“January is my favorite month, when the light is plainest, least colored. And I like the feeling of beginnings.”
hello January
Happy New Year! We enter 2026 with classes and appreciation, a new and exciting exhibition, and the importance of lighting the way this winter season.
LEARN AT LIBERTY
Classes for All interests + all Levels
Small Scale Sand Casting
Join Metal artist Heather Pinnix for this class that focuses on sand casting small objects using Delft Clay and pewter, heather will also teach history and theory in this class.
Make Your Own Glass Hearts
Work with an experienced glass blowing instructors and learn hands on how to apply colors, how to shape and form and how to inflate your creation into a heart shape.
Three important points to consider:
1. Blow pipes will be sterilized between each use.
2. Eye protection is provided as needed, and students should not wear loose-fitting clothes nor clothes made of synthetic fabric (this material melts easily).
3. Age limited: minimum age is 13 years old
Make Your Own Fused Glass Earrings
This quick and creative 1-hour workshop focuses on fused glass earrings. Jennifer Prince will demonstrate how to build 2 sets of earrings that are fired in the kiln afterwards.
There are only 2 spots available so don’t delay and sign up today.
ART APPRECIATION
Meet the artist:Emily WiSmer
The first time I saw a letterpress shop, I knew I was doomed. Luckily for me, a fascination that began when I was 19 has turned into a career as a printer.
Lightning struck a second time 3 years ago when I began blowing glass. Since my first class at Liberty, I’ve spent time learning at Penland, Corning, the Pittsburgh Glass Center, and Haystack. Now, I divide my time between my print shop and the hot shop. If I’m not making greeting cards on my beautiful old press, I’m exploring the magic of glass, trying to make things that thrill me. I love teaching but am particularly excited helping people try glass for the first time.
You can visit my website at Lady Pilot Letterpress and follow me on social media at Ladypilotletterpress or Ameliaglassworks.
IRON HEROES: UPDATE
An Exhibition
Sunday, January 11th | 1:00pm - 4:00pm
The Fall 2025 Iron Heroes Cohort is complete! This season, artist Tripp Jarvis led a cohort of veterans and emerging young artists through the process of metal casting, all while unpacking elements of the Heroes Journey. The students each ended the program having participated in the 9th Annual Iron Pour, casting their pieces with the help of the on-site Pour Masters, Furnace Captains, and pour team. Each student spent the final class putting the finishing touches on their masks.
Join us to celebrate the Iron Heroes’ hard work, view their completed pieces, and learn more about the program during our Iron Heroes Reception on Sunday, January 11th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the Durham Food Hall's Loose Leaf Gallery.
Program creator Tripp Jarvis will give a presentation at 2:00pm sharing more about his personal journey and the importance of the Iron Heroes Program.
This event is FREE and open to the public. Please register on Eventbrite to help us track attendance.
SUPPORT THE ARTS
light the way and give today
Though December is a major month for giving the arts always need support! This month, if you have the financial means to feed the flame for future Iron Heroes Cohorts, your donation would be greatly appreciated.
Liberty Arts artists, board members and employees, thank our community for choosing Liberty Arts as their place for connecting, learning, and having fun!