4805: Intro to Mosaics

Did you ever wonder about the mosaic art pieces you may have seen in archeological sites? Mosaics is one of the most beautiful and ancient ways to create art and express ideas. There are several materials that can be used to create mosaics. In this class, you will be able to learn different techniques to create your own mosaic art that will endure the passing of time. You will learn how to prepare a mosaic substrate, learn to cut glass, design and finish 2 plaques of 8 by 8 inches on your own.

Most of the work will be done on the first workshop day. The mosaic has to truly dry before applying grout, therefore, we will meet the next day to apply the grout and do final touches. Beginner level experience.

4802 (A or B): Glass Lovers Weekend

As highlighted in Washingtonian Magazine – Our most popular class, this is the fastest way to learn all aspects of warm glass in the shortest amount of time! Under the supervision of a professional glass artist you will learn the fundamentals of fusing, slumping and dimensional kiln casting. Everything from bowls and plates to sculptural objects… this is the perfect way for a beginner to learn the basics of glass… and you will leave with several very cool items!

Class 4804: Strips’n’Bits

In two sessions, you’ll create a distinctive sushi plate using a unique pattern bar technique. Your choices along the way will explore the capacities of glass as a creative medium: Selecting colors—opaque, transparent, both? Cutting and layering shapes—bits and strips, irregular or not, deliberate or random? We’ll discuss the basics of firing schedules, safety procedures, and some of glass’s distinctive properties; work with glass cutting hand tools, chop saw, and belt sander; deal with serendipity; and keep your project together through multiple firings.

Class-size is limited; Intermediate level experience with glass fusing is a good idea. 

Class 4806: Fused Glass Coral Bowls

Diverse and beautifully mesmerizing, coral provides shelter and creates an environment to help marine life thrive. Inspired by the labyrinth-like patterns of coral found in our oceans, we invite you to make a fascinating interlocking glass design!
Students are provided with a variety of glass colors to choose from, as well as tools to cut and shape the pieces. As one carefully arranges the glass fragments, they can experiment with different patterns and arrangements to create a stunning coral-like design. Beginner level experience.

Open Studio Tours – Washington Glass School and OST 2020!

Mark your virtual calendars! August 22 Open Studio Tours goes ONLINE! See what the artists in the Glass School have been doing over the past months! washington.glass.school.art.fused.craft.america.new.vibha.inclusive.kiln.formed.cast

Pate De Verre Class Fun!

This weekend’s pâte de verre class was a great success! 

Instructor Teri Bailey demonstrates how to apply color frit powder into specific areas for the class.

Instructor Teri Swinhart (Bailey) demonstrates how to apply color frit powder into specific areas for the class.

Pâte de verre is a kilncasting method that literally means “paste of glass”. The general premise is to mix frit granules with some sort of binder such as gum arabic, then apply the glass to the inner surface of a negative mold.

Teri Bailey demonstrates proper frit application.

Teri Swinhart demonstrates proper frit application.

The Pâte de verre students made plaster molds in which they would cast the glass.

The Pâte de verre students made plaster molds in which they would cast the glass.

Lively discussion on ways to kilncast glass sculpture was explored by the class.

Lively discussion on ways to kilncast glass sculpture was explored by the class.The students all loved the process and can't wait til the firings are out of the kilns. The students all loved the process and can’t wait til the firings are out of the kilns.

 

Baltimore’s K.E.Y.S. Developement Class Goes to Washington (Glass School)

Baltimore’s KEYS Development‘s goal is transformation of urban areas through investment in its youth; youth that see themselves as leaders, entrepreneurs, and ultimately change agents who will usher in a new age of industry in its communities, that state of Maryland and beyond. The mission at K.E.Y.S development is to provide social support and guidance in becoming esteemed leaders with outstanding problem solving and conflict resolution skills.Keys-Empowers-Black-Letters
As part of that goal, this summer sees art glass classes for their students at Washington Glass School. The first of the glass classes took place this week – it started off with a lot of fun!

Instructor Michael Janis demonstrates how to use glass powder to the KEYS class.

Instructor Michael Janis demonstrates how to use glass powder to the KEYS class.

By noon, all the students are busy making their glass masterpieces.

By noon, all the students are busy making their glass masterpieces.

The KEYS Development instructors joing in the fun, making custom stencils.

The KEYS Development instructors joing in the fun, making custom stencils.

No Dim Bulbs in Lighting Class!

Erwin Timmers instructs one of the lighting class students.

Erwin Timmers instructs one of the lighting class students.

Erwin Timmer’s artistic lighting class these past few weeks brought some serious color to the studio – really brightening up the studio!

Over the three week class, students completed a number of lighting designs, ranging from pendant to wall sconces and table lamps. Great to see how each created functional art that reflected the tastes and aesthetics of each of the artists. This was certainly a class that put forth the effort in the design!

Vibha's glass design was dazzling!

Vibha’s glass design was dazzling!

Students designed and made the glass as well as assembled the mounting hardware.

Students designed and made the glass as well as assembled the mounting hardware.

Louis Comfort Tiffany would have been jealous of the glass created for the light fixture.

Louis Comfort Tiffany would have been jealous of the glass created for the light fixture.

Jerrelee loves her light fixture that relates to her artwork.

Jerrelee loves her light fixture that relates to her artwork.

New Washington Glass School Winter/Spring 2014 Schedule

    New Winter/Spring 2014 Class Schedule     

To register for any classes…please call or e-mail to hold a space and mail a $50 deposit check made out to Washington Glass School. Be sure to include the course number and your phone number with your deposit. This is important to do ASAP as classes tend to fill quickly!  All checks, class info and registration are to be sent to:
THE WASHINGTON GLASS SCHOOL  
3700 Otis Street, Mount Rainier, MD 20712
Phone: 202-744-8222 
Or- scroll down thru this post to the Paypal option for deposit.

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Class 1600 –  Beginner’s Glass Lover’s Weekend

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glass lovers

Our most popular class, this is the fastest way to learn all aspects of warm glass in the shortest amount of time! Under the supervision of a professional glass artist you will learn the fundamentals of fusing, slumping and dimensional kiln casting. Everything from bowls and plates to sculptural objects… this is the perfect way for a beginner to learn the basics of glass… and you will leave with several very cool items! Offered 3 times in the session.

Instructors       Audrey Wilson
Dates               Session A – Sat/Sun Jan. 18/19
                       Session B- Sat/Sun Apr. 5/6
Time               1pm to 5pm each day      
Tuition            $300 per student (all materials included) 

  

Class 1601 – MIG Welding For Dummies!        

Welding

Ever wondered about learning to weld? Want to impress your friends, your older brother and that cute bartender? It’s easier than you think! In three evenings you will learn how to lay a bead, and handle all sorts of sharp and dangerous tools. You will be able to complete a small project and leave with lots of ideas and know-how for other projects. This class will teach you the basics of welding, metal work and design, joining, bending and finishing. And you will get dirty!  Offered 2 times this calendar.
Instructor :  Erwin Timmers
Dates :        

Session A 

Wed.Eves  Jan.(8,15,22)

                  Session B Wed.Eves  April (2,9,16) 

Time :          7:00 pm to 9:30 pm

Tuition :       $350 per student

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Class 1602 – Fancy Frits!

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Learn how to use colorful glass frits to create interesting and unique designs on two separate fused bowls.  You will learn about shifting frit onto fiber paper to create lacy frit wafers.  A great technique with many uses, including learning how to layer wafers to create depth and wondrous beauty!  Bring your bowl fusing skills to the next level with this two day course.

Instructors: Audrey Wilson

Dates :       Saturdays in March (8 and 15)

Time:         1:00pm to 4pm

Tuition :     $350

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Class 1603 – Lighting Up Your Life 

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  sconce class

Are you looking to bring some new light into your home? Tired of the same old “builder special” lights? Well, come and make your own in this class! You will truly display your glass skills in their best light. You’ll learn to cut, fuse and shape glass into the right form. Ceiling or wall fixture, you will have the chance to design your own. You will also learn how to safely wire and install your new lamp. No glass or electrical experience is necessary. 

Instructor: Erwin Timmers

Dates : Wednesday eves, Feb. 5, 12, and 19
Time: 7pm to 9:30pm

Tuition: $300 per student (all materials included)

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Class 1604 – More MIG 

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Now that you’ve tried your hand at MIG welding, the hot-glue gun of the metal shop, why not expand your horizons? We will offer a truck load of new techniques. You can compare welding stainless steel vs. aluminum, and pit the plasma cutter vs. oxyacetylene. You will also improve your MIG skills, and spend more time on grinding, polishing, finishing and patinas. Remember, this is a real, live, active, working shop! You will get dirty. Wear closed-toed shoes and long pants.

Prerequisite: one MIG welding class or equivalent.

 Instructor: Erwin Timmers

Dates : Wednesday eves, Mar. 5, 12, and 19
Time: 7pm to 9:30pm

Tuition: $350 per student (all materials included)

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Class 1606 – Audrey’s Weekly Super Bowl Party

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next step glass fuse bowls

You like bowls?  So do we!  So every Saturday come join Audrey Wilson at a super Bowl Making party! This is ongoing all summer (unless Audrey needs a break!). Email for availability…..and let the bowl making begin!
(email the instructor Audrey directly on this one – studio@washglass.com) 

Instructor :  Audrey Wilson 

Dates :   the Super Bowl Party will take place on the following dates. Take just one or all of them!
            Jan. 4th and 25th

            Feb. 1st and 22nd

            March 1st and 22nd. 

Time : 1:30 to 4pm

Tuition : $75 for each session.(limit 6 students per session) 

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Class 1607- Open Studio – Work At Your Own Pace 

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Beginner's Glass Lovers

Already know the basics of casting or fusing? Open Studio gives each student the opportunity to work independently in a world class studio. Tuition includes a kiln firing per session, clear base glass and colored scrap glass, use of studio tools. Note: students working in dry plaster casting need to schedule cleanup date with studio coordinator.

Instructor :  Studio Staff 

Dates :        Wed/Thurs/Sat afternoons (call to confirm appointment) 

Time :        1pm to 5pm 

Tuition :      $300 for 4 sessions

Deposit for Class Registration, balance due at class time.