Expand past the boundaries of traditional glass engraving techniques in this cross-disciplinary cold working course. Focusing on the use of handheld rotary tools, students will explore ways to combine their studies with vitreography (printmaking using glass plates), kiln-fusing, and more. Through demonstrations and guided practice, the fundamentals of carving glass will build our foundation for experimentation in this ancient art form.

Inspired by the magic of Pilchuck, this class is for those who love food, fun, design and glassblowing. We will work individually and collaboratively to design and create tableware which enhances the experience of eating and drinking. Focusing on PNW produce and the nourishment of our glass community, we will consider functionality and culinary aesthetics as we explore production processes.

Explore the transition from idea to object to find and express the essence of our ideas. In parallel, we will learn advanced kiln-forming techniques to create 3D forms, with multiple layers of glass, in molds and enhanced through cold working processes. This workshop will consist of tight projects to master simplicity and provide the space and time to develop individual works.

This workshop will explore the use of rollers and a hip slide torch mount to create cups and vessels from borosilicate tubing. Everyone in the class will have shared access to rollers and a hip slide torch mount.  Using clear borosilicate tubing (9MM to 50MM OD) will be blowing cups and vessels of assorted shapes and sizes, as well as feet, coils and ring seals. Assembling and detailing with the aid of small hand torches as well.

In this course, Ben and Dante will demonstrate and explain traditional off-hand glass making with an eye toward the vessel. Cane patterns and murrini will be a part of the program. Using skills they have learned over several decades, they will be passing on what each of them have gleaned from being life-long professional glassblowing artists. This class is geared toward aspiring professionals with lots of glassblowing experience that want to further skill and knowledge.

Students will have the opportunity to study two different approaches to pate de verre. In this class students will create color samples, clay models, rubber molds, waxes, and refractory molds. Students will learn to apply color in design, inlay, and layers creating painterly effects. Students will learn to reverse engineer images into pate de verre design.