What is a community outreach event?
Community outreach events are organized activities designed to connect our organization with the broader public, fostering relationships, promoting awareness, and providing support through educational, cultural, and service-oriented programs. For NCAGG, these events offer opportunities to share our passion for glass art, engage diverse communities, and make a positive impact through creative expression.
NCAGG Community Outreach: Past and Ongoing Events
Looking Ahead to 2026
Get Involved:
1. National Building Museum Partnerships: https://nbm.org/
—Big Build Event: An annual hands-on discovery event for young children and their parents held each October in Washington DC at the National Building Museum, where NCAGG exhibits and our volunteers interact with hundreds of people introducing them to glass art techniques and provide simple, yet engaging kids’ activities throughout the day. Volunteersignup.org (add a current sign up sheet)
—Meet a Professional: NCAGG participates once a year in the “Meet a Professional” Series, hosted by the NBM on their free Saturdays. This series aims to introduce youth to various trades on a smaller scale. Professionals interact with the most people during these events. The gallery is open from 10 am to 2 pm, allowing families to learn about tools and career journeys. Afterward, they visit the classroom to witness glass art demonstrations by NCAGG members.
2. Sunflower Bakery Collaboration: https://www.sunflowerbakery.org/
NCAGG has an ongoing partnership with Sunflower Bakery, a workforce development program for young adults with learning differences. Throughout the year we seek opportunities to support each other’s programs and events. Each December, NCAGG contributes to the Sunflower Holiday activities by contributing glasswork for sale and having fun activities for the kids onsite at their facilities in Rockville, Maryland.
https://volunteersignup.org/479CK
3. Hospital Arts Program: https://www.medstarhealth.org/locations/cancer-care-olney
Launched in 2025, this program includes therapeutic glass workshops for adult oncology patients and their families at Medstar Health in Olney, Maryland. Due to its success, plans are underway to expand this initiative in partnership with additional healthcare departments. To volunteer https://volunteersignup.org/CMFDQ (new link to come)
4. Professional Development:
NCAGG partnered with Artwork Archive, an art inventory and management company, to offer a professional development presentation to our members in August 2025. This private webinar provided practical guidance on art documentation, business management, and organizational strategies. To learn more about AA …
5. Helping Hands Program:
Spearheaded by Shona Cruz, this heartfelt program connects NCAGG volunteers with glassmakers facing health challenges, fostering a supportive and caring community within the guild. To join this program, fill out this application form https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16wtteehhi0Iu7NF3UOirve1S6lAAkzJWlbsu6NkHFdk/edit?usp=drivesdk…
NCAGG plans to continue its key programs with the National Building Museum and Sunflower Bakery, expand hospital arts workshops, and explore additional community partnerships. We are also seeking an Outreach Manager to support the growth of these impactful activities.
Members interested in volunteering or learning more about our outreach efforts are encouraged to reach out. Stay updated on the latest activities by visiting the NCAGG website.