Process image examples are very helpful.

Magless

FUN FOR ALL MEMBERS—New and Established!!

MAGLESS occurs in March each year

What is Magless?

Think of Magless as a Glass Lover’s Cookie Exchange. A group of 20-ish artists exchange hand-made glass tiles in whatever technique they like, sized anywhere from 1” to 2” – square, rectangular, or any shape. They’re like refrigerator magnets without the actual magnet attached, hence “magLESS”. You pack them into sets and mail or deliver them to an organizer. You will receive either via mail or in person, a set of 20+ different maglesses (with each person’s “recipe” - to continue with the cookie analogy – the firing schedule, the color, and type of glass, etc.). We will meet to share our techniques. This meeting is often the best attended each year.

We are hoping to engage new members and are saving spaces just for them. We would like buddies to work with new members, if they would like. Let us know if you’re interested.

Magless 2026

Key Information and Instructions

Overview

Magless is a glass-sample exchange where artists create 1”–2" glass pieces using any technique. You submit one for each participant and receive a full set in return. Samples and process instructions and photos are shared during the March 29 presentation, which will be in person at the Art Glass Center at Glen Echo Park and online via Zoom.

Timeline

- Jan 16 – Sign-up deadline ( around 20 participants)

- Jan 17 – Final count + Assigned Numbers announced

- By Mar 9 – Maglesses and instructions must be received by mail or in person by Paula Grossman or Betsy Mead. See below.

By Mar 10 – Deadline to submit process photos ONLINE

Mar 16 – Reassembled sets mailed back to non-local participants; sets for local participants will be available at Glen Echo on Mar 29th.

Mar 29, 2 pm – Presentations (Glen Echo Art Glass Center in-person & Zoom)

Co-Chairs

Paula Grossman: 703-927-8771

Pgrossman5@gmail.com

3613 Ridgeway Terrace

Falls Church, VA 22044

Betsy Mead: 202-276-0695

egmead@gmail.com

6931 Western Ave NW

Washington, DC 20015

Process Instructions

1.Sign-up – by Jan. 16 and make $10 donation at that time. ($10 donation covers supplies, refreshments, mailing, etc.)

2. Decide what to make

· Anything glass related: fused, stained, blown, mosaic, cold worked, cast, etc.

· Make it simple or complex. Have fun with it. Don’t worry about mistakes.

· They don’t need to be identical, but should have a unifying technique, color, etc.

· Size: roughly 1”- 2” (any shape)

· Do not attach a magnet!

· Samples for inspiration can be found on the Guild website at NCAGG.org/magless

3. Make Maglesses – make one for each participant including yourself (probably around 20 but exact number to be announced Jan. 17.

4. [Optional, but encouraged] Take 1-3 pictures of your process for use in your presentation.

Co-chairs will provide one closeup view of your magless for the presentation. Any additional photos should come from you, and highlight your process. See Presentation Instructions below for further details.

5. Write up a list of instructions about how you made your magless.

· Include whatever you want [materials, special techniques, etc.]

· It can be brief or full of details.

· Print the descriptions – one for each participant including yourself; use one sheet of paper or less. Most people use ¼ to ½ sheet. (See Mar 2025 examples at button below.)

How to pack maglesses

Gather your Maglesses & Instructions.
Place each Magless and Instructions in a small plastic Bag or Envelope.
Securely close the bag/envelope.
OR
Write your NAME & assigned NUMBER on the OUTSIDE of each bag/envelope.
Label must be secure. Do NOT include any other numbers or info.
Pack the bags/envelopes in a shipping box with appropriate protection (e.g. bubble wrap).

Assigned Numbers announced Jan. 17.

Non-locals ONLY (living outside of the DMV) please MAIL packages to Betsy; Everyone else, please hand-deliver packages to Paula or Betsy (see addresses above).

Presentation Instructions

For our March 29th program, we ask that you prepare a BRIEF written description (1 page or less) of how you made your magless. We also encourage you to take some process photos to use during your presentation. Make it as casual as you like. We are NOT looking for a professional lecture. Relax and have fun with it!

To keep the audience as fresh as possible for all participants, we will enforce the following ground rules:

· Everyone will be muted, except for the presenter & the moderator.

· Presentations will be in the order of your “Assigned Number” (you will be notified).

· You will be provided with a complete set of numbered maglesses. Please lay them out ahead of time in the proper order for quick access.

· Talks will be limited to 3 minutes or less: Please practice and time yourself. The moderators WILL (lovingly) cut you off if you go too long. If you have more than 3 minutes of information to share, feel free to include the extra on your printed descriptions. It’s up to you what and how you choose to share information.

· Each talk will have at least one image (We will provide it for you) with the opportunity to share additional photos (details below).

· Please do not show items live to your computer camera as it can be difficult for the audience to see. Consider using photos, instead.

· Questions will follow each presentation. For those of you on Zoom, questions should be submitted via chat. Moderators will read them out loud. When there are more than two questions we will table the rest until the end of the meeting.

SHARING IMAGES - DEADLINE to submit process photos: March 10

1. Everyone will be provided with one photo: a close-up view of one of your maglesses. This image will be on the Zoom screen at the start of your talk. This will allow non-participant attendees to see the magless being discussed.

2. You decide how long the image remains on the screen: It can remain up for your entire talk, or you can switch to additional images you have submitted.

3. You may submit 1-3 additional process photos to enhance your presentation when you send your description. Please send images as separate jpeg files.

We strongly encourage process photos, but it is not required

4. Name your image files (.jpg) following the format below and submit them as attached files to your email. Send them to Paula Grossman at PGrossman5@gmail.com, and Betsy Mead at egmead@gmail.com. Moderators will handle the images. Just tell them when you want the images shown.