NEWTOWN, PA — Bucks County Community College has received a major grant award from the Windgate Foundation to support the launch of the Bucks Fire Wagon, a portable glassblowing unit that will bring hot glass education and public arts experiences to students and communities throughout the region.
The award includes a $70,000 challenge grant for the Fire Wagon. To receive those funds, Bucks must raise an equal $70,000 in qualified gifts and pledges by December 31.
The Bucks Fire Wagon is designed to continue the college’s glassblowing tradition in a more flexible and accessible format. Bucks has offered glassblowing courses for several
decades, and this mobile model will allow the College to revive that legacy while reaching beyond a traditional studio setting. The Fire Wagon will support college coursework, expand opportunities for middle and high school students through
community and dual-enrollment partnerships, and bring glass arts to festivals, events, and broader public audiences.
The project also reflects a more sustainable approach to glass education. The shift to a mobile furnace and annealer, along with the use of recycled glass, will reduce environmental impact while broadening educational reach.
“Support from the Windgate Foundation gives Bucks an extraordinary opportunity to preserve and reimagine our glassblowing program for a new generation,” said Dr.
Carolina Blatt, Dean of the School of Visual and Performing Arts at Bucks. “Now we are asking our community to help us meet this challenge and bring the Bucks Fire Wagon fully to life.”
Bucks is inviting alumni, arts supporters, families, community members, and friends of the College to help meet the match. Every eligible gift will move the College closer to unlocking the full Windgate challenge and making this portable glassblowing studio a reality.
The Fire Wagon is a tool for education, outreach, and long-term community engagement. In addition to serving Bucks students, it is intended to introduce more young people and community members to the art of glassblowing and strengthen the college’s role as an accessible hub for arts education in the region.
Donors should note that, under Windgate’s grant terms, in-kind contributions, income from sales of items or services, and event or raffle ticket sales do not count toward the required match.
To support the Bucks Fire Wagon challenge, visit: bucks.edu/challenge Those interested in supporting the Bucks Fire Wagon challenge, may also contact the Bucks County Community College Foundation at foundation@bucks.edu.
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