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FIREBIRD COMMUNITY ARTS • Chicago, Illinois

Changing Lives Through Glassblowing & Ceramics

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Our mission is to empower and connect people through the healing practice of glassblowing and ceramics.

We serve individuals impacted by trauma, including violently injured youth, formerly incarcerated people, and CPS students on Chicago’s South and West Sides. Through glassblowing and ceramics, we foster healing, community, and access to creative, professional, and educational opportunities for underrepresented artists.

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Our Mission

Who We Are
Rendering of a modern community arts center named Firebird Community Arts featuring contemporary architecture with orange and gray exterior walls, a unique logo resembling a stylized firebird, and the words "Still I Rise" on the front, with people walking on the sidewalk and cars on the street.

Our Campaign to expand healing & Opportunity

Forging the Future

For thirty years, young people have found healing, community, and possibility through glassblowing and ceramics at Firebird. Now we're building a permanent home for that work. Be part of what comes next.

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The Studio

Hands-on Glass Blowing & Ceramics Classes in Chicago

Two people stand at a furnace for glassblowing, blowing into a pipe to form glasswork.

Classes & Workshops →

A glassblowing artist shaping molten glass in a workshop with steam and tools visible.

Private Lessons →

Glass kiln with a rusty front, sitting on a concrete floor in a studio with a brick wall. A neon sign of the Firebird logo is on the wall above.

Studio Rentals →

Showing Our Work

News, Stories, & Impact

News
Crisis and Basic Needs Resources for Firebird & Neighbors
Crisis and Basic Needs Resources for Firebird & Neighbors

Firebird Social Worker Danie Nitardy collected this list of resources for crises and basic needs. Please share any others we should add or update and share with others! Resources are organized by the following categories: Housing Food Heathcare LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Youth Elders...

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Challenges and Strengths of Trauma Informed Care at Firebird
Challenges and Strengths of Trauma Informed Care at Firebird

This Spring, Firebird's Social Worker, Danie Nitardy, facilitated two sessions for staff and leadership where they dove into specific concepts of trauma informed care that resonate most in our context. What ensued were rich discussions and complicated nuanced scenarios that defied simple answers or approaches. Here we share...

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Our Anti-Racism Action Plan
Our Anti-Racism Action Plan

Things we have done/are doing to dismantle white supremacy: Diversifying our Executive Board from 100% white in 2012 to over half POC currently Prioritizing access of South and West Side youth of color to rarefied art media in schools and in our studio Employing Black and Brown youth... 

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