Symmetry can be used as a fundamental design tool. Symmetry is used by man and nature as a device to add continuity, balance, and harmony to a chaotic universe. Its use in art and design, consequently, attains an aesthetic of order and familiarity.

In this five-day class, you will explore principles of advanced pattern forming in fused glass. Ian will share the techniques he has perfected to produce accurate linear geometric glass artworks.

Using pre-formed Bullseye colored glass striped sheets, you will expand your knowledge and experience of kilnforming and coldworking techniques to produce intricate patterns which utilize symmetry and geometry to create hypnotizing mandala-like patterns.

You will be guided through the creation of Bullseye glass striped sheets which once fired will be deconstructed and reassembled. Learn how the arrangement of tone and color can enhance the optical properties of the pattern design and how to lay out the pattern using principles of four-fold symmetry. Utilizing these concepts and techniques, you will create a 25cm x 25cm glass tile.

In addition, the class will produce a small square tile, utilizing Ian's latest method of production. This tile will be used to introduce a new surface finishing technique involving hand polishing to a fine satin finish.

You will be guided through all aspects of the class, but intermediate glass cutting skills are required since the class involves a lot of glass cutting.

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 Ian Chadwick at www.ianchadwickglassart.co.uk

Take your pattern making in glass up a level…. to two layers!!

In this five-day class with Ian Chadwick, you will explore how the arrangement and use of transparent colors can produce intriguing geometric patterns within two layers of glass.

Using Bullseye stringers you’ll learn the principles of accurate stringer arrangement and explore how deliberate arrangement can create striking geometric compositions. From there, the class will investigate the possibilities of cutting and arranging geometric components and the transformative effects of layering transparent linear patterns.

We will cover principles of glass cutting and coldworking and produce a panel and a drop through vase with which we will cover the process of rim removal and coldworking with Silicon Carbide or diamond abrasive lap wheels.

Students must be of an intermediate level as accurate hand cutting of glass is fundamental to this class. Techniques to improve your cutting, and ultimately your confidence, will be covered.

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 Ian Chadwick at www.ianchadwickglassart.co.uk

This class invites illustrators, painters, designers, photographers, and anyone interested in the graphic image to experiment with the possibilities of pictorial representation on glass. You will explore kiln-based processes such as fusing, slumping, layering, draping, and incorporating images through both digital and analog approaches.

The five-day class emphasizes developing a personal visual language while investigating the interplay of transparency, image, texture, and form. A collaborative spirit will be encouraged, with projects that capture, distort, and reinterpret landscapes, memories, and visual narratives.

Students will produce a series of small experimental works as technical studies and one finished piece integrating glass enameling, photo transfer, and layering. By the end of the class, you will be able to independently operate a glass kiln and sandblaster, and confidently translate your imagery onto glass.

This class welcomes all skill levels. It can be an excellent option for people with no glass experience and also for glassblowers who want to incorporate imagery into their blown shapes. All are encouraged to take advantage of open studio hours.

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 Josefina Muñoz Torres at www.josefinamunoz.net

One of the greatest challenges in kilnformed glass is capturing intricate detail in finished work. This hands-on five-day class introduces students to non-traditional Pâte de Verre techniques—an innovative approach to working with glass paste at low temperatures without the use of investment molds. You will learn how to recreate real or imagined objects in striking detail, while also exploring methods that lend themselves to expressive abstraction.

Through demonstrations, discussion, and guided practice, you will explore:

• Silicone Molds – Make replicas of small objects using two types of silicone molds: one with common household caulking, and another with two-part pourable silicone rubber.
• Freeform Sculpting – Shape glass paste directly using simple tools such as palette knives, creating unique forms without molds.Color Samples – Create and test color swatches, learning how low-fire schedules affect color maturity and how to achieve desired visual outcomes.
• Exploring Binders – Experiment with three different binders, comparing their strengths and weaknesses for various applications.
• Dry Working – Develop methods for refining detail, smoothing surfaces, and preparing pieces for successful firing.
• Cold Working – Develop methods for cleaning and refining surfaces after firing.
• Technical Discussions – Gain insight into low-fire kilnforming challenges, including managing shrinkage, balancing thin and thick areas, fusing schedules, and kiln support strategies.

By the end of the course, students will have a toolkit of practical techniques for shaping glass paste into forms rich with texture, depth, and detail—equally suited for realism or abstraction.

Advanced beginners are welcome, however they must have some understanding of firing schedules and heat work in a kiln.

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 Evelyn Gottschall Baker at www.glassfractions.com

Learn how to embrace the unique working properties of found, recycled, and manufactured glass. In this experimental five-day class, you’ll be introduced to the creative possibilities of repurposed glass in the kiln and cold shop. Guided by demonstrations and technical lectures, we will complete a fast-paced series of kiln tests and small sculptures utilizing various types of found and collected glass.

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 Morgan Gilbreath at www.morgangilbreath.com

During this class, Emma will introduce her original method of fusing and casting multiple layers of glass, which she has been exploring and developing, with great success, for past 20 years. This innovative technique enables fusing/casting of thin glass sheets used to set up layers composed of tiny mosaic-like elements, thus achieving three-dimensional images inside the transparent fused/cast sculptural object.

This class will focus on a new way of three-dimensional thinking in creating glass objects; on using properties of glass to achieve visual effects as well as to achieve a sense of movement within cast glass objects. You are not required to have previous experience in glass fusing. Beginners will be able, along with students possessing advanced glass fusing skills, to create and finalize their own three-dimensional glass objects during this class. Additionally, you will receive basic information about grinding and polishing three-dimensional glass objects. At all times, students will have access to an extensive digital gallery in Emma’s laptop including images of recent work as well as closeups revealing fine details on layers inside the glass object. Expect to discover an exciting new method of creating images within transparent three-dimensional glass objects.

In the past 10 years, Emma experimented with new techniques such as glass mosaics made from pre-fused elements, as well as sculptural objects constructed from tiny pâte de verre elements - a rather unusual and innovative application of pâte de verre technique. Another field of experimentation is using pâte de verre elements for inclusion onto layers of fused/cast objects. During her class, Emma will demonstrate and explain these methods, as well as vast possibilities and combinations. Students will be encouraged to experiment and play with kilnforming techniques in order to create a range of small fused, cast objects.

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 Emma Varga at www.emmavarga.com