Dawn Matonis

"Business and Science of Glass Fusing" is the winning program by Matonis for students at Lemon Bay High School. The program, designed to incorporate glass fusing into the current art program, is a multidisciplinary project that will integrate math, science, reading, and business. Students will learn the art of science and glass fusing using previous art elements they learned in class. Individually and in learning groups, they will create glass-infused pendant samples and glass-infused serving pieces. The work created in the learning groups will be collected, displayed, and sold at local fine arts shows. Throughout the program, participants will also learn the business of being an artist by creating cost analysis sheets for pricing artwork, assisting in budgeting and ordering of supplies, and learning about the proper display and marketing of their work. Matonis, who lives in Rotonda West, hopes that students will gain the knowledge and experience to earn their own funds, be encouraged to pursue a higher education, become a working artist, and serve as a role model for future students.