Extended Course Schedule (Spring 2025)

Note: Educational Supporters of our school each receive $20.00 off one (1) Extended Course per year (September 2024–May 2025).

Introduction to Venetian Glassblowing & Sculpture—Beginner

Session 1: Four (4) weeks per session
Start Date: April 8 - April 29, 2025.
Contact Us to receive the registration information.
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.

Glassblowing students work as a team throughout the duration of this course, making attendance essential. If a student must miss a scheduled class for any reason, advanced notice is required as a courtesy to faculty and fellow students. There are no makeup classes. Any unforseen rescheduling coordinated by the school will be an exception.

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, October 2024. 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: February 3 - February 24, 2025.
CONTACT US to receive the registration information.
Schedule: TUESDAY 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 Relief Course

Session: Four (4) weeks
Start Date: January 8 - January 29, 2025.
Contact Us if interested.
Schedule: WEDNESDAY EVENING, 6-9pm
Enrollment: Maximum five (5) 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:

• 1 12x12 linoleum piece
• 1 carving tool
• 1 pad Strathmore Printmaking paper
• Relief ink
• Roller
• Baren

Important: for each class, please ensure you bring:

• Pencil/eraser
• 1 roll blue shop towels
• Sketchbook

Introduction to Metal Sculpture & Welding

Session: Four (4) Weeks
Start Date: April 2 - April 23, 2025.
Contact us to receive the registration information.
Schedule: WEDNESDAY EVENINGS, 5:30-8:30pm
Enrollment: Maximum four (4) 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 2025, 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