Deep Listening with Luisa Restrepo

This workshop offers a creative environment in which participants are invited to reconsider the world through the lens of materials rather than objects. While objects exist as defined forms with finite lifespans, materials inhabit the realm of potential — retaining the capacity for transformation and becoming.

Over the course of this week-long intensive, discarded glass objects will be approached as raw matter for a design project. Through a sequence of design-thinking exercises, participants will uncover the latent possibilities embedded within collected glass, developing sketches and proposals that evolve into conceptually grounded works. Emphasizing process over product, the workshop equips students with adaptable design tools and methodologies intended to meaningfully inform and expand their future practice.

Technical demonstrations will introduce cold-working techniques and adhesive processes, alongside foundational kiln methods used to deconstruct, modify, and recombine pre-existing glass forms.

Group discussions and critiques will engage themes of material agency, sustainability, and the shifting relationship between object and matter, while also examining the designer’s role within these dynamics. Participants will receive guidance on documenting their research and articulating their outcomes in a portfolio-ready project dossier.

What to Expect:

Participants can expect an intensive, process-driven workshop that combines conceptual inquiry with hands-on experimentation in glass. Through guided exercises, technical demonstrations, and group critiques, students will explore discarded glass as a starting point for design development.

No prior experience with glass is required, though a background in art, design, or material exploration is beneficial. The class is open to curious, motivated participants willing to engage critically and experimentally with material.

Tools and cold shop materials will be provided. The cold shop equipment can be loud, and all equipment is water fed. Students should wear waterproof shoes, an apron, safety glasses, and ear protection (provided but recommended to bring your own). Clean-up time is included in the duration of class, and usually the last 20 minutes of class are dedicated to cleaning your workstation. 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 and cold 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: No previous experience required. Open to ages 14 and up.

Pick up: If some work requires additional drying time, pieces can be picked up at a later day. Students will be notified by the front desk when items are ready.

We recommend registering for classes early to reserve your spot! We base materials, and teacher needs off of student enrollment. Early registration not only guarantees your spot in class, but also helps to ensure the class will run. Classes with low enrollment may be cancelled within two weeks of the start date of class. Contact our Registrar of Education, Ari Eshoo, at if you have questions about the class or would like to arrange a payment plan.

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