The National Capital Art Glass Guild (NCAGG)

The NCAGG is a group of vibrant glass craftspeople who are based in the Washington, DC metro area. We welcome members from not only our region, but across the country to join in our highly regarded monthly presentations, group shows and idea exchanges.

About The NCAGG

The NCAGG was founded in 1978 as a community of artisans interested in stained glass. As the glass arts have expanded, the Guild and the interests of its members have grown to include any and all forms of glass art, including but not limited to blown, mosaic, kiln-formed (fused), and lamp-worked glass. Through meetings, workshops, presentations, and exhibitions, the NCAGG provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and experiences and promotes in the community at large all aspects of glass as an art and craft.

Every year Guild members conduct classes in many glass techniques and present programs to interested schools, organizations, and community groups through our outreach efforts. We hold regular planning meetings and social events such as special presentations from visiting artists, field trips, an annual picnic, and an annual meeting/auction. We also organize glass art shows for our members every year at local galleries and cultural institutions.

The Guild Purposes

Establish a community of artists and artisans interested in all forms of glass art.
Provide a forum for exchanging ideas and experiences.
Provide opportunities for members to display their work and demonstrate their skills.
Promote higher standards of glass artwork.
Promote all aspects of glass as an art form and as a craft.
Educate the public about the value of glass as an art and craft form through educational programs and community service.
2026 NCAGG Board
President - Shayna Heller
Vice President - Katherine (Kathy) Thomas
Treasurer - Inbal Katz
Secretary - Suzanne Arden
At-large Director, Membership - Allan Jaworski
At-large Director, Shows - Elaine Byergo
At-Large Director, Media and Marketing - Michelle Rial
Editorial Chair- Clotilde (Clo) Huyghues-Despointes
Member Engagement Chair is vacant
Past President - Becky Snider

Programs

Guild members coordinate monthly meetings that feature demonstrations of techniques, studio tours, presentations from accomplished glass artists as well as a few meetings that are held annually.

In the past few years, our meetings have included a demonstration of how to incorporate silver into kiln formed glass, use of a portable hot glass “shop,” a behind-the-scenes tour of the Chrysler Museum Glass Exhibit (in Richmond), and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Sandra Ainsley Gallery’s Chihuly Exhibit (in Toronto), to name a few. We also have certain annual meetings that have become traditions, including:

· “Magless” Glass Sample Exchange (March)

· Annual Board Officers Vote/Auction (~ September)

We also host periodic “share” meetings where artists talk about their unexpected glass outcomes, and the group will brainstorm possible reasons and options for correcting bloopers.

Even during COVID, our meetings have continued virtually, and because of travel restrictions, we’ve benefited from internationally recognized galleries and instructors being available for our meetings. Indeed, this has been a silver lining in this time of changes and restrictions.

Because our membership has grown geographically broader in the past few years, we’ve resolved to continue at least several online meetings per year and embrace technology to include our more distanced members, even when we resume in-person meetings.

Donate to the NCAGG.

Choose:

You can choose between a one-time or ongoing/monthly donation to our yearly scholarship fund or our operations fund, which covers website maintenance and progress, meeting, and show/event costs.

We're a 501(c)(3) organization.

Your donation is tax-deductible.

Please donate today!

February Events:

Feb.16–Business Meeting. NCAGG’s Monthly Business Meetings are open to all members. Join us to find out what’s happening with your Guild.

Feb. 19–Hospital Arts Glass Workshop. This outreach program is looking for volunteers. Sign up here. Volunteer.signup.org/DFMDK

Feb. 21–Gallery B Call for artists. Show entry opens Feb. 21 and closes Mar. 14. Our juried Gallery B show in Bethesda, MD opens May 1st. The theme is “The Language of Glass.” See info here.

Feb. 22–Monthly Program. Featuring the renowned artists Eric Markow and Thom Norris, celebrated for their mesmerizing woven glasswork. Scheduling info to come. Learn more about the artists at www.wovenglass.com

Mar. 27–Scholarship application deadline. If you’re ready to expand your glassmaking skills, apply to the 2026 NCAGG Scholarship Program! More info here.

Connect With Us

NCAGG Newsletter–Read the Guild's winter newsletter here. https://www.ncagg.org/newsletters