FOUNDING CAMPAIGN

by Glass Commons

Help us build Glass Commons into the premier glass arts center that Philadelphia needs and deserves.

Exciting changes are coming to Philadelphia’s arts community. After 15 years, East Falls Glassworks is transforming into Glass Commons, a mission-driven organization and glass arts center. Our goal is simple: build community through the art of glass.

In April 2020, Glass Commons opens a new 3,000 sq. ft. space situated in the emerging makers-space corridor on American Street. Our focus will remain on blowing glass specifically, with a spacious and state-of-the-art hotshop is the centerpiece of the new facility. However, visitors can also engage with a variety of other ways to work with this amazing material including cold-working, casting, and neon/plasma... and even more is in the works!

This larger, purpose-built space allows Glass Commons to expand our class offerings for all skill levels, provide area artists greater access to make more challenging artwork, and deeply engage with visitors through event/exhibition space and a gallery showcasing work by local artists.

Most importantly, an expanded operation allows us to make a tremendous impact on our city through apprenticeships, scholarships, outreach to under-served schools and neighborhoods, and residencies for emerging artists. We’ll bring glass arts and education to communities throughout the Philadelphia region to inspire and encourage the next generation of glass artists!

But we need your help!

Relocating the studio, upgrading equipment, and expanding our mission is expensive and cost continues to keep glass among the artforms with the highest barriers to entry; many promising artists are denied the opportunity to experience one of the world’s most captivating materials. It doesn’t have to be this way!

At East Falls Glassworks, we’ve already introduced thousands of visitors to the wonders of hot glass. Former students are now teaching others or working as professional artists, and continue sharing their love of glass art. Philadelphia needs a committed regional glass-arts center to help this community thrive and make its mark! We’d love you to be part of earning our city distinction as a hub for glass art.

Please consider joining us in building community through glass through your tax-deductable donation to Glass Commons.

Glass Commons is fiscally sponsored by CultureTrust Greater Philadelphia, a charitable trust declared in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. A copy of the official tax-exempt 501(c)(3) registration and financial information may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

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$11,821 RAISED

$70,000 GOAL


This Appeal	36	17%
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This appeal has ended.

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Believers

by Glass Commons

Help us build Glass Commons into the premier glass arts center that Philadelphia needs and deserves.

$11,821 RAISED

$70,000 GOAL

DONATE $20 or More

7

Have your name added to our online honor roll.

SUPPORTER

DONATE $50 or More

1

Receive a limited-edition glass medallion commemorating the founding of Glass Commons.

SUPPORTER - MEDALLION

DONATE $80 or More

3

Receive a limited-edition glass ornament commemorating the founding of Glass Commons.

SUPPORTER - ORNAMENT

DONATE $150 or More

3

The Italians call the technique "fazzoletto", you'll be proud to display this limited edition piece of glass art designed and made only in commemoration of the founding of Glass Commons.

FRIEND - HANDKERCHIEF VASE

DONATE $250 or More

2

Have your name or the name of a loved one immortalized on the "Associate" glass roundel on our Founder's Wall.

ASSOCIATE - FOUNDER'S WALL

DONATE $500 or More

1

Have your name or the name of a loved one immortalized on the "Benefactor" glass roundel on our Founder's Wall.

BENEFACTOR - FOUNDER'S WALL

DONATE $1,000 or More

6

Have your name or the name of a loved one immortalized on the "Affiliate" glass roundel on our Founder's Wall.

AFFILIATE - FOUNDER'S WALL

DONATE $5,000 or More

0

Have your name or the name of a loved one immortalized on the "Advocate" glass roundel on our Founder's Wall.

ADVOCATE - FOUNDER'S WALL

DONATE $6,000 or More

0

Help design and attend the creation of the first piece made at Glass Commons.

ADVOCATE - FIRST PIECE

DONATE $25,000 or More

0

Sponsor and name our new furnace - this is the heart of the glassblowing studio at Glass Commons.

PATRON - FURNACE NAMING

DONATE $150,000 or More

0

You can name our "hot shop" for five years - eg. "Smith Hot Shop at Glass Commons".

PATRON - STUDIO NAMING

Donate what you wish

FOUNDING CAMPAIGN