With 60 years of experience and practice in the field of coldworking, František hopes to pass on the vast knowledge that he has acquired. He is coming from Czechia where coldworking has earned a long and strong tradition. In this class you will learn a step-by-step process to make a small glass sculpture from a solid block of glass and decorative, rich cutting to make patterns on blown vessel blanks. Together we will build a strong foundation for professional craftsmanship. The class will cover multiple approaches to shaping, sculpting, engraving, grinding, and polishing glass.

You will also learn how to assemble components using Ultraviolet Epoxy and properly set up and use different machines like horizontal flatting mill, vertical lathes, diamond saws, and belt sanders. With each machine there are specific and different grinding, smoothing, and polishing tools, materials, and processes. These tools include original Czech-made diamond, stone, and resin wheels. You will also be provided with information on how to design a perfect professional cold shop, including the necessary equipment.

No previous coldworking experience is required, although intermediate coldworkers are very welcome and may learn more than they have ever expected.

All students are welcome! Intermediate and advanced students will also be able to learn new skills and hone their existing skills.

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.

For more information, please review Summer Intensives.

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.

Ages 14+

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.

Ages 14+

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

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+

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+

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+