In Our Community
Check back here soon to see what GlassRoots and our community partners are up to this summer and fall in the vibrant city of Newark.
Happy Holidays from GlassRoots!
In that spirit, we’re cordially inviting you to the Youth Entrepreneurial Spirit (YES) Holiday Showcase at GlassRoots on Thursday, December 19th from 5-6:30pm
A free event for all ages, beautiful glass gifts made by the YES students will be for sale – right on time for the holidays! Refreshments will also be served.
The Youth Entrepreneurial Spirit (YES) Program at GlassRoots is a unique art and entrepreneurship program designed for high school students. Artmaking – glassblowing, fusing, and flameworking – is the catalyst to teach students the fundamentals of business development.
Led by Guest Artist, Gosia Pawlowska, and GlassRoots Teaching Artist, Trish Buggy, the focus of this session has been on different methods of mold-making. Each student conceived of their own final project, applying the skills they learned to their unique vision of various glass objects.
Sat, Dec 21 @ 12 – 7PM
NJPAC
One Center Street, Newark
Celebrate culture, community and creative expression at NJPAC’s annual
Kwanzaa Family Festival & Marketplace
Join the hundreds of families who make the free Kwanzaa Family Festival part of their
annual celebration. It’s a full day of uplifting programs — including a candle-lighting
ceremony and vibunzi — based on the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
Take a Class and Save at VIBE BBQ
Take a class with us this fall and save 10% on your meal with our friends at VIBE BBQ!
Snap a photo of our “Fall Classes” flyer while you’re here OR show your class confirmation email when ordering.
Work closely – and safely – with our trained Teaching Artists to make your own ornament in our glassblowing studio, sculpt a glass pumpkin, create Halloween-themed beaded jewelry and more. Then, enjoy barbecue – with an original twist – and save at VIBE BBQ at 56 Halsey St.
Browse our fall classes now to start planning your next trip to GlassRoots!
The Newark Black Film Festival
Join GlassRoots in commemorating the 50th Anniversary of The Newark Black Film Festival: the longest-running Black film festival in the United States! Hosted by our friends at The Newark Museum of Art, the Festival runs from July 10th – 14th, 2024.
The Newark Black Film Festival has been a pivotal platform for Black filmmakers, actors, and storytellers since 1974. It showcases films that explore the intricacies of the Black experience, reflecting diverse narratives and fostering cultural enrichment.
Over the decades, the NBFF has been a beacon for over 850 films, drawing nearly 200,000 attendees to The Newark Museum of Art. It has premiered works from young, independent filmmakers such as Spike Lee and Ava DuVernay, and featured influential figures like James Earl Jones and Danny Glover. Each screening, typically followed by a Q&A session with filmmakers and scholars, fosters a rich dialogue and deepens the audience’s connection to the films.
The official event schedule for the 50th Newark Black Film Festival is now live and runs from
July 10th – 14th, 2024. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
News from our Board of Trustees
June marked the final month that GlassRoots Board Member, Mary Jaffa, served as our Treasurer. The Vice-President, Finance at NJPAC, Mary has served on our Board of Trustees since 2015. As Treasurer, Mary has worked closely with our Executive Director, Carol Losos, and our Finance Committee to steward all financial affairs ranging from budgeting to forecasting and financial reporting.
While Mary is stepping down as Treasurer, she will remain a member of our Board of Trustees where she’ll continue to contribute her insights and talents to GlassRoots.
Thank you for your hard work and dedication, Mary!
Congratulations to dedicated GlassRoots board member, Dr. Sherri-Ann P. Butterfield, who was recently appointed NJPAC’s Senior Vice President of Social Impact!
One of Newark’s most prominent and effective leaders in the education space, Dr. Butterfield is currently Executive Vice Chancellor and Associate Professor of Sociology at Rutgers University Newark, and assumes her new role with NJPAC in September.
In the words of NJPAC President and CEO, John Schreiber, we “can’t wait to find out what we’ll be able to accomplish with this dynamic, experienced and passionate advocate for our city and for the arts on our team.”
Our sentiments exactly!