Special Topics in Glass Working Classes
Our special topics in glass working classes in Minneapolis, MN, are specialized “tech sessions” dedicated to a specific technique or topic. Ranging from professional practices to basic, advanced, experimental, innovative, and historical approaches to glass forming, these one-day workshops will take your glass art to the next level. Topics may include how to use new products from company representatives, to the basics of professional glass photography, to that niche color application technique you've been trying to master. As always, our helpful instructors are ready to assist with any questions you may have or any steps you’re unfamiliar with. Check back often to see the latest topics. Sign up for one of our special topics in glass working classes today or request a new class!
Foci MGCA offers a full-tuition scholarship open to BIPOC and a need based half-tuition scholarship open to anyone with financial need. Find out more about our scholarship opportunities here.
Registration is available to students 14 years old and up.
Photographing Your Glass Art Made Easy
This class is designed to give insight on how to develop your digital portfolio using the everyday tools we have at our disposal. We’ll discuss the best materials to use when photographing art, how to properly compose and light pieces for documentation, and the basics of editing to enhance a final photo. This course is meant for beginners and can prepare you to learn more about advanced product and portfolio photography and editing techniques.
No experience required.
1 Day Workshop
10am-4pm (with a 1 hour lunch break)
$90
Students must come to class prepared with:
a digital camera that you are familiar with OR a cellphone with a camera
a laptop (if you do not have a laptop please let us know, we will have a limited number of computers available)
a glass object they wish to document
June 15, 2024
Saturday 10am-4pm (with a 1 hour lunch break)
Registration Deadline
Past Classes:
Flowers Tech Session
In anticipation of Spring, the next class in the Production Tech Session series is Flowers in 3 different ways. This short class will demonstrate how to make a pulled flower, and pinched rose, and a more complex flower made from bits. The class will begin with the demos of 3 different flower making styles and then students will each have a ½ hour to practice the flower of their choice. Great for glass artists of all levels looking to pick up a few more tricks.
Color provided.
Prerequisite: Completed Glassblowing 1 or equivalent.
Ornament Tech Session
For the second class this year in our Production Tech Sessions, we are making beautiful blown ornaments. These globes are simple in theory, but to make the perfect lightweight sphere it requires blowing hot, quick, and thin. Once you get the hang of the steps, ornaments can be made solo and in rapid succession. In this Tech Session students will learn a few different ornament styles and how to make delicate hooks. We’ll practice blowing exclusively using a blowhose extension.
Color provided.
Prerequisite: Completed Glassblowing 1 or equivalent.
Pumpkin Tech Session
The first class in our new series the Production Tech Sessions, we are making the magical blown glass pumpkins. Learn the tricks to perfect ridges and curly stems. Not only do they make great gifts, but blown pumpkins are an excellent skill-building exercise. Learn to use a blowhose extension and optic molds, make efficient use of time and heat, and add a new item to your repertoire to practice solo or with a partner.
Pumpkin colors provided.
Prerequisite: Completed Glassblowing 1 or equivalent.
The Swedish Overlay
This short Tech Session demystifies the process of the Swedish overlay. This specific color technique is applicable when you desire the look of bar color but need it to be on the outermost layer and not cased in clear. It is especially useful to add decoration by carving through one color to reveal another underneath by engraving and sandblasting.
Practice color will be provided.
Prerequisites: Completed Glassblowing 2. Equivalent coursework or experience may be accepted, please inquire
Luminar Glass Products Demonstration and Workshop
For the past 30 years, Luminar Glass Products and its parent company ZIRCAR Refractory Composites, Inc. has provided high temperature materials to artists working in glass and bronze. Luminar Glass Products offers state of the art materials for mold making, fusing, slumping, flamework, and bead making. Our most notable and unique product is Mold Mix 6 which is a versatile, high temperature mold making putty.
This presentation includes an in-depth description of the products and the properties that make them unique (light weight, strong, reusable, ect.). This description is paired with several brief demonstrations detailing how to use the materials to enhance each artists creative process. Following the demonstration of the products, workshop participants will be able to work hands-on with the materials.
More info on Luminar Glass Products can be found here: