Newark Nonprofit Forges Bright Futures For Youth With Fire And Glass

NEWARK, NJ — A unique source of inspiration continues to make a big difference for teens and young adults in New Jersey’s largest city: the art of blowing glass.

For more than two decades, GlassRoots, a nonprofit based in Newark, has been empowering youth by teaching them glassmaking skills through outreach programs, field trips and art classes. The organization deals with the flip side of the art world – marketing and sales – commissioning intricate pieces for awards ceremonies and creating outdoor murals, mosaics and sculptures. It also rents studio space to the general public.

Over the years, the nonprofit has reached tens of thousands of young people throughout the Greater Newark area, keeping a special focus on the Essex County communities of Newark, Orange, East Orange and Irvington.

A glimpse at the nonprofit’s website shows its unique philosophy on learning:

“We harness the fire and danger of glassmaking to engage area youth. Our students develop patience, teamwork, creative problem-solving, plus the discipline and resilience they need to safely work with 2,200-degree fire and molten glass. They gain hands-on experience in chemistry, physics and math. They become young entrepreneurs as they develop and market their products. They join a vibrant community in which all learn from each other. Our young artists grow stronger each time they forge glass, and experience the power of their own creativity.”

“Although there is some inherent danger of the heat, we teach safety first – then glassmaking,” the group adds.

Recently, the nonprofit announced an upcoming move – and expansion – to a new space at 23 William Street in RBH Group’s “Teachers Village” community.

Twice the size of the organization’s current space in Newark’s Downtown District, GlassRoots’ new home will house its offices, glassmaking studios, classrooms, and event spaces, providing greater access and visibility to the general public.

The bottom line? Now GlassRoots will be able to serve 10,000 students per year and offer 300 more classes, as well as employing more students and artists.

Being located “in the heart of Newark” will also present new opportunities, according to the nonprofit’s executive director, Carol Losos.

“Our free and affordable classes and programs unite people of all ages and artistic abilities, teachers and youth leaders cherish our unique blend of art and science, and – surprising to many – businesses engage GlassRoots to facilitate out-of-the box team building activities and create bespoke handmade awards,” Losos said.

“We look forward to expanding these celebrated offerings to even more of our neighbors with this exciting new chapter for our organization,” Losos added.

The nonprofit said the expansion is supported by the City of Newark, the Nicholson Foundation, its 2020 capital campaign donors and RBH Group, who worked closely with them to secure crucial funding from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority under the Activation, Revitalization and Transformation (ART) program.

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In the meanwhile, the nonprofit continues to do what it does best – give young people a firsthand chance to master the art of working with glass.

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Earlier this year, GlassRoots announced that it was bringing back two free workshops for local students: the winter session of Youth Entrepreneurship Spirit (YES), and the PRISM Club: A Teen LGBTQ+ Art-Making Collective.

They include Angel Ruano, its 2024 Glass Art Internship recipient, who recently earned a 15-week paid opportunity to practice glassblowing, flamework, kiln forming, mosaic and stained glass. The internship, which aims to help young BIPOC glass artists enter the field, will also give Ruano, an Essex County College graduate, a chance to dip his toes into the world of marketing, programming and arts education – while netting $20 an hour and transportation/other costs.

“Being chosen for the Glass Art Internship has me ecstatic and hopeful for my future, and of course, I'm also nervous … but in a positive sense,” Ruano said.

The Newark-based nonprofit has also been reaching out to youth in nearby towns and cities, hosting a field trip for a group of eager high school students in West Orange in February. The visit made as big an impression on the teacher chaperones as it did their students.

“I might have just stumbled upon my future retirement career,” West Orange High School art teacher Nicole Krulik commented.

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