Firebird Community Arts empowers and connects individuals who have been impacted by trauma through the healing practice of glassblowing and ceramics. The organization helps people heal by teaching glassblowing and ceramics – media typically expensive and difficult to access- but which elicits healing and builds community. In serving veterans, violently-injured youth, formerly-incarcerated individuals and others on the South and West sides of Chicago, they provide a safe space and access to relevant services, including professional and educational pathways for under-represented communities in the arts.
Co-founded by master glass blower Pearl Dick and clinical psychologist Dr Bradley Stolbach of the University of Chicago, Project FIRE, their signature program, is a glassblowing and trauma recovery program for youth injured by gun violence in Chicago. Youth that participate in this program produce unique glass blown pieces, including wine stoppers and drink stirrers, featured in Packed with Purpose gifts. These original pieces will not only brighten any home, they also support the continued healing, employment and connection of young artists at Firebird.
