Espace VERRE and its many benefactors are incredibly pleased to announce the names of this year’s bursaries’ recipients. Each one was created in support of emerging glass artists. As in past years, the selections from the many applicants were made by members of their peers, on a rigorous criteria basis, to recognize excellency, originality and the desire to persevere in the glass art profession.

Houdé-Mendel Bursary

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the bursary, established following François Houdé last wishes, and in coalition with the Montréal based glass collectors Anna and Joe Mendel. It was created to support kiln work as well as pâte de verre research and innovation, for a period of six months. Amélie Girard, glass artist and one of Espace VERRE’s teachers, revealed the name of this year’s recipient: Maria Spanakis, who will pursue her kiln work and pâte de verre explorations.

La persévérance Christian Poulin Bursary

Created 17 years ago, this bursary supports a 2nd year student to enroll in their 3rd year, and subsequently complete the program. Its funding was made possible thanks to the generosity of an anonymous foundation that created an endowment fund allowing the provision of a new bursary. This amount, increased to $1,250 this year, can be used to pay registration fees or purchase materials and tools specifically for glass work. This year, Christian Poulin revealed that Chloé Vaillant was selected as the 2024 recipient.

Donald Robertson Bursary

For its 5th anniversary, the Espace VERRE Bursary has been renamed the Donald Robertson Bursary in recognition of the exceptional artistic and educational contribution of Donald Robertson, glass artist and teacher at Espace VERRE for over three decades. It offers the use of a designated kiln and molding studio, while supporting kiln work and pâte de verre research, for a period of six months. This bursary was made possible due to the generous support of Espace VERRE’s Board of Directors as an additional encouragement to emerging glass artists. Donald Robertson announced this year’s recipient: Samwell Guertin. 

 The Fondation Faire la différence Bursaries

Each of the four recipients of the Fondation Faire la différence Bursaries will receive an amount of $1,250 to start their glass art careers. This will cover expenses such as the purchase of specialized tools and equipment, Fusion rental payments, and more. Created 4 years ago, these bursaries encourage emerging glass artists. Paul Cmikiewicz, treasurer of Espace VERRE’s Board of Directors, revealed the four recipients: Pamela Boissonneault, Gabriel Dubé, Jean-Philippe Dumais and Jeanne Letourneau.

The Józef Bursary

For a 4th year, the Józef Bursary aims to support a 1st year student to assist them enrolling in their 2nd year, assuring a stable advancement of their studies. This $1,250 bursary is made possible thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor in honor of his hardworking uncle who died much too soon. This year’s recipient is Caitlyn Wong Cheong.

Gilles Désaulniers Bursary

For a 3rd year, the Gilles Désaulniers Bursary offers a research and creation residency in pâte de verre and lost wax at the Atelier Silex in Trois-Rivières for a period of one month. This is made possible thanks to the generosity of the Atelier Silex which in tribute to the late Gilles Désaulniers, a glass artist and pioneer of art glass in Québec and Canada who was associated with the Atelier Silex for over 30 years. Marie-Paule Désaulniers, announced the recipient of the bursary: Samwell Guertin.

Verre & Société Bursary

For the 2nd year, the Verre et Société bursary aims to support the development of an artistic project highlighting the notions of environment or inclusion, by covering all or part of the production costs. The $1,500 bursary is made possible by the generosity of Pierre Balloffet, a member of the Board of Directors. Patrick Messier, president of the Association des designers industriels du Québec, introduced Florentin Chaumet as the 2024 winner.

Univerr osbl Bursary

For the 1st year, the Univerr osbl organization offers a $500 bursary to encourage and promote the practice of flameworked glassblowing techniques. This amount can be used to purchase equipment and tools for flameworked glassblowing or to cover the costs related to advanced workshops. Jack Nissen, president of the Board of Directors of Univerr osbl, announced the recipient of the bursary: Alexi Garneau.

Chalumeau Bursary

Also in its 1st year, the newly created Chalumeau Bursary offers the cost-free access to the flameworking studio for a year, on a 2-day per month basis, as well as the access to 4 full days of mentoring. This scholarship is offered thanks to the Espace VERRE Board of Directors, with the collaboration of the Univerr osbl organization. Catherine Labonté, president of the Board of Directors of Espace VERRE, revealed the first recipient: Alexi Garneau.

The New Fusion Members

As of July 1st, the Fusion Studio will welcome its new members, among current and recent Espace VERRE graduates and emerging glass artists. Created from the will and exceptional involvement of Susan Edgerley, the Fusion Studio facilitates the start of the careers of its members, through the access to equipment at reduced rental fees as well as giving them business coaching. Glass artist and one of Espace VERRE’s teachers David Frigon-Lavoie announced the members of the 32nd group: Pamela Boissonneault, Gabriel Dubé, Jean-Philippe Dumais, Renaud Gagné-Turbide, Martin Nawrocki and Jacques-Éric Pronovost.

Espace VERRE would like to thank all its many partners and donors for their financial support, which is essential to the vitality of emerging glass artists in Québec.

The 2024 Fragments d’existence graduates’ exhibition continues at the Espace VERRE gallery until August 30th, 2024.