Better Together x PGC, held on May 24, 2025, was a breezy, sunshiny day full of activity. Each level of Pittsburgh Glass Center, from the new rooftop patio to the flame shop, cultivated community and glassy vibes. BIPOC glassmakers from all across the country joined to celebrate and empower one another, teach alongside each other, and share their passion for creativity.
The first floor experience offered neon and flameworking demonstrations by Philadelphia artist Victoria, Brooklyn artist MolMol, North Carolina artist Kimberly Thomas, and Pittsburgh’s very own Percy Echols II. A hands-on beadmaking activity was led by Ghislaine, Roxana, and Maria of the Bead Project from Brooklyn, New York.
The second floor may have been the most active space. In the kiln shop, a mosaic activity led by Amira Rogers invited friends to make 8-inch “Together” placards, which would collectively be assembled onto a 4-foot panel. The educational hot shop hosted two activities. Visitors made commemorative coins by pressing a brass stamp donning “Better Together” into 2,000° molten glass. Instructors also led a blown-glass catch-all bowl activity.
On the third floor, visitors shopped at the local vendor marketplace and watched hot glass demonstrations by professional artists. Artist friends of Crafting the Future donated incredible artworks to be a part of a silent auction to raising funds to further opportunities for BIPOC makers through scholarships to craft schools, grants, residencies, and more. The main hot glass demonstration bench rotated a new professional glassblower every 90 minutes, taking center stage to create artwork in front of a rapt crowd of attendees.
To conclude the event, the Better Together team, consisting of 14+ artists, worked together to create a large blown glass sculpture. Individual blown shapes with letter drawings spelling out BETTER. Collaboration, teamwork, and camaraderie stole the show!
“I always appreciate taking part of any event that is hosted by CTF. CTF is always mindful to have an event that uplifts artists of color, including the community to take part in the event to deepen their knowledge in various crafts that are offered, a great way to collaborate, network and hone in on your own craft and a way for everyone to enjoy each other’s company and catch up with old friends while making new ones. I always leave these events feeling inspired and eager to create and progress in my own trade.”
—Byron Gaylord (2 time attendee, glassmaker)
“Joining the aptly named Better Together event was a really special experience, as I got to work with friends, colleagues, and artists I look up to in such a beautiful environment! I love establishing new connections and collaborating with others, so being able to share time and space with other BIPOC artists was amazing! It felt really good to be present with caring individuals from all over and be doing what we love, especially coming from an area with very few BIPOC glass artists. Glass is always so much more than just material, it’s community, which was very much felt at the Better Together event at PGC.”
—Abbey Uffelman (1st time attendee, glassmaker)
“I had a great time vending at CTF! Not often do you find opportunities like this where the goal is to uplift you as an artist, removed of barriers that would limit artists like me to participate. By participating I felt validated in my work and welcome by the gal and greater BIPOC craft community.”
—Jada Patterson (vendor)
Special thanks to all the artists and staff who made this event possible!
Participating Glass Artists: Abbey Uffelman, Ceejay RennerThomas , Byron Gaylord, Jason Macdonald, Julian Maturino, Xander Cubano, Davin Ebanks, Terri Sigler, Chris Ross, Percy Echols, Adeye Jean Baptiste, Yashu Reddy, Victoria Ahmadizadeh Melendez, Molmol Kuo, Ghislaine Sabiti, Roxana De Leon Saiz, Maria Aroche , Kimberly Thomas, Lyncia Berry, Amira Rogers, Boyd Sugiki, Lisa Zerkowitz, Che Spriggs*, SaraBeth Post Eskuche*, Corey Pemberton*, (*CTF Staff)
Vendors: (Tanya Wilson) Secret Saks, Minimo, Alecia Dawn, Sydney Kay, A Few Black Femmes, Cathy Olivar, Andrew Thornton, Jada Patterson, (Courtney Williamson) Glo Body Skincare
And PGC support staff and volunteers
by Sara Beth Post Eskuche, Communications Director, Crafting the Future
Crafting the Future is a nationwide nonprofit organization working to increase access to creative enrichment by connecting BIPOC artists with opportunities that will help them thrive. Their Better Together event series celebrates and supports the careers of BIPOC makers with events that feature Black and Brown artists, performers, and entrepreneurs. Learn more at www.craftingthefuture.org.
