class descriptions

Beginning Glass Blowing Part1: 3-Session Class
Learn the basics of glass blowing in this 9-hour, 3 session class. Working in teams, students will learn to use a blowpipe and glass working tools to safely shape hot glass into colorful and creatively inspired objects. Repetitive practice in a supportive environment will allow students to learn the properties of glass while making solid and blown glass pieces. A brief discussion and practice session on cold working will teach students how to polish the rough bottoms on the objects they make. The cost of this class is $300.00 and a deposit is required to hold your seat in the class. If you are interested in this class please contact us via email or call the studio. There are a maximum of 6 seats available for this class and there must be a minimum of 3 students in the class to make it run.  All tools, materials, and color are provided. 

Beginning Glass Blowing Part2: 3-Session Class
This class is designed for students who have completed the Beginning Glassblowing Part 1 class. In this 9 hour, 3 session class, students will have the opportunity to continue where they left off in the first class and expand upon their techniques and gain the ability to create new shapes. New tools will be introduced as well as new forms of color application and surface design.  An emphasis on teamwork and daily discussions about design will help students further their glass making abilities. The cost of this class is $300.00 and a deposit is required to hold your seat in the class. If you are interested in this class please contact us via email or call the studio. There are a maximum of 6 seats available for this class and there must be a minimum of 3 students in the class to make it run. All tools, materials, and color provided.

Intermediate glass blowing: 6-session class
In this class, students will expand upon what they learned in Beginning Glass Blowing Parts 1 and 2. The fundamental techniques of glassblowing will be expanded upon and students will focus on refining their skills. More advanced techniques will be explored to produce new forms and shapes.  Color, surface design, bit working, and handles will also be explored.  Students are expected to come to class with designs and keep a current sketchbook of their design ideas, related art work, and questions which will be gone over in class. The cost of this class is $600.00 and a deposit is required to hold your seat in the class. If you are interested in this class please contact us via email or call the studio. There are a maximum of 6 seats available for this class and there must be a minimum of 3 students in the class to make it run.  All tools and materials provided. STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO PROVIDE THEIR OWN COLOR.

Beginning Glass Bead Making 6-Session Class
This 6 session, 18 hour class will cover studio safety and setup, torches and tools, supplies and suppliers. Using Moretti/Effetre glass, students will learn about shaping, surface decoration techniques and color reactions. The student will be introduced to basic flame working skills, including making stringers, stringer control, pulling cane, dots and dot distortion techniques, flowers and encased flowers, complex shaping and sculptural beads. Students should leave the class in possession of a fundamental knowledge of glass bead making, a collection of their own beads and enough technical information to setup their own studio or rent the lampworking studio here at N.O.C.G.I. The cost of this class is $450.00 and a deposit is required to hold your seat in the class. If you are interested in this class please contact us via email or call the studio. There are a maximum of 6 seats available for this class and there must be a minimum of 3 students in the class to make it run. All tools, materials, and glass provided. 

Introduction to Kiln Forming Class-2 weekend class
This 24 hour long class explores the fundamentals of kiln formed glass techniques. Kiln forming is a process by which glass is assembled, put into a kiln, and heated in a controlled manner to achieve a wide range of effects. There will be discussions about kiln forming theory, color theory, design and pattern. You will learn the basics of glass cutting, creative two-dimensional design, fusing (combining colors) and slumping (shaping glass into or over molds to create flat and dimensional forms). Firing schedules and annealing will be discussed. The cost of this class is $500.00 and a deposit is required to hold your seat in the class.  If you are interested in this class please contact us via email or call the studio. There are a maximum of 8 seats available for this class and there must be a minimum of 4 students in the class to make it run. All tools, materials, and glass provided. 

Introduction to Box Casting Class-2 Weeekend Class
Participants in this class will learn to use simple open-faced molds and plaster silica modeling techniques to create a mold of their own design. The result will be a reverse relief glass block with the color and clarity one normally finds in hot cast work. In this 2 weekend intensive class, students make one piece and leave the class with the skills to continue working in this method. The cost of this class is $450.00 and a deposit is required to hold your seat in the class. If you are interested in this class please contact us via email or call the studio. There are a maximum of 8 seats available for this class and there must be a minimum of 4 students in the class to make it run. All tools, materials, and glass provided.