Archive

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...

Firebird Show at Weinberg-Newton Gallery through Sept. 9

A series of memorials commemorating the worst instance of racial violence in Chicago history that have yet to be installed on city streets are now temporarily on view as part of a neighborhood art gallery’s final exhibition. The memorials recall the Chicago race riots of 1919, where for...

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.

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.

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

Vocalo —

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.

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.

‘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.

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.