Extended Course Schedule (Winter 2023/Spring 2024)
Note: Educational Supporters of our school each receive $20.00 off one (1) Extended Course per year (September 2023–May 2024).
Glassblowing students work as a team throughout the duration of the course. Attendance to each class is therefore essential. If a student must miss a scheduled class, Glassworks requests written notice. in advance, as a courtesy to the class and faculty.
There are no make-up classes.
Note: Any unforeseen re-scheduling coordinated by the school will be an exception.
Introduction to Venetian Glassblowing & Sculpture—Beginner
Session 1: Four (4) weeks per session
Start Date: November 28 - December 19, 2023 Contact Us if interested.
Schedule: TUESDAY EVENINGS, 6–9pm
Enrollment: Six (6) students per session
Introduce yourself to the fascinating world of glassblowing as you learn to sculpt honey-like, molten glass on the end of a blowpipe! Under the close guidance of two of our master-glassblowers, students will learn to make blown glass and solid sculptures. They will be introduced to a variety of glassblowing techniques from gathering and forming the initial bubble to adding colored powder or frit. Students will also learn the basics of polishing/finishing and cutting their glass pieces in the cold working studio and will ultimately develop the skills needed to advance to intermediate courses through hands-on experience.
No previous experience necessary!
Important: for each class, please ensure you bring:
- A pair of sunglasses offering strong UV-protection
- Bottled water (hydration is key!)
Venetian Glassblowing & Sculpture—Intermediate to Advanced[1]
Session: Four (4) weeks
Start Date: TBD, 2023. Instructor Approval Required
Schedule: Thursday evenings, 6–9pm
Enrollment: Maximum six (6) students
This course is designed to advance the skills of the intermediate and advanced glassblower, with emphasis on teamwork. Under the instruction of our master-glassblowers, students learn the art of pulling cane to incorporate multiple design techniques into patterned, blown sculptures and cut-out pickups. As students advance, they will be challenged to design complex color applications and to create more delicate pieces such as Venetian goblets. Instructor approval is required.
Important: for each class, please ensure you bring:
- A pair of sunglasses offering strong UV-protection
- Bottled water (hydration is key!)
Introduction to Stained Glass
Session: Four (4) weeks
Start Date: November 29 - December 20, 2023 CONTACT US for information about the next session.
Schedule: WEDNESDAY EVENING, 6-9PM
Enrollment: Maximum six (6) students
In this class, we will focus on the basic technical underpinnings of copper foil technique as a springboard for experimental creation. We will discuss design from a construction perspective, including what makes a sturdy end-product, how to reduce glass waste, and whether copper foil is the best technique for the project at hand. The intention is to finish this class feeling comfortable cutting glass, copper foiling, soldering, using basic patinas, and framing your work. We want you to be able to continue what you have been taught in stained glass in order to advance to future projects from your home studio.
No prior experience necessary.
If you have done some copper foil work previously, you will not find this course redundant.
Please note: all students who enroll in this course shall receive a Stained Glass Startup Kit, replete with all equipment and materials necessary for you to continue your education in any location convenient to you and on any time agreeable with your schedule.
Packaged with the cost of tuition are the following items:
- 100 watt studio soldering iron
- 1 roll of solder
- 1 roll of copper foil
- Flux, cutters, etc.
- Glass
Important: for each class, please ensure you bring:
- Heavy cardboard file box with lid
- 1 pair of clear wraparound safety glasses
- 1 notepad of 8.5x11 graph paper
- 1 roll of blue shop towels
- 1 black Sharpie
- Water bottle
Introduction to Intaglio Course (Etching)
Session: Four (4) weeks
Start Date: Winter 2024, TBD Contact Us if interested.
Schedule: Tuesday evenings, 6-9pm
Enrollment: Maximum five (5) students
Ever fancied yourself an alchemist? This printmaking class can't promise to teach you how to turn everyday objects into gold, but learning the magic of Intaglio feels pretty close. Intaglio was first developed by goldsmiths, probably in the early Renaissance. At that time, they were using the process to etch designs into everything from armor to jewelry. With the advent of the printing press, old masters like Schongauer and Durer started using these processes on copper sheets to create incredible images.
There are a myriad of different processes in the Intaglio family. This class will focus on hard ground (using ferric acid in the printing process for line work), aquatint (using rosin to create toanl shades), and the general preparation and printing of the copper plates on paper. Other processes and experimentation are also encouraged once the fundamentals are taught. Let's make magic together!
Important: for each class, please ensure you bring:
- 9”x12” sketchbook
- Pencil/eraser
- 1 roll blue shop towels
- Water bottle
- Gloves and apron
To learn more about the Intaglio process, please visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Introduction to Screenprinting
Session: Four (4) weeks
Start Date: Winter 2024, TBD
Schedule: Tuesday evenings, 6pm-9pm
Enrollment: Maximum four (4) students
Students will receive one-on-one instruction in non-emulsion screenprinting. Through the use of paper stencils, screen-filler, and drawing fluid, students will create a beautiful and colorful prints. This class is taught with the Speedball Original screenprinting kit, which students can take with them to continue making prints at home!
Packaged with the cost of tuition are the following items:
- Speedball Original screenprinting kit
- 3 sheets of studio paper
- 18"x22" newsprint pad
- And more!
Important: for each class, please ensure you bring:
- Scotch packing tape
- Apron
- Blue shop towels
- Sketchbook
Introduction to Relief Course
Session: Four (4) weeks
Start Date: Winter 2024, TBD Contact Us if interested.
Schedule: Thursday evenings, 6-9pm
Enrollment: Maximum six (6) students
This two session adult workshop will focus on the history and techniques involved with the traditional printmaking method of linocut. Linocut printing is derived from woodblocks as both are a form of relief printing. Instead of wood, the work is done on battleship gray linoleum. Students will learn how to prepare the printing plate, transfer images, cut the artwork, ink, and print using a Conrad etching press. No previous experience is necessary for this workshop, beginners and practitioners are all welcome.
Packaged with the cost of tuition are the following items:
- 2 8x10 linoleum blocks
- 1 carving tool
- 1 pad Strathmore Printmaking paper
- Relief ink
- Sketchbook
Important: for each class, please ensure you bring:
- Pencil/eraser
- 1 roll blue shop towels
Left to Right: Root Vegetables (Stephen Alcorn, 2003); Feeding Time (Stephen Alcorn, 1991); Moby Dick Rising (Rockwell Kent, 1929)
Introduction to Metal Sculpture & Welding
Session: Four (4) Weeks
Start Date: November 29 - December 20, 2023 Contact us to receive registration information.
Schedule: WEDNESDAY EVENINGS, 6-9pm
Enrollment: Maximum five (5) students
This class focuses on the hands-on experience of welding. Students learn the gas and electric welding processes, including welding safety and theory. You will learn the differences and functions between MIG, TIG, ARC and Oxyfuel cutting, what type of gases to use and why, and how to run a strong penetrating weld bead. A little theory and tech, but mostly you will get the feel for the manual skills of welding for future project building or repairs.
Important: for each class, please ensure you bring/wear:
- Long, denim pants
- Long-sleeved cotton shirt
- A pair of clear, wrap-around safety glasses (sold at hardware store)
- Welding gloves
- Bottled water
Introduction to Glass Flameworking & Scientific Torchworking 
Session: Four (4) weeks
Start Date: TBD 2023, Contact Us if interested.
Schedule: TBD
Enrollment: Maximum six (6) students
In Torchworking, also known as Lampworking or Flameworking, glass is manipulated using heat from a single flame, transforming glass shapes into object used in contemporary life.
The focus of this course is use of soft glass, both solid rod and hollow tubing. Under the guidance of a master-craftsmen, you will create your own blown sculptural glass accessories, beginning with beads and moving on to figures. Learn a variety of techniques used for small-scale glass designs, whether in transferring a section of tubing to a blow-pipe, or using properly a blow hose, or applying heat to form bubbles. Additional areas of focus include:
- Pulling straight points
- Heat and flame chemistry
- Blowing
- Proper annealing and polishing/finishing techniques
Furthermore, your instructor will equip you with the knowledge and equipment lists requisite for installing your own home studio, so as to work efficiently in recreating glass designs in your own personal space.
No previous experience necessary!
Important: for each class, please ensure you bring:
- A pair of sunglasses offering strong UV-protection
- Bottled water
Please contact us to schedule advanced classes. The admissions office will gladly advise on course level, based upon existing experience. We can also advise as to when we will host artists-in-residence who teach workshops in intermediate/advanced glassblowing and sculpture. ↩︎