Gain full access to the cold shop's grinders, sanders, lathe, lap wheel, sandblaster and drill presses with expert guidance from our experienced instructors. Learn new techniques and improve upon existing skills to carve, shape, polish and embellish glass. Make projects of your own design or finish started pieces. Open projects is great for hot glass workers, kiln formers, glass casters, and artists who want to develop and enhance their skills to finish glass.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Coldworking, or equivalent 24 hours of coldworking experience with instructor permission is required.

Ages 14+

In this cross-disciplinary class, you will use the torch to create objects out of glass that will then be engraved by handheld diamond tools. Inspired by the origins of engraving, we will investigate how to recreate some of the first known works carved by humanity. As we make our own versions of these objects, we will experiment with how to combine these techniques and processes into our individual artistic practices.

Students will start by developing a basic knowledge of torchworking in the Flame Shop to create their own cabochon and cylinder seal shapes. Once these objects are made, we will take them to the cold shop, where you will learn the art of engraving with handheld diamond drills. We will also introduce other various coldworking techniques such as lapidary grinding and sandblasting to shape and assemble our projects.

Through the study of ancient glassmaking and engraving, you will explore different ways to adapt to the changes in materials and technologies from history to the present. As a team of researchers, we will learn to remake these objects in a contemporary, but still true-to-process method.

All levels are welcome from beginners to intermediate students.

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.

Learn more about Ryan Tanner at https://www.ryeglass.com/about