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Intermediate
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Make It Move: Kinetic Flameworking
with Kit Paulson
In this five-day class we will delve into the world of moving parts. We’ll begin with introductory flameworking details including hot seals, cold seals, and how to turn. Then you can expect many different types of chain (the simplest moving part) leading into the construction of simple mechanisms to make glass move. Bridging, kiln shelf drawing, and gear construction will be addressed.
Bring your sketchbook, compass and straight edge and get ready to build.
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 Kit Paulson at kitpaulsonglass.com
Time Spent on Subtleties
with Annette Blair
Drawing inspiration from our personal connections to objects and organic elements, we will work towards creating a small still life composition with a focus on finessing the little details. Together we will work through the best ways to approach each object in the hot shop, considering both technical and aesthetic possibilities. You will experiment with incorporating coldworked elements into blown and hot sculpted forms and will also be introduced to basic low-fire enamel painting techniques.
This class is suited to intermediate level glassblowers with basic coldworking skills. Students will work on their individual objects and ideas as well as collaborative problem solving.
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 Annette Blair at https://www.annetteblairglass.com/
Stealing Fire, Taming Lightning
with Percy Echols II
This five-day class is an introduction to the emerging artistic medium known as plasma light art. We will combine the fundamentals of physics and furnace glassblowing to create illuminated glass sculptures – the proverbial lightning in a bottle!
There is something magical about this process of making light. By producing light through the use of electrified gases, we create an invitation for play as it responds to your proximity and touch. If you think this is neon, you will be surprised how different this will be. Plasma light art is an evolving and experimental art form. If this sounds interesting, then I invite you to come join us.
We will cover the fundamentals for creating a vacuum tight vessel using various hot glass techniques and shaping methods. We will also discuss guidelines on form and structure, design considerations, and preparing your sculptures to be filled.
Our class time will start with demonstration, practice exercises, lecture/discussion and offer as much work time as possible. When you include having to fill our sculptures with gas, we will need all the time the class has to offer! Expect to make use of open studio time.
A list of easy to digest resources is available to prepare yourself at “Plasma Primer: Learning Resource for Students, Co-learners, and Educators” on taminglightning.net
Hot glassblowing has always been a collaborative art making process. This class requires some basic hot glass skills and an open mind prone to misdirection. So it’s important that you are comfortable working in the hot shop and working with a partner. This means you have a working knowledge of glassblowing fundamentals, while you may need some guidance here or there, and the ability to work through independent ideas with coaching and demonstration.
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 Percy Echols II at www.taminglightning.net
Lightning in a Bottle: Plasma Filled Borosilicate
with Angela McHale
In this intermediate five-day class, you will learn the fundamentals of hollow sculpting borosilicate glass at the torch in order to design plasma lighting. We will cover shaping, texture, and creating proper seals to make simple and complex sculptures. Sculpting techniques will cover abstract and figurative forms. You will also learn to add and design around the electrode and filling tube.
We will cover advanced topics like encasements and inclusions of phosphor as well as problems and design challenges presented by this method of working. Once your glass vessel is complete and checked for leaks, we will put our pieces under vacuum and fill them with noble gasses!
Class time will alternate between demonstration, discussion, and plenty of work time. You are strongly encouraged but not required to use the evening open studio.
On the last day we will light up all of our work and have our own plasma show.
Come to class with a sketchbook and plenty of ideas. Reference photos are encouraged for students with specific ideas they’d like to pursue.
Experience working with hollow borosilicate glass is required, however experience with plasma/neon is not. Students should at least be comfortable connecting hollow tubes to make a "straight seal."
Additional Class Materials
A blow hose assembly kit is required. Students may bring their own or kits are available for purchase on-site on the first day of class for $40.
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 Angela McHale at www.roseglassart.com
Form, Pattern, Texture: Hot and Cold Glass
with Ben Edols & Kathy Elliott
This 11-day class* will move between making blanks in the hot shop that will then be worked in the cold shop. We will explore techniques that specifically incorporate blown and carved techniques: cameo carving and Graal. We will also demonstrate and explore other techniques such as cane pulling and cane application in the hot shop, vessel blowing for coldworkers, diamond wheel carving, sandblasting, and creating various surface finishes.
Overall we will be asking students to be intentional about the form, pattern, and texture of the work they will be making. Our aim is to explore a little of what is possible. Perhaps it will expand your repertoire. Perhaps this is your opportunity to refine your skills. It will be these three elements that will drive the direction of what you explore during the class but working in new ways and trying new combinations will be encouraged.
Students should be prepared with ideas and drawings to get the most out of this class. Discussion of ideas and drawings will be a part of this class.
Advanced level glassblowing is preferred and basic cold working skills are fine.
*Class runs Monday through Saturday for the first week, and Monday through Friday for the second week.
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 Ben Edols and Kathy Elliott at www.edolselliott.com
Unexplored Territory - A Detailed Guide
with Kimberly Thomas
Say goodbye to your comfort zone, prepare to challenge limits and articulate your unique vision. Explore the three-dimensional world of dynamic action with borosilicate glass while simultaneously expanding your sculptural lexicon. In this five-day class, emphasis will be placed on improving technical literacy in flameworking and developing your artistic voice.Through demonstrations and hands-on practice you will investigate, experiment, and turn the fundamentals of flameworking upside down to create complex sculptural forms. Explorations in color rod and frit applications will add further dimension and excitement to the process. Balancing innovation, intuition, and technical skill with a spirit of experimentation, this class invites students to reimagine the potential of borosilicate sculpture.
Students should have basic flameworking skills. They should have experience working with hollow forms or be at the level where they can start.
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 Kimberly Thomas at www.KimberlyThomas.art
Lampworking with Sally
with Sally Prasch
In this five-day class, we will cover scientific glassblowing techniques that will be incorporated into individual projects including ring, blind, and side seals. Projects will be scaled to each student’s ability. Musical instruments, flowers, candle holders, solid and hollow chain will be covered.
Beth Hylen will be our TA so we will also be covering some glass history.
This class is open to all levels. Come have a blast with Sally and Beth!
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 Sally Prasch at https://praschglass.com/
Shaping Light: Exploring Stained Glass with the Waterjet
with Meggy Wilm
Discover how modern technology and traditional craftsmanship come together in this five-day class that blends stained glass artistry with the precision of waterjet cutting. In this hands-on class, you will learn how to digitally design, cut, and assemble your own stained glass projects using the waterjet machine.
Throughout the week, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of digital design for glass cutting, explore file preparation and machine operation, and experiment with how the waterjet can expand what’s possible in stained glass design. We’ll begin with a small group test project to familiarize everyone with the process, then move into open-form studio time where students can develop and cut their own designs.
This class encourages experimentation and discovery — whether you want to refine your cutting precision, explore complex patterns, or integrate new materials into your work. You’ll have the freedom to create something truly your own and better understand how a waterjet may expand what's possible in your studio.
By the end of the week, you will feel confident designing, preparing, and cutting your own stained glass pieces with the waterjet. You’ll understand how to integrate digital design into your creative process and walk away knowing whether a waterjet could become a valuable tool in your personal studio or artistic workflow.
Open studio hours are encouraged for extended design and cutting time.
Students are encouraged to digitally draw and transfer patterns. Please bring a Laptop or Ipad. SD card or USB for file transfer and storage beyond class.
Materials are provided, however students may wish to bring or purchase additional glass for larger or more intricate projects.
Intermediate to advanced skill levels are welcome. Basic stained glass skills (glass cutting, foiling, or assembling) are helpful but not required; comfort using a computer or Ipad for digital design is strongly recommended (Adobe Illustrator or ProCreate for the Ipad).
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 Meggy Wilm at www.coglassworks.com