We are excited to welcome four new board members to our Board of Directors:
- Annie Cattrell, Ceramics & Glass Instructor, Royal College of Art
- Mika Drozdowska, Curator, BWA Wrocław Galleries of Contemporary Art and Head of the SIC! BWA Wrocław Gallery
- Percy Echols II, Neon and Plasma Light Art Instructor, Pittsburgh Glass Center and Host of Taming Lightning podcast
- Jocelyn Chan, Student, Toyama Institute of Glass Art (GAS International Student Representative)
We caught up with our newest board members to ask them what drew them to the GAS Board of Directors and what they’re most excited about at GAS.
Annie Cattrell
What inspired you to join the GAS Board of Directors?
In light of escalating global changes and challenges, this bedrock of talent and expertise seems even more vital and essential than ever. The aims, resourcefulness, and ‘can do’ energy of GAS epitomizes the ingredients of creative possibilities and ultimately sustainability.
What kinds of projects do you hope to work on at GAS?
It would be interesting to further develop the many links that GAS has with academic museums and organisations. This could take many forms, but what initially springs to mind are the connections between art and science, theory and practise, research and materiality etc.
What are you most looking forward to at GAS?
Being involved!
Mika Drozdowska
What inspired you to join the GAS Board of Directors?
I aim to promote glass art on a global scale, which can be achieved through an annual conference. In my practice, it is essential to produce formats and organize exhibitions that highlight glass as a medium of contemporary art, going beyond mere design and craftsmanship. As a board member of GAS, I believe I will have the opportunity to work on projects that involve educating future artists, allowing me to contribute as a curator of contemporary art.
What kinds of projects do you hope to work on at GAS?
Glass is currently gaining popularity as a medium. I am interested in collaborating with a group of artists who may not have prior experience with glass, but discover its potential as their chosen material for artistic expression. Furthermore, I am interested in working on projects that create networking platforms which are crucial to present interesting, contemporary projects.
What are you most looking forward to at GAS?
I’m looking forward to building a network of entities that share similar values and aim to foster the European and worldwide community. Finding a way to finance activities related to the mobility of artists and professionals, such as residencies and studio visits, is very important. We should also focus on building infrastructure and developing practices that will reduce the energy intensity of the glass industry. I would like to also find ways for GAS to better serve international members.
Percy Echols II
What inspired you to join the GAS Board of Directors?
I was first introduced to GAS in 2011 during my initial glass course at Illinois State University. Since then, I’ve attended three GAS conferences and have witnessed the incredible value these gatherings bring to our glass community. These experiences ignited my passion for GAS and its mission. My journey with GAS has been driven by a deep appreciation for what it represents, a commitment to the glass art community, and a desire to contribute meaningfully to the organization’s growth and impact.
What kinds of projects do you hope to work on at GAS?
I’m excited to bring my experiences and passions to GAS through a range of projects:
- Promoting Neon and Plasma Light Art: I hope to foster greater understanding, accessibility, and inclusivity of neon and plasma light art within the GAS community.
- Enhancing Member Value: I’m committed to improving the perceived value of GAS membership and conference attendance. This involves actively participating in committees focused on communication and planning.
What are you most looking forward to at GAS?
I’m most eager to delve deeper into the intricacies of this remarkable organization, connect with its diverse community of members, and explore the institutions that breathe life into GAS. It’s all about gaining a richer understanding of what makes this vibrant glass art community tick!
Jocelyn Chan
What inspired you to join the GAS Board of Directors?
As a glass student studying in Asia, I think students here don’t get enough information about glass opportunities internationally. I hope that with the connections in the glass world that I have right now, I could use the platform from GAS to better share information to attract not only glass students from the US, but also students from all around the world.
What kinds of projects do you hope to work on at GAS?
Besides blowing glass and making artwork, I love to write. I hope to write a lot for communications, as well as sharing information for GAS. I would be thrilled to be part of the conference planning as well since it is the biggest event of GAS every year.
What are you most looking forward to at GAS?
I look forward to meeting more people that have the same interest in glass and collaborating with them. The glass world is small, yet it is big at the same time. There are always new people that I can connect with and new things that I can learn from them.
Learn more about our current Board of Directors. Interested in joining the board? Stay tuned for when our next call for nominations goes live in January.