A Newark based glass art organization that opens up professional opportunities for students through their skill-based programs is moving to a new home. WBGO’s Ang Santos reports.

What could have once been a waiting room in the vacant St. Michaels Hospital building, will be a traditional glass blowing studio, known as a hotshop.

“This is 2,500 square feet of 23,000 square feet,” said GlassRoots CEO Barbara Heisler. “GlassRoots has the chance to work in partnership with the city of Newark and others to be a catalyst for the development of the entire neighborhood. Attracting other creative businesses, galleries, restaurants, small shops leading to redevelopment and economic growth through our creative economy.”

Heisler says moving to the soon to be renovated historic St. Michaels Hospital building in downtown Newark opens up more opportunities for their workforce development programs.

“Here this extended space will allow students and adults to come to GlassRoots whether there’s a class or not to work on improving skills, making products or creating art. This space will be of particular use to the growing number of students in our workforce development programs, but can also attract recreational and professional artists,” Heisler said.

The Newark organization partners with the Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina. Joshua Toler is a recent GlassRoots-Penland Fellowship graduate.

“Thanks to the fellowship, I’ve gained many working skills that can be a source of income for me right now and in the future, nine college credits to launch me into college, and friendships that will last me a lifetime,” said Toler.

City officials and advocates for the arts hope for the old hospital to become a center for creativity, like the revitalized industrial buildings that are now the Art Factory in downtown Paterson. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka says expanding the arts are important towards moving the city forward.

“Art is going to revitalize our city. It is therapeutic, forward thinking, socially and politically conscious. It elevates people. At the same time there’s some economic value to it as well. Art draws people together.”

Initial plans for the renovated hospital include the upgraded space for GlassRoots, and a privately owned coffeeshop.