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Pâte de Verre: New Approaches to an Ancient Technique with Tali Grinshpan
with Tali Grinshpan
Experiment and explore non-traditional methods of working with Pâte de Verre in this five-day class. You will experiment and learn how to create a wide range of objects without making plaster silica molds. We will make both flat and three-dimentional objects, investigate different possible results, and discover how to achieve artistic and aesthetic goals using glass paste.
We will explore different possibilities of working with this medium, both on its own and in mixed media. We will test combining other materials like metals and botanicals. And lastly, we will discuss firing schedules as well as finishing and coldworking options.
This week will be filled with experimentation, fun, and discovery.
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 Tali Grinshpan at www.taligrinshpan.com
Sand & Psyche
with Geoffrey Bowton
Sand & Psyche is a unique class designed for students to discover the therapeutic benefits of Pâte de verre, a technique that utilizes glass frits and powders. This five-day class welcomes participants of all experience levels and provides a supportive environment to learn and express oneself through glass.
This class begins with making your own Pâte de verre tools used for distributing the frits and powders, then learning methods for building complex layers inside a two-part plaster and silica refractory mold. You will engage in creating multiple color samples, which can later be used as magnets or displayed as decorative pieces. Then, follow a step-by-step process that guides you in translating your ideas into a figurative mask. This includes initial sketching on a paper mask, moving into wax sculpting, and culminating in the construction of a final glass project. There will be special tips and tricks shared during the casting process, helping you manage a successful project in the future.
Sand & Psyche offers a platform for you to delve into your subconscious, allowing you to confront internal conversations in a safe, artistic manner. By engaging in this creative practice, you have the opportunity to develop coping mechanisms, reduce stress levels, and foster a sense of empowerment and self-expression.
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 Geoffrey Bowton at www.geoffreybowton.com
Cast On Castaway
with Jacci Delaney
This five-day introductory kilncasting class will be a tsunami of information and fun experimentation. If you have ever wanted to try glass casting, this is the class for you!
The first day we are going to make our positives with plasticine and fire them. The next day we will start wax working our models. Wax is great because you can make undercuts and just about any other shape. We will then learn the lost wax casting method, steam out the wax and fire the molds.
This class will require any clay or weird household tools that can be used for wax working, thinking outside the box, and willingness to get dirty playing with wax, clay, plaster, and silica.
Please bring three to five small items in any material that you would like to make a casting of, and we’ll see what we can do. The best part will be analyzing the objects you bring to class to see if and how we can cast them in glass. It takes an unusual approach to cast a teddy bear into glass and I bring that to my teaching style.
You will have the choice of free sculpting your models, using ready-made objects, or combining the two in order to execute conceptual ideas, and emphasize your creativity. Shellac can be your best friend when working with soft objects to cast. We will work with alginate and learn how to make rubber molds for multiples. We will also learn how to program the kilns, which can be intimidating but we will conquer it together.
Students are encouraged to use open studio time to work on projects.
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 Jacci Delaney at www.jaccidelaney.com
Strata-Exploring Color and Creativity
with Morgan Madison
In this class we will explore layering transparent sheet glass to create rich color palettes and artwork of depth and character. This comprehensive kilnforming class is designed to inspire you, enhance your technical skills, challenge you to think critically about your work, and deepen your experience working with color in kilnforming. We will cover all aspects of Madison’s process of working with sources of inspiration, designing with analog and digital tools, cutting and assembly of compositions, and firing.
We will begin by designing and creating test pieces to explore possible outcomes and develop an understanding of how colors interact when layered. This foundation will guide our approach to subsequent projects that are well-considered and thoughtfully crafted. Throughout the course we will work one-on-one to strategize and tailor the techniques and process to fit your skills, style, and interests.
Discussion of firing schedules, finishing work in the cold shop, and strategies for presenting your work for display will round out the content. Outcomes will include test pieces valuable for future reference and at least one well-considered work that is brought to completion. We will also have the chance to create a simple custom-made stand for presenting this work.
The aim of this class is to be a lasting experience that provides you with simple yet powerful tools to support the pursuit of your unique visions in kilnformed glass efficiently, confidently, and to have fun while doing so.
This class is suited to a variety of levels of experience in kilnforming but a foundation of basic glass cutting skills will be highly advantageous. Digital design tools that will be used include Sketchbook (a free and accessible app available for most tablets) and Photoshop.
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 Madison at morganvanmadison.com
Deep Relief Dry Plaster Casting
with Sean Hennessey
Discover an easy, versatile, and economical way to create bas relief and deep relief kilnformed glass. Using found objects and fabricated forms, you’ll press originals into plaster powder to create backgrounds and foregrounds, then slump sheet glass into your molds. Working with Tekta Clear Bullseye glass and glass paints, you’ll learn glass cutting, moldmaking, and the kiln schedule for this technique. With minimal coldworking, you’ll use a wet tile saw and wet belt sander to finish your pieces.
This remarkable and nearly waste-free casting method offers endless possibilities for fine art, public art, and architectural applications.
This five-day class is suitable for beginners or experienced glass sculptors, and all skill levels.
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 Sean Hennessey at Sean-hennessey.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