Those connected with The University of Texas at Arlington likely have a glimmering glass pumpkin or a blown glass bowl on their shelves thanks to the Art and Art History Department’s popular art glass sale, which raises funds for its celebrated glass art program.
Jeff Schira noticed the pieces his wife Mary, associate professor in UTA’s Graduate Nursing Program, brought home each year from the sale. Jeff, an engineer-turned-lawyer, admired the glass art students’ technical skills and wanted to benefit the program in some way. In 2019, The Schira Family UTA Art & Art History Glass Program Endowment was established.
“It’s to support the program itself, to attract students who have promise in the glass arts, allow them to do their work, and allow the glass arts program to encourage them to do their work,” Mary says.
UTA’s glass program is among the nation’s most respected and boasts one of the largest and most well-equipped studios in the country. With both bachelor’s and master’s tracks, the program has been a creative resource for students looking to explore this special art form. Support from donors like the Schiras makes it possible for more students to take advantage of this world-class program and pursue their creative ambitions.
“Their generosity is quite astounding and will have a lasting impact on the future development and progress of our program,” says Justin Ginsberg, glass program coordinator and assistant professor in the Department of Art and Art History. “Donors like the Schiras make it possible for students to have the most robust and exceptional opportunity during their education at UTA and raises the bar within our program on an international scale.”
Thanks to the Schiras’ generosity, the program will also be able to cover the tuition costs for one graduate student during their three-year MFA program. Ginsberg says this will further bolster the already prominent program, allowing them to recruit some of the top candidates in the country.
“Art matters,” Mary says. “Our support is truly driven by Jeff’s appreciation and recognition that art is important. For individuals who have that leaning and want to do that kind of work, there needs to be support.”
