Second Annual ‘Borough Of Glass Festival Art Walk and Night Market’ Celebrates Glassboro History

Glassblower statue in Glassboro’s Town Square. Credit: Borough of Glassboro.

GLASSBORO, N.J. – Circus performances and dozens of local and area glassblowers, sculptors, painters, and potters will be on display at the second annual Borough of Glass Festival Art Walk and Night Market on Saturday, July 20th, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The festival commemorates the borough’s rich history of glass blowing as well as celebrates the first birthday of the glassblower statue located in the Town Square. Standing at 13 feet tall, weighing over 600 lbs, his ball of glass is lit from within and points toward the previous locations of the “Glass Works in the Woods” and the industry that forged Glassboro.

Glass artist Paul Stankard. Credit: Borough of Glassboro.

Along with dozens of artists selling and performing demonstrations of their unique crafts, world-renowned glass artist Paul Stankard will entertain the audience with demonstrations of his art. Stankard is considered a “Living Master,” and his work is represented in more than 60 museums around the world. Over his forty-year artistic journey, he has received three honorary doctorate degrees and many awards within the glass community, most recently the Masters of the Medium Award from Smithsonian’s The James Renwick Alliance and Glass Art Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Stankard is an Artist-in-Resident and Honorary Professor at Salem Community College.

“We are excited to continue growing the Borough of Glass Festival as a destination for makers of all ages,” Council President George Cossabone, Sr. said in a press release. “Glassboro has created this festival for artists of all disciplines to be able to showcase and demo their craft in our beautiful downtown making this a memorable weekend for everyone.”

The art festival will also showcase the area’s many art schools, highlighting a thriving Arts & Entertainment District, as well as recognizing talented contemporary and street artists with a focus on glassblowing. Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, Salem Community College, and Rowan University will be in attendance.

Visitors will have the chance to browse a variety of goods while “basking in a festival atmosphere full of great food, craft beer, and other al fresco fun on Rowan Boulevard and the Town Square,” according to the press release. Live entertainment will be provided by the Philadelphia band, ‘The Jump Off Band.’

For more information as well as artist registration, visit glassboro.org/borough-of-glass-festival.