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! 
Category Archives: glass class
Pate De Verre Class Fun!
This weekend’s pâte de verre class was a great success!
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 Swinhart demonstrates proper frit application.
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.
The students all loved the process and can’t wait til the firings are out of the kilns.
New Winter Class Schedule Online!
Here is the new Washington Glass School Winter Class Schedule! Winter is the perfect time to come to a warm studio with a friend and create art!
See you in school!
New Winter Class Schedule
————————————————————–
Class 2200 – Beginner’s Glass Lover’s 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!
Instructors Audrey Wilson
Dates Session A – Sat/Sun – Jan 9/10
Session B- Sat/Sun – Mar. 5/6
Session C – Sat/Sun. – Apr. 2/3
Time 1pm to 5pm each day
Tuition $350 per student (all mtls included)
————————————————————–
Class 2201 – Audrey’s Super Bowl Parties!
—————————————————————
You like bowls? So do we! So come join Audrey Wilson at a Super Bowl Making party! Email for availability…..and let the bowl making begin!
(email the instructor Audrey directly on this one – studio@washglass.com)
(max 6 students per session; 3 bowls per student depending on size of bowl)
Instructor : Audrey Wilson
Dates : Super Bowl Parties take place on the following dates:
Jan. 23
Feb. 13
Mar. 19
Apr. 16
Time : 1:30 pm to 4pm
Tuition : $75 for each session if using float glass, $100 for Bullseye glass.
————————————————————–
Class 2202 – MIG Welding For Dummies!
—————————————————————
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!
Instructor : Erwin Timmers
Dates: Offered twice this semester
Session A – Thurs. eves in Feb. (4,11,18)
Session B – Wed. eves in Apr. (6,13,20)
Time : 7pm to 9:30pm
Tuition : $375 per student
————————————————————–
Class 2203 – Artistic Lighting Solutions For Your Home!
—————————————————————
Bring some serious color to your life, and brighten up your living space. This is the perfect way to use glass in a most practical application: a lamp. You will design your own colored glass, determine your own shape, and have your choice of several different hanging or mounting options. For considerably less than the price of a designer fixture, you can put your own name on one. Tuition includes glass, mold materials, and mounting hardware. No glass experience is needed, and electrical experience will be provided.
Instructor : Erwin Timmers
Dates : Wed. eves in Mar. (2,9,16)
Time : 7pm to 9:30pm
Tuition : $375 per student
—————————————————————
Class 2204 – Intro to Rubber Mold Making
————————————————————–
This is a great way to make 3-D elements in kilncast glass. Think of the sculptural possibilities! Our instructor for this class was on Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) faculty as Asst Professor of Glass, and represented the USA in the recent international Glass Challenge competition held at Sweden’s Glass Factory Museum.
In this short weekend class we will tackle the basics of making rubber molds for the production of parts that can be duplicated in wax. Students will be asked to bring a minimum of 3 small objects (not more than 1.5″ in any direction) to class for discussion and exploration of mold production. Undercuts, part lines, multipart mold-making, and casting of waxes for use in lost wax work will be discussed. Students will learn about a variety of materials available and how to decide what materials are best to use in different situations.
Instructor : Debra Ruzinsky
Dates : March 12-13
Time : 1pm to 5pm
Tuition : $300
—————————————————————
Class 2205 – Intro to Lost Wax
————————————————————–
Want a great way to make 3-D elements in kilncast glass? This dimensional class is for you! Think of the sculptural possibilities! Our instructor for this class was on Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) faculty as Asst Professor of Glass, and represented the USA in the recent international Glass Challenge competition held at Sweden’s Glass Factory Museum.
The goal in this class is to make a vessel form in glass using the lost wax process. Students will begin with a pre-made wax form that they carve into and alter. We will be asking students to research surface decoration ideas for their project before coming to class. Students will bring these ideas to class in the form of sketches, Xeroxes, magazine clippings, etc. 
Instructor : Debra Ruzinsky
Dates : April 9, 10, &16
Time : 1pm to 5pm
Tuition : $400
—————————————————————
Class 2206- Open Studio – Work At Your Own Pace
————————————————————–
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
__________________________________________________________________
For more info – and to put deposit on class – click HERE to jump to school class website.
Spring & Summer 2015 Class Schedule
Spring/Summer 2015 Class Schedule
_____________________________________
Class 2000 – Beginner’s Glass Lover’s Weekend
As mentioned in the September issue of 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!
Instructor: Audrey Wilson
Dates Session A – Sat/Sun May 2/3, Session B- Sat/Sun June 27/28, Session C – Sat/Sun Aug. 1/2
Time 1pm to 5pm each day
Tuition $350 per student (all mtls included)
______________________________________________________
Class 2001 – MIG Welding For Dummies!
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!
Instructor : Erwin Timmers
Dates: Session A: Thurs eves in April (16,23,30), Session B: Thursday eves in July (9,16,23)
Time : 7pm to 9:30pm
Tuition : $375 per student
_______________________________________________________
Class 2002 – Audrey’s Super Bowl Parties!
You like bowls? So do we! So come join Audrey Wilson at a super Bowl Making party! Email for availability…..and let the bowl making begin!
(email the instructor Audrey directly on this one – studio@washglass.com)
(max 6 students per session; 3 bowls per student depending on size of bowl)
Instructor : Audrey Wilson
Dates : Super Bowl Parties take place on the following dates:
May 23; July 18; Aug 8; Aug 22
Time : 1:30 pm to 4pm
Tuition : $75 for each session if using float glass, $100 for Bullseye glass.
______________________________________________
Class 2003 – Bas Relief in Glass – Overview of Deep Relief Dry Plaster Casting
Tired of working flat? Want an easy way to get some real depth into your glass? Here’s a fun class where you will learn one of the easiest yet most versatile methods of kiln casting glass to achieve bas-relief sculpture. This incredible method has endless fine art and architectural applications. In this two day class, we will discuss different types of glass and their firing schedules. Working with color and how it can affect dimensional casting will also be explored. Bring items you may want to cast with this method or choose from our image library. All materials and firings are included.
Instructors : Sean Hennessey/Audrey Wilson
Dates : Tues eves (May 19, 26, June 2)
Time : 7pm to 9:30pm
Tuition : $375 per student
_______________________________________________________________
Class 2004 -Silk Screening and Painting On Glass with Joseph Cavalieri
This workshop will cover numerous painting on glass techniques, some dating from Medieval times, but most developed in modern times. Students will learn hand painting, airbrushing, inking, and silk-screening processes using kiln fired enamels. The main emphasis of the class is silk-screening techniques. A variety of silk-screens with patterns, graphics and photographs will be available for the class to use. The glass is kiln fired to make these images permanent on the top surface of the glass, which is called a polish fuse. Demonstrations on how to frame and light the work will be shown. Three professional practice lectures will be presented to provide insight for beginners and professionals. These include how to “package yourself”, “market your art”, and “successfully get into artist residencies”.Students can choose to leave the class with one finished work or a stack of painted glass samples, or both!* We will not be making the screens but students have the option of bringing their own silk-screens, and will be directed how to after they sign up.
Instructor : Joseph Cavalieri
Dates : Sept 5, 6, 7 over Labor Day Weekend
Time : 10am to 5pm
Tuition : $500 per student
_____________________________________________________
Class 2005 – Next Step Fusing – Applying Tack Fused Imagery
Bring your fusing skills to a new level. Beginning fusers will learn to use molds and frit to produce bas relief objects, then will tack fuse them into a patterned bowl on a base glass piece.
Instructor : Audrey Wilson
Dates : Tuesday eves. Sept. (8, 15, 22)
Time : 7pm to 9:30pm
Tuition : $450 per student
_____________________________________________________
Class 2006- Lighting Up Your Life….Making Lighting For Your Home!
Are you looking to bring some new light into your home? Tired of having the same lamps around? Well, come and make a new one 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. We provide the mounting hardware.
Instructor : Erwin Timmers
Dates : Thurs eves in May (14,21,28)
Time : 7 pm to 9:30pm
Tuition : $350
_____________________________________________________
Class 2007- Next Step MIG Welding
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. oxy-acetylene. You will also improve your MIG skills, and spend more time on grinding, polishing, finishing and patinas. Bring ideas for a small project and you’ll walk home with it. Remember, this is a real, live, active, working shop! You will get dirty. Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants.Prerequisite: MIG welding class or equivalent experience.
Instructor : Erwin Timmers
Dates : Thurs eve in June (11,18,25)
Time : 7pm to 9:30pm
Tuition : $375
________________________________________________________
Class 2008- Open Studio – Work At Your Own Pace
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
Washingtonian Magazine Loves Glass Class
The September issue of Washingtonian Magazine is all about learning. The “Learn Something New” cover article highlights the editors and writers favorite of the “most interesting courses for smart people who love to learn new things”. The Washington Glass School makes the grade, and the Beginners Glass Lovers class was selected as the top of the class for Glass Art!
Master Class in Painting On Glass
>
Coming soon is the Master Painting on Glass class – make sure you don’t miss the chance to learn from glass guru Bert Weiss!
Master Class: Painting On Glass with Bert Weiss
Instructor: Bert Weiss
Dates: President’s Day Weekend – February 18, 19 & 20th, 2012
Time: 10 am – 4pm each day
Tuition: $400
Led by master artist Bert Weiss, this three-day glass painting technique class features multiple projects designed to give the student a better understanding of lass painting and its enormous potential in fused glass. Bert’s techniques allow you to use vibrant colors without worrying about glass compatibility. The course will show you how to mix metallic oxide colorants with glass and create oil paint like-washes. This course is suitable for all levels of experience. Students do not need to bring anything, all the tools and materials are provided for the course – just wear suitable old clothes and sturdy shoes… oh, and bring a lunch! Bert Weiss studied traditional glass painting with Albinus Elskus and has developed and improved his techniques for the past 40 years. Bring any questions you may have had about glass fusing; within 10 minutes Bert should be able to troubleshoot!
Class 1204 – Master Class: Painting On Glass with Bert Weiss
Instructor: Bert Weiss
Dates: President’s Day Weekend – February 18, 19 & 20th, 2012
Time: 10 am – 4pm each day
Tuition: $400
Click HERE to jump to the WGS class website page.
New Fall Class Schedule – Part 2 – Lampworking Classes
>
The Washington Glass School’s 2011 Fall Lampworking courses are now available online and enrollment is open. Have a look at the new fun classes!
Class 1108 – Open Studio For Flameworkers
Already know the basics of flameworking? Want to join others in a social atmosphere while you work? Our Flamework Club gives each student the opportunity to work independently in a world class studio while meeting some great new friends! Materials extra.
Class Limit: 6 students
Instructor : Robert Kincheloe
Dates : Sat / Sun afternoons (call to confirm appointment)
Time : 1:30pm to 5pm
Tuition : $300 for 4 sessions or included with Instructor Classes
_____________________________________
Class 1128 – Beginning Sculptural Flameworking
Learn the basics of making objects in the flame from borosilicate (Pyrex) glass. This 2-day class will focus on skills that are the basis of working with glass on the torch. You will come away with knowledge and some fine objects too! Rob is an energetic, knowledgeable instructor and artist who is ready and willing to help anyone learn this fascinating art form. The materials fee provides student with initial pack of glass, fuel for the torches and the loan of a full set of hand tools. Additional glass and supplies are available for purchase as the class progresses. Take this class more than once to reinforce your skills! Class Limit: 6 students
Instructor : Robert Kincheloe
Dates : Sat/Sun Sept 10 & 11
Time : 10am-1:30 pm (also includes a free open studio session till 5pm if you wish)
Tuition :$250 plus $50 material fee for instructor
_____________________________________
Class 1129 – Flameworking with Color
Learn the basics of working with colored borosilicate (Pyrex) glass. This 2-day class will focus on processes for including patterns and designs in glass at the torch. You will come away with the ability to design work with a variety of color application techniques. This is an excellent follow up class to the Introduction to flameworking. Come advance your ability to create through this fascinating art form. The materials fee provides student with initial pack of glass, fuel for the torches and the loan of a full set of hand tools. Additional glass and supplies are available for purchase as the class progresses. Take this class more than once to reinforce your skills! Class Limit: 6 students
Instructor : Robert Kincheloe
Dates : Sat/Sun Dec. 3 & 4
Time : 10am-1:30 pm (also includes a free open studio session till 5pm if you wish)
Tuition : $250 plus $50 material fee for instructor
_____________________________________
For the list of the NEW Fall 2011 Kiln Classes – click HERE
_____________________________________
PayPal Class Registration Below:
Upcoming Class in the "Lost Wax" Process
>
One of the most sought after glass techniques – Lost Wax Casting is coming soon to the Washington Glass School!
This is a great way to make 3-D elements in kilncast glass. Think of the sculptural possibilities!
Glass guru Tim Tate uses this technique to make sculptural glass elements that are part of his blown & cast glass reliquary artworks. The detail and control of of the form allows for the creation incredible works of art.
A view of some of Tim Tate’s cast glass elements made with the lost wax process.
Our instructor for this class, Debra Ruzinsky, was on the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) faculty as Asst Professor of Glass, and has just come back from teaching this technique at the Studio at the Corning Museum of Glass.
Debra Ruzinsky works with the students on preparing the plaster encasement.
Have a look at the course description below – this could be the most interesting class you take this year!
Class 1021 – Basics of Lost Wax Casting
In this 3 day class we will make a sculptural vessel form in the “lost wax” method. Students will begin with a pre-made wax form that they learn to carve and alter. Students are asked to research surface design ideas prior to starting, bringing sketches, magazine clippings, xerox’s, etc.
No experience is necessary (wear clothing that can get messy and closed toed shoes).
Example of student lost wax work.
Click HERE to see photos from last year’s class in the lost wax process.
Upcoming Classes @ the Glass School
>Some great classes are coming up – old and new favorites!
Roll-up = Fused and blown glass
Up first is the Bullseye Roll-up. In this class you get to fuse and blow glass! This process allows the detail and care that you can get in a fused piece can be transferred to the hotshop and blown into a dimensional piece. If you are a fuser – a great introduction to the world of blown glass. If you are a blower – imaging the detail you can get!
Nancy Donnelly’s Green Eggs & Ham fused glass panel.
Blowing at DC Glassworks studio.
The finished work.
Class 1007 – The Great Bullseye Roll-up
If you’ve ever been interested in making your fused glass panels into blown vessels- then this is the class for you! Come experience one of the most exciting trends in glass – where you get the best of both worlds. One class will be spent fusing Bullseye Glass into a panel at the
Instructors: Dave D’Orio & Michael Janis
Dates: Saturday, February 27 & March 6, 1:30 to 5:00 pm each day
Tuition: $350
Also coming up everyone’s favorite way to work with photos – emulsion transfer! This fun class gets the photographer in you working! Your photo images (taken during class or from your slides) are transferred via polaroid-style film to glass, paper, whatever. A great way to get imagery in your art!
Class 1008 – Photographic Image Transfers On Glass
The photo-emulsion transfer process did not die with Polaroid. Learn how to make your images, manipulate them and put them onto almost any surface using
Instructors: Pete & Alison Duvall
Dates: Sunday, February 28, 1:00 to 4:00 pm
Tuition: $150 (+ $20 lab fee)
and – don’t forget:
Class 1009 – Introduction to Rubber Mold Making
In this weekend class you will tackle the basics of making rubber molds. These molds can be used for the production of parts that can be dupicated in wax – the first step in the Lost Wax Process for casting glass, bronze or aluminum. (Hint: Debra’s amazing Lost Wax Casting class will be offered next semester – plan ahead!) Students will bring in their own pieces to review and explore mold production, undercuts, multipart mold-making, and casting of wax. Students will learn about a variety of materials and which to use in different situations. Students will be asked to bring a minimum of 3 small objects (not more than 1.5″ in any direction).
Instructor: Debra Ruzinsky
Dates: Sat/Sun, March 6 & 7, 9:30am to 1:30 pm
Tuition: $300