Water Street Glassworks

Experience a fire-y new side of you at Water Street Glassworks!
Water Street Glassworks’ is the product of founders, Jerry and Kathy Catania’s vision to create a glass arts school in the heart of Benton Harbor. The WSG project has taken on the multi-faceted approach of building restoration, arts education, and community and economic development. It has worked collaboratively with other arts institutions including Krasl Art Center, and businesses to significantly contribute to the creation of the city’s arts and historic district. In its 13 years of operation, through events, exhibitions, classes, and public demonstrations, it has engaged thousands of residents and visitors in arts education experiences.

WSG is also the home of the FIRED UP!  program.  FIRED UP! was launched in the Fall of 2004 as a tuition-free, after- school program for Benton Harbor teens and holds the distinction of being the second oldest youth glass program in the country. The inspiration for FIRED UP! came from American Glass Master Dale Chihuly’s Hilltop Project for youth in Tacoma Washington.  FIRED UP! is open to students ages 12-18 and requires a two-year commitment. Teen students work in one of four studios: glassblowing, glass beadmaking/jewelry design, fused glass, and glass mosaic. Students meet once a week and are taught by highly qualified instructors.