Water Street Glassworks ▪ Fired Up! Student Exhibition and Reception
Water Street Glassworks ▪ Fired Up! Student Exhibition and Reception
Thursday, January 15th, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Exhibit runs through January 21st
Water Street Glassworks is excited to invite the community to the Fired Up! Student Exhibition and Opening Reception on Thursday, January 15th, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. This event will showcase the remarkable creativity and talent of our Fired Up! teens, with their work displayed alongside pieces created by our dedicated instructors. The exhibition, located in the Dorris Akers Gallery, is a testament to the collaborative and mentorship-driven nature of our program. This is more than just an exhibition; it’s a celebration of young artists and their inspiring achievements! Meet with Fired Up! students, instructors, and alumni, witness captivating live glassmaking demonstrations, and enjoy refreshments while connecting with fellow community members. Your presence not only supports the young artists but also nurtures the artistic spirit of Benton Harbor. Join us in supporting the arts and inspiring young talent—mark your calendar for January 15th!
"Water Street Glassworks has been a great avenue to explore my creativity and even create long-lasting relationships with people.
It’s not just glass, but it’s the community in which it exists."
- Kamden, Fired Up! student and Studio Assistant
**Why Fired Up! Matters**
Fired Up! is Water Street Glassworks’ tuition-free after-school glass arts program for Benton Harbor teens aged 12–18. Now in its 22nd year, this transformative program provides hands-on instruction in glassblowing, fused glass, and flameworking. By expanding to two days per week in fall 2025, we enhance students’ access to vital studio time and individualized instruction. The technical challenges of glass art serve as powerful tools for personal growth—teaching teamwork, focus, patience, and trust. Through Fired Up!, teens not only hone their artistic skills but also gain invaluable real-world experience through exhibitions, sales opportunities, and exciting field trips. They develop leadership qualities and foster a positive outlook on life, empowering them to envision and pursue bright futures. Don't miss this opportunity to witness creativity in action and support the next generation of artists. Together, let’s celebrate the future of our community!
“I’ve experienced firsthand the impact this program has on our students—the focus it builds, the pride on their faces when they create something they never thought possible, and the way they lift each other up. Watching their creative and personal growth has been one of the most inspiring parts of the year.”
~ Donna Sauers, Executive Director
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: Water Street Glassworks - 140 Water Street, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
(Located in the heart of the Benton Harbor Arts District)
About Water Street Glassworks
School, Studios, & Gallery Dedicated to the Glass & Metal Fire Arts
Water Street Glassworks is a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) school and public access studio, proudly fostering creativity in the Benton Harbor Arts District. Since opening our doors in January 2004, we've offered transformative classes in the glass and metal arts, along with engaging exhibitions and events for all ages. Our commitment to fostering community renewal through partnerships with educational entities is at the heart of everything we do, helping to ignite a cultural renaissance in Benton Harbor.
