News & Updates

Jan 06 2021

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.

Oct 06 2020

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.

May 11 2020

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.

Jan 27 2020

Artreach Exec. Director Karen Benita Reyes says Chicago is steadfast & sturdy

Vocalo —

Jun 26 2017

NBC Nightly News: 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.

Oct 31 2016

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.

May 19 2020

Chicago Reader: Firebird Community Arts rises from the ashes

The Chicago Reader — The community organization spreads the healing practice of glassblowing and ceramics.

Apr 25 2018

WGN: 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.

Jan 19 2017

PTSD: Beyond Trauma

Canadian Broadcasting Channel —

Aug 11 2017

‘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.

Jul 15 2015

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.