Fired Up! for the Future: Student Stories That Inspire
"I began my glass journey at at the age of 12 when I joined the Fired-Up! Program. I hope to launch the passions of new generations of glassblowers." Eli Zilke
We are incredibly proud of the remarkable journeys our Fired Up! students have taken. From their first spark of curiosity in the studio to bold steps into careers, college, and creative paths, their stories are a testament to the transformative power of glass and mentorship.
Some of our alumni have even come full circle—like Eli Zilke, once a Fired Up! student and now our lead glassblowing instructor and production manager. Their passion continues to shape the next generation.
Hear directly from our alumni as Eli sits down with former students to reflect on their experiences, their growth, and the role Water Street Glassworks played in their lives.
These stories are more than just successes—they're a reflection of what’s possible when opportunity meets creativity.
Hear from Eli Zilke: WSG Instructor, Production Manager and Fired Up! Alumn
Eli Zilke recently interviewed Fired Up! Alumni: Hear their stories.
Some of our alumni have even come full circle—joining our team as instructors, Fired Up! coordinators, and studio staff. Their passion and dedication helped shape and inspire the next generation of young artists, continuing the cycle of creativity and community that Fired Up! was built on.
Eli Zilke began his glass journey at Water Street Glassworks at the age of 12 when he joined the Fired-Up! Program. It was love at first “gather” and really became more of an obsession. After a couple years in the program Eli started training as a studio technician and eventually a teaching assistant under Jerry Catania. In 2013 Eli departed Water Street Glassworks to Co-Found Hot Shop Valpo a production glass studio in Northwest Indiana. During this time HSV installed several large architectural installations and supplied over a dozen galleries across the region.
In 2018 Eli returned to Water Street to assume the position of Studio Manager/ Production Designer as well as the core glassblowing instructor. Eli is excited to be an instructor in the Fired-Up program and hopes to launch the passions of new generations of glassblower for years to come.
Diana Mitchell is an alumnus of the Fired Up! program and was Eli’s glassblowing classmate. Diana became our Fired Up! Coordinator in the fall of 2022. Given Diana’s first-hand knowledge of Water Street Glassworks, she was an extraordinary asset to the team.
"It was amazing being back at Water Street Glassworks. The moment I walked through those doors I instantly get that warm feeling that I had at 13 watching glass blowers works their magic for the very first time, that feeling never goes away. I was able to give back just as much as I was given if not more. I enjoyed spending my time at Water Street from helping in the gallery or being part of the Fired Up! team. Thank you for the opportunity."
Vic’Shonda Newbern began her glass journey in the Fired Up! Teen After School Program in the fusing studio. For Vic'Shonda, glass is a creative outlet and is her safe place. She enjoyed the many ways she was able to manipulate glass, gain the skills of selling her work, and entering her designs into art shows. Vic’Shonda continues to use the skills she gained from being in the Fired Up! program.
In 2013 Vic’Shonda left for college at Grand Valley State University to pursue a degree in criminal justice minor in juvenile justice. She graduated knowing she had a passion working with at risk youth. She returned home to Benton Harbor in August 2019 to be a positive influence for the youth in her community. Vic’Shonda returned to WSG as the Fired Up! Coordinator. She recruited teens to be part of the program giving them an opportunity to learn the glass arts, provide an entrepreneurial experience, and gain a sense of independence and confidence. She hopes to promote more business owners and entrepreneurs. In the spring of 2022 VicShonda was offered an opportunity to advance her career working with at risk youth in the community and is thriving in her current role.