Advanced Vessel Workshop with Matt Urban and Marc VandenBerg (January 23-25)
Schedule
Fri, 23 Jan, 2026 at 01:00 pm to Sun, 25 Jan, 2026 at 09:00 pm
UTC-05:00Location
326 West Kalamazoo Avenue #100, Kalamazoo, MI, United States, Michigan 49007 | Kalamazoo, MI
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Steeped in the traditions of Italian glassmaking, students will learn how to shape various vessels in order to bring simple and complex forms to life. Through hands-on demonstrations we’ll cover in depth vessel shaping, and some decorative applications. Students can expect to refine and expand their understanding of making blown shapes with intention. This intensive three day class will provide time for students to practice.Glass Blowing Studio
Three Day Workshop:
Friday January 23rd | 1 pm - 8 pm
Saturday January 24th | 9 am - 9 pm
Sunday January 25th | 9 am – 9 pm
$1250 (10% discount for GAK members)
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: students must have completed “Glass Blowing Essentials 2” or equivalent. If you are unsure if you qualify, please email [email protected] before purchasing ticket.
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ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS
MATTHEW URBAN attended the Philadelphia College of Art and Design, where he studied industrial design and glass. After completing his BFA, he worked at the Tyler School of Art, and the Philadelphia College of Art and Design. Urban has been a production assistant for Michael Schunke at Nine Iron Studio, and Tom Farbanish at Certified Glass, as well as an artist-in-residence, instructor, and gaffer with The Corning Museum of Glass, and a staff member at Pilchuck Glass School.
Urban has studied and worked around the world with numerous master glassmakers including Lino Tagliapietra, Pino Signoretti, Dino Rosin, Gianni Toso, Elio Quarisa, Checco Ongaro, Davide Fuin, and Davide Salvadore.
In May 2007, he completed his master’s degree at Illinois State University in Glass/Sculpture. In 2010 he completed building his artist studio, focused on creating an ultra-low carbon footprint. Urban uses only recycled glass for all his designs and sculpture. He is the owner of Furnace Urbini Glass Works since 1999.
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MARC VANDENBERG "Working with my hands is therapeutic, allowing me to communicate thoughtfulness, self-reflection, honesty, and my pursuit of excellence."
Using both furnace and flameworking techniques, Marc VandenBerg creates engaging designs that reflect his spirited personality. He taught himself flameworking in the mid-1990s while attending Michigan State University. After graduation, he worked at The Henry Ford as part of a furnace production team. He has since taught and demonstrated internationally. He runs his own studio in Detroit, Michigan.
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Where is it happening?
326 West Kalamazoo Avenue #100, Kalamazoo, MI, United States, Michigan 49007Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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