Bleeps, Sweeps, & Creeps: non-traditional glass patterns with Austin Stern

This five day intensive will focus on using cane in innovative and non traditional ways to create  fun and exciting patterns, and explore a variety of techniques for students to express  themselves and bring their ideas to life in the Hotshop. Students will begin with the basics of  pulling cane, and then quickly leave the beaten path to experiment and explore. 

What to Expect: Students should have 3 years minimum glassblowing experience, for the sake of comfort in the Hotshop and familiarity with basic concepts like core heat, how and when to gather, and using certain colors for making cane that are more difficult to work with. Some experience using cane wouldn’t hurt either.

Students should bring and use a sketchbook with ideas of any specific objects they would like

to make during the class. There will be up to two assignments for specific design ideas/ techniques that can be applied to whatever form or object they want to make (ie using contrasting colors/forms between a cup and pitcher, or using flat cane to make an object of

their choice). Class time will focus heavily on demo time, with one on one time for students to

get assistance with any particular challenges they may encounter.

The hot shop is a loud studio, and can get quite warm. Glassblowing takes repetition and practice - expect failures along with successes. Read more about how to prepare for class on our Registration Info page. 

Additional work time for intensive students: Students will also have access to additional hours in the hot shop, without instruction, on Tuesday - Friday from 5-8pm. Students must be able to work safely in the studio, and be able to set up their area without needing instruction. Students participating in student hours will need to be approved by the instructor and TA’s.

Eligibility: This is an intermediate level course, previous glassblowing experience is required. Open to ages 14 and up.

Pick-up: The glass needs to cool down overnight, so the students will have to return to UrbanGlass once notified to pick up their work. 

This is an in-person class taking place on-site at UrbanGlass. Health and safety guidelines will be emailed to you upon registration. 

Host or Publisher UrbanGlass