GlassRoots | Peters Valley Fellowship
An Intensive Arts Fellowship
Multi-disciplinary Arts Education in Urban and Rural Settings
The GlassRoots Peters Valley Fellowship is a fully-funded, 12-week immersive program designed for artists aged 18-26. This unique opportunity allows participants to explore a diverse range of art-making techniques, including glassblowing, stained glass, blacksmithing, ceramics, printmaking, jewelry design and more.
Working between GlassRoots in Newark, NJ and Peters Valley School of Craft in Layton, NJ, participants will work closely with professional artists and receive career development support including portfolio building, resume writing and public speaking. Fellows will thrive in a collaborative, creative and supportive environment, benefiting from free tuition, communal housing, meals, and transportation. Additionally, a weekly stipend is provided to ensure Fellows can fully dedicate themselves to their artistic growth.
The Fellowship culminates in two group exhibitions, providing a platform to show and sell artwork created during the Fellowship. GlassRoots and Peters Valley School of Craft will each host an exhibition that includes a public presentation for friends, family, staff and donors. Fellows can expect to leave the program with a professional portfolio, an artist CV and artist statement.
GlassRoots (10 Bleeker St, Newark, NJ)
- Five - week intensive program, running daily Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM
- Optional work time following formal instruction time and on Saturdays
- Mornings are dedicated to glassblowing from 9:00 am - 12: 00pm
- Afternoon sessions focus on other glassmaking techniques like flameworking, mosaics, stained glass and fusing
- Once a week, Fellows participate in professional development workshops on resume writing, school and career development and portfolio building
- Additional sessions include off-site visits to museums and professional arts studios
Peters Valley School of Craft (Layton, NJ)
- Six-week immersive experience where Fellows participate in week-long intensive workshops
- Fellows live and work on a remote, rural campus, with limited access to the general public, friends, and family. Phone and internet connections are available
- Each class day runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with classes held Friday through Tuesday. Fellows are expected to attend every class ON TIME for a full day.
- Days off from classes are Wednesdays and Thursdays.
- The campus hosts approximately 100 students per week, ranging in age from 18 to 80, with the student population changing weekly in alignment with the class schedules.
- All meals are communal, although Fellows are also provided food to prepare themselves on their days off
- Fellows are expected to keep the shared residency clean and cared for during their stay and to cohabitate successfully with the other Fellows.
- Transportation to and from campus is the Fellows’ responsibility
Eligibility
Ages 18- 26
You must be 18 years old by May 28, 2025 in order to attend the program.
- Applicant must be from the Greater Newark area
- Applicant must submit a complete application
- If accepted into the program, applicant must have valid health insurance by the time the program starts
- Attendance in at least one informational session is mandatory. If you cannot attend special circumstances can be made but you must contact the administrative team
- Must be able to attend all 12 weeks of programming. Students receive paid time off during the week of July 4th
- Must be comfortable living in a rural location with limited access to friends and family for the duration of the 6 weeks at Peters Valley
- Must be comfortable living in a single family home for the duration of the time at Peters Valley with the five other fellows in a shared bedroom.
Program Requirements:
- All applicants must attend an information session
- Full commitment to the duration of the program
- Interest in the arts as a professional practice
- Some experience in the visual arts preferred
- Willingness to learn new things and to be an active part of a community
- Willingness to share time, space and energy with the other Fellows and teachers
- Willingness to be mentored by professional artists working in the field
- Must be present and punctual for all classes
- Must present completed artworks for two exhibitions
- Must assist in set-up and breakdown of both exhibitions
- Must present a final slide show and public presentation
Notes:
- A stipend of $200 per week will be made every Friday via Direct Deposit or Zelle
- A $500 completion bonus will be paid after the successful de-installation of the Newark exhibition
- Overnight guests are not permitted at Peters Valley and all guests must be checked into campus via the main office
Program Dates:
GlassRoots: May 27- June 27, 2025, Monday- Friday, 9:00am - 3:30pm
Peters Valley School of Craft: July 7 - August 13 2025 (Classes run Friday - Tuesday)
Exhibition Dates:
GlassRoots | Peters Valley Fellows Exhibition at Peters Valley:
August 13th - September 13th, 2025
Opening Reception, Public Presentation and Family Night: August 13th, 5- 8 pm
GlassRoots | Peters Valley Fellows Newark Exhibition Dates:
October 8th -12th (as part of Newark Arts Fest)
Reception: October 9th, 5 - 7pm
How to Apply:
All applicants must attend one of the following information sessions. Due to high demand, a third session will be added:
Tuesday, April 8th - 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Wednesday, April 9th - 6:30pm - 7:30pm
RSVP for Zoom Link: Fellows@glassroots.org
Application Due: Sunday, April 13th, 11:59am
All approved candidates will be interviewed the week of April 14th.
You will be notified of your application status the week of April 28th.
If you any issues with your application, please email : fellows@glassroots.org
