Dear Friends of GlassRoots,

My name is Andy Toxtle, and I am a first-generation Mexican-American artist. Born and raised in New Jersey, I graduated from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers – New Brunswick. I’ve always been interested in art, and today I mostly create large-scale sculptures that center around my culture, history and kinetics. I’m also a Visual Arts teacher at North Star Academy (Uncommon Schools) in Newark.

My experiences over three years at GlassRoots were eye-opening for me and completely changed my career path. Not only did I learn how to make glass art through one-on-one sessions with the talented GlassRoots Teaching Artists, but I also learned how to be an educator. Growing up, I honestly never saw myself becoming an educator. But through my internship and Teaching Assistant role with GlassRoots, I learned firsthand about the impact of being a teacher and how one can inspire others to create art in the midst of anything.

In this season of giving, please consider making a year-end gift to GlassRoots today. GlassRoots is an important part of this community and a gateway for new artistic and uplifting opportunities. It is a place where students can learn a new medium while also learning about themselves. With your support, GlassRoots will continue to be a community-oriented space that closes the gap between education and the arts. Your donation today will ensure that other young people have the same amazing GlassRoots experiences that I had.

Thank you!