Here, Why This, Why Now
We're experiencing a moment of change. Since 2006, we've been Philadelphia's open access glass studio - known as East Falls Glassworks. We're transforming into Glass Commons in order to play a bigger role in Philadelphia community and make glass more accessible.
Now is the time to take the next step towards that dream. Glass Commons is the seed that will continue to build on the efforts which began almost 15 years ago and is now ready to grow into a world-class glass center.
Our Community
Since 2006, we have built and nurtured a strong and vibrant glass community with a diverse group of individuals who share their passion for the glass arts.
Meet Our Community
Jon Goldberg
Jon is the founder of East Falls Glassworks. Jon continues to use the studio to create his own work which is shown in many galleries throughout the US. Glass Commons has been Jon's vision since the beginning.
"It's always been a dream of mine to share the art of glass with the greater Philadelphia community. It's incredibly rewarding to introduce people to the glass arts and support their emerging interest."
Nikolaj Christensen
As far as we know, Nikolaj was born and then started blowing glass. Actually, Nikolaj started blowing glass in 2001 as a college elective. Since then he has helped start and run several public access studios and is renowned as an artist and educator.
"I love bringing the excitement of discovery and the thrill of mastering this challenging medium to people of all ages and interests."
Sean Bradley
Sean was a mechanic looking for something more fullfilling in his life which lead him to the world of glass. Today Sean helps run the studio and teaches classes. Sean is the resident specialist in neon and plasma, an emerging field of glass art.
"One of my greatest passions is doing outreach to at-risk youth in underserved communities. Seeing their eyes light up as they first start working with the glass makes me feel like we've made an impact in their lives."
Community of Glassblowers
We have a diverse group of people who were curious about glass and are now a community of skilled glass blowers. They are excited be a part of the bigger vision. With this community, delivering on the mission of Glass Commons is attainable.
Jon Goldberg
Jon is the founder of East Falls Glassworks. Jon continues to use the studio to create his own work which is shown in many galleries throughout the US. Glass Commons has been Jon's vision since the beginning.
"It's always been a dream of mine to share the art of glass with the greater Philadelphia community. It's incredibly rewarding to introduce people to the glass arts and support their emerging interest."
Nikolaj Christensen
As far as we know, Nikolaj was born and then started blowing glass. Actually, Nikolaj started blowing glass in 2001 as a college elective. Since then he has helped start and run several public access studios and is renowned as an artist and educator.
"I love bringing the excitement of discovery and the thrill of mastering this challenging medium to people of all ages and interests."
Sean Bradley
Sean was a mechanic looking for something more fullfilling in his life which lead him to the world of glass. Today Sean helps run the studio and teaches classes. Sean is the resident specialist in neon and plasma, an emerging field of glass art.
"One of my greatest passions is doing outreach to at-risk youth in underserved communities. Seeing their eyes light up as they first start working with the glass makes me feel like we've made an impact in their lives."
Community of Glassblowers
We have a diverse group of people who were curious about glass and are now a community of skilled glass blowers. They are excited be a part of the bigger vision. With this community, delivering on the mission of Glass Commons is attainable.
Help Us Grow
Once we reopen, we will resume planning for our move. Our future facility will include a three bench hot shop, cold-working facility, and a neon/plasma studio ... and space for expansion down the road.
But we need your help. Relocating the studio, rebuilding the furnace, and spreading the word about our new mission is expensive. With your help Glass Commons will be the premier glass arts educational center that Philadelphia needs and deserves.
Help us build community through glass art.
