A longtime glass studio and venue in Fort Worth's Near Southside is moving to a new home in a new city: SiNaCa Studios, the nonprofit glass arts school and gallery that has operated on Magnolia Avenue since 2011, is relocating to downtown Arlington.
The Arlington City Council approved an agreement with SiNaCa on September 29 that clears the way for a move to city-owned property 300 W. Front St. There, the organization plans to transform an existing building into a new glass arts school, gallery, artist studio, and community arts facility, they say.
According to a release, the new facility will offer hands-on glassblowing, flameworking, and kiln-forming classes, along with public demonstrations, exhibitions, artist studios and community programming for people of all ages and experience levels.
“Fort Worth is where SiNaCa took root, and the artists, students, neighbors, and supporters who built this community will always be part of our story,” says Clifton Crofford, artistic director at SiNaCa, in the release. “As we prepare for this next chapter, we are carrying those relationships forward and making room for new ones.”
Founded in 2007, SiNaCa has become a studio for glass artists and for people interested in learning more about glass-blowing. Its programs introduce students to the art and science of working with hot glass while also supporting professional artists.
SiNaCa on Magnolia Avenue has been a popular stop during community events like Arts Goggle and Gallery Night, and it makes for a fun date night or group outing.
The organization also generously donates gorgeous creations to local charities and special events (including at a recent Fort Worth Opera benefit.)
Glass blowing at SiNaCa during a gallery hop event. Photo courtesy of SiNaCa Studios
The Arlington move is part of "PRISM: Expanding Light Through Glass Art," a capital campaign focused on expanding SiNaCa's space, equipment and programming, the release says.
This might not be the last time they'll be in Fort Worth: The organization is developing "SiNaCa Studios: On the Move," a mobile glass arts studio that will bring demonstrations and hands-on experiences to communities around DFW.
The new Arlington partnership includes $150,000 in design funding and up to $850,000 in construction reimbursement, the release says. The construction funding will be repaid through rent under the terms of the lease, while SiNaCa continues private fundraising for the facility and its programs.
SiNaCa will also work with Arlington's Parks, Recreation & Culture Department on community camps and programs and create custom glass art for a city parks facility, they say.
“This partnership is about what becomes possible when more people have access to art,” says Breinn Richter, executive director of SiNaCa Studios. “Glass asks us to pay attention, trust one another and adapt when something doesn’t go as planned.”
An opening date has not yet been announced.
Mezzo-Soprano Lauren Salazar as Ruth Bader Ginsburg.Photo by Nena Photography
Metropolitan Opera baritone and Fort Worth native Michael Adams.Photo by Nena Photography