The GEEX BIPOC Community Table (formerly known as the BIPOC Co-learner Affinity Group) creates a supportive environment for BIPOC co-learners to meet, network and be seen in a community of peers across the field of glass.
Who is this for?
This group is open to BIPOC-identified people learning and working with the material of glass. We use the term “co-learner” to expand the boundaries of “students” to include: recent graduates, self-taught individuals, people in high school, as well as emerging, mid-career, and established professionals that are interested in supporting each other intergenerationally.
Fall 2024–Spring 2025
| MEETINGS | ACTIVITY |
| October Saturday, October 6 · 6:30-8:00pm US-Central | Intergenerational Conversation An intergenerational invitation for BIPOC glass practitioners to share knowledge and support each other at every career stage. |
| December Sunday, December 15 · 5:30-7:00pm US-Central | Mental Health A meeting focusing on mental health with a mindfulness exercise, supportive group discussion, and resource sharing. |
| March Saturday, March 22 · Time TBD | Navigating Tokenism In this meeting, we will define tokenism, and how to recognize and navigate it within professional environments, while providing space to share personal experiences within the glass community. |
| Summer 2025 Time and Date TBD | Career Transitions Let’s talk about career transitions. Whether you are graduating, mid-career, or looking for something new, we will share resources and discuss strategies for making a big career change. |
How do I participate?
- Read the Code of Conduct.
- Register for the GEEX BIPOC Community Table through this Google Form to receive event information.
Past Meetings
About the Facilitators
Abigail Akindude
Abigail Akindude (she/her) is an interdisciplinary artist who fell in love with glass after a class in the hot shop sparked her interest. She loves exploring the many glass techniques and dog watching.
Links
Adeye Jean-Baptiste
Adeye Jean-Baptiste (she/her) is a mixed media glass artist, who enjoys reading and traveling. She is a recent graduate of Alfred University, in Alfred, New York.
Links
Kiani Simms
Kiani Simms (she/her) is an alumni of Emporia State University, a therapist, and glass artist located in Kansas. Her favorite items to make are glass flowers and birds.
Links
Bre’Annah Stampley
Bre’Annah Stampley (they/them/theirs) is a UW-Madison alumni, bike nerd, GEEX Co-learner Board Representative, and a teaching artist located in Chicago, Illinois.