Stories, Impact, & News
Showing Our Work
At Firebird, we're makers, thinkers, and community builders. Our work takes two forms: the art you can see and hold, and the harder-to-measure work of building trust, connection, and belonging in Chicago.
This blog is where we share both. Finished pieces and works in progress. Answers we're confident in and questions we're still sitting with.
Remember getting credit in math class for showing your work, even when the answer wasn't perfect? That's the spirit here. We don't have everything figured out, but we're committed to learning in public, and we'd love for you to be part of the conversation.
Welcome to Showing Our Work.
Scripps News: Chicago bike tour commemorates 1919 race riots
A bike tour in Chicago brings riders up close to Chicago's 1919 race riots, honoring the 38 victims and highlighting the riots' impact. By Ben Schamisso July 25, 2023 A somber history lesson on two wheels is taught by visiting sites where people died and places where people...
An Unlikely Peace: Survivors of Gun Violence Find Solace in Glassblowing
The Trace — N’Kosi Barber lost a friend in a shooting. Now, he’s helping Chicagoans who have endured similar losses move on through the craft of glassblowing. By Justin Agrelo Jul 7, 2023 Read more here...
Firebird Public Art to Remember 1919 Race Riot
Chicago Sun-Times — Thousands of people pass by Adams Street and Wabash Avenue every day, climbing the stairs to the L, or heading to the Art Institute or other spots in the Loop. Few may know that corner is a murder scene, part of the 1919 riots during which, for...
How glassblowing is helping Chicago youth cope with trauma
Chicago Sun Times — The Project Fire program in East Garfield Park teaches glassblowing to victims of violence to help them heal.
Take A Tour Of Chicago Art Studio Pairing Glassblowing With Therapy
The Kelly Clarkson Show — Leeann Trotter from NBC Chicago shines a light on Pearl, the Artistic Director of Firebird Community Arts.
Artreach Exec. Director Karen Benita Reyes says Chicago is steadfast & sturdy
Vocalo —
Remembering the 1919 Chicago Race Riots through Art
NPR | WVIK — Firebird artists will create 38 pieces, one for each person who lost their life in the Chicago Race Riots of 1919.
Making A Difference In Your Community? Apply For LISC’s Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards
Block Club Chicago — Firebird Community Arts in Garfield Park was among the groups that received a special grant from LISC after the previous awards were canceled because of the pandemic.
Firebird Community Arts rises from the ashes
The Chicago Reader — The community organization spreads the healing practice of glassblowing and ceramics.
Glassblowing Studio Goes Virtual To Help Manage Isolation Anxiety With Art
Block Club Chicago — The art center uses glassblowing and ceramics as a medium for healing trauma.
How victims of gun violence find healing in the flames of glass art
WGN News — Project FIRE combines counseling and glass blowing to give victims of gun violence a chance to heal and express themselves.
‘Let this boy make it’
The Washington Post — He’d been shot at 15. Now, amid Chicago’s relentless gunfire, he had one goal: Stay alive.
These Chicago Teens Are Fighting The City's Gunfire With Fire
NBC Nightly News — Project Fire provides victims of gun violence with employment, mentoring and therapy - all through the process of glass making.
PTSD: Beyond Trauma
Canadian Broadcasting Channel — Canadian Broadcasting Corporation documentary PTSD: Beyond Trauma profiles Project FIRE and the creative approach to trauma recovery.
AJ+ Playing With Fire Heals Victims Of Gun Violence
Al Jazeera — Artist Pearl Dick co-founded Project Fire to use glassblowing as therapy for Chicago teens affected by gun violence.
Project Fire offers peace forged in the flame
The Chicago Reader — A master glassblower and a U. of C. clinical psychologist have developed an unconventional new treatment program for Chicago teens who have experienced violence-related trauma.