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Cold Shop
in Studio
Layers - A Hot & Cold Integration
with Chris Giordano & Cole Johnson
This two-week intensive* examines the relationship between the hot and cold shop. We will be focusing on and encouraging both exploration and refinement of form. Throughout the course you will move between studios, developing vessel forms, and advancing them through various surface and finishing techniques.
In the hot shop, you will focus on building technique and creating blank forms to further work in the cold shop. Demonstrations will cover various techniques, such as double overlay, Swedish overlay, stuff cups, powder application, and pattern making. Guided instruction will highlight bubble setup, heat control, timing, and intentionality. Using the 3D object to study form, color, and function.
Cold shop sessions will focus on equipment operation, punty removal, lathe work, and surface treatment. Using various cutting wheels and methods of surface finishing, students will explore texture, pattern, and optical effects. Designed for students with prior hot shop experience, this course supports technical growth, material awareness, and a deeper understanding of how form, surface, and color interact.
Students must be able to comfortably blow and cap a bubble. Participants are encouraged to bring a sketchbook and a desire to learn.
Evening Open Studio Studios are open until 9:30PM for students to practice. Depending on the class, process, and techniques, this time might be highly suggested by instructors for students to use. In other classes, this time might be considered optional.
*Class runs Monday through Saturday for the first week, and Monday through Friday for the second week.
For more information, please review Summer Intensives.
Learn more about Chris Giordano at www.giostudio.com
Learn more about Cole Johnson at www.colejohnsonglass.com
Plate Glass Printmaking
PGC 123 Discover the art of printmaking with glass. In this introductory workshop, you’ll use cold shop etching tools to engrave your own glass plate and create a unique design. Once your plate is complete, you’ll bring your artwork to life with ink, transferring your design onto paper.
At the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with both your engraved glass plate and your printed work, ready to display, gift, or admire.
Upcycled Bottles
Give your empty bottles and jars a second life. In this introductory workshop, you’ll transform everyday glass into beautiful and functional pieces like drinking glasses, vases, candle holders, or unique decor.
Bring 2–4 clean bottles or jars, and a skilled instructor will guide you through cutting, grinding, polishing, sandblasting, and engraving to create your own custom designs.
To make the most of your creative time, please remove any paper labels before the workshop.
Get ready to upcycle, refresh, and reimagine your glass.
Engraved and Embossed Glasses
You bring the creativity, we’ll supply the glass. In this introductory workshop, you’ll personalize your own beer mug, wine goblet, or drinking glass while gaining hands-on experience with professional cold shop equipment. Work with a skilled artist and explore sandblasting, carving, etching, polishing, and dremeling to make your glass totally yours.
Introduction to Coldworking
Learn how to operate all of the equipment to cut, grind, drill, engrave, sandblast, and polish glass in this entirely cold process class. Learn techniques to strategize the best optical placement of cuts and gain experience using special adhesives to bond glass segments together. Create unique works of glass art with interesting surface textures and shapes. Leave with a foundational knowledge of coldworking techniques and understanding of basic cold working processes. No experience necessary.
Class tuition includes 4 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. Open Studio is held on Mondays from 5:00pm - 9:00pm.
Class does not meet the week of October 11-17th, 2026.
Ages 14+
Engraved and Embossed Glasses
You bring the creativity, we’ll supply the glass. In this introductory workshop, you’ll personalize your own beer mug, wine goblet, or drinking glass while gaining hands-on experience with professional cold shop equipment. Work with a skilled artist and explore sandblasting, carving, etching, polishing, and dremeling to make your glass totally yours.
Introduction to Coldworking
Learn how to operate all of the equipment to cut, grind, drill, engrave, sandblast, and polish glass in this entirely cold process class. Learn techniques to strategize the best optical placement of cuts and gain experience using special adhesives to bond glass segments together. Create unique works of glass art with interesting surface textures and shapes. Leave with a foundational knowledge of coldworking techniques and understanding of basic cold working processes. No experience necessary.
Class tuition includes 4 hours of open-studio time to be used during the 8-week course period. Open Studio is held on Mondays from 5:00pm - 9:00pm.
Class does not meet the week of October 11-17th, 2026.
Ages 14+
Break Through! Archival Cuts
Take your coldworking to the next level in this new and exciting coldworking class. Explore how traditional coldworking can be utilized in non-traditional and modern applications. Collaborate with glass blowers in the hot shop to design colorful items then manipulate them to reveal layers of color with the lathe, sandblaster, or lap wheels. Combine found objects, cement, and glass. Then cut, laminate, and coldwork new and exciting shapes. Come away with new skills, fun projects, and inspiration for more complicated works.
Class tuition includes 6 hours of studio rental time to be used during the 8-week course period. Rental time is purposefully included with this 8-week course to give students independent studio time to practice the skills and will be required to be able to complete projects.
Class does not meet the week of October 11-17th, 2026.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Coldworking, or equivalent 24 hours of coldworking experience with instructor permission is required.
Ages 14+