Glass Art Society Conference | Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas | 2025

At the 2025 Glass Art Society Conference held in the Dallas–Fort Worth area of Texas,
I had the privilege of moderating a panel titled
Glass as a Therapeutic Medium for PTSD and Trauma Recovery.

This panel brought together a multidisciplinary group of glass artists, art therapists, educators, and researchers to explore how the material properties of glass—its heat, fragility, strength, and ability to transform—can be harnessed as a powerful medium for emotional healing, particularly in the context of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorde

Below is a 20-minute video that highlights key moments from the panel discussion. Under the video, you’ll find a more detailed description of the panel.

Please note: due to an unexpected technical issue, a significant portion of the panel was unfortunately not recorded. However, the footage that was captured still includes valuable insights and meaningful dialogue from our participants.

This panel examined how glassmaking—through hot glassblowing, kiln forming, and flameworking—supports healing when taught through a trauma-informed lens. Drawing on my work with Hot Shop Heroes at the Museum of Glass, I shared how glassblowing fosters communication, trust, and resilience among military members and veterans. Panelists, including art therapists and artists, discussed glass as a tool for emotional regulation, narrative reconstruction, and metaphorical transformation. Together, we highlighted the potential of glass studios to serve not only as spaces for artistic exploration, but also for healing, inclusivity, and community care.

To learn more about my ongoing work with Hot Shop Heroes and trauma-informed glass education, please visit:
https://www.shannieartandglass.com/blog/hotshop-heroes

Additional Resources

• Alternative PTSD Therapies for Veterans - roblevine.com/alternative-ptsd-therapies-for-veterans/