Venetian Tradition, Modern Edge: Advanced Glassblowing with Michael Schunke
Thursday–Sunday · 10:00 - 4:00 · Michael Schunke · Sep 23 - Sep 26
4 sessions · $700
From vessels to sculptural work, Venetian style glassblowing has firmly taken root
on American soil. Thanks to Italian maestros unlocking centuries of tradition, an
entire generation of American glassblowers has been able to draw from historical
technique and push the medium to exciting new heights. Michael Schunke, a
modern master, heads to UrbanGlass to lead this intensive exploration combining
traditional methods with a distinctly contemporary vibe. Come build your skill, hone
your technique, and find your voice. Not for beginners; two years glassblowing
experience required.
A Sculptor’s Approach to Casting with Shane Caryl and Drew Smith
Wednesdays-Sunday · 10:00 - 4:00 · Shane Caryl · Drew Smith · Oct 6 - Oct 10
5 sessions · $700
Take a step back from traditional casting methods and learn to focus on each aspect
of the process with a sculptor’s eye. Create multiple part molds, explore various mold
materials, and discuss glass choice. Gain a new appreciation for wax working and
the advantages it offers for minimizing coldworking and allowing for additional treatments
later on in the process. Build proper investments, compare firing schedules,
and learn to combat energy costs. No experience necessary; beginners welcome.
Supersize Sculpting with John Miller
Thursday–Sunday · 10:00 - 4:00 · John Miller · Oct 14 - Oct 17
4 sessions · $700
Push the limits of size and scale with supersize sculptor John Miller. With a healthy
dose of humor and pop-culture sensibility, learn to work larger and more efficiently
than ever before. Even the simplest techniques of gathering, marvering, shaping,
and heating require extra finesse when working on such a large scale. Planning,
teamwork, communication, and choreography allow you to push your technical
boundaries and overcome the challenges of creating extra-large nontraditional
forms. Not for beginners; two years glassblowing experience required.
Soft Glass Explosion with Amy Lemaire
Thursday–Sunday · 10:00 - 4:00 · Amy Lemaire · Nov 4 - Nov 7
4 sessions · $700
Explore new possibilities and learn classic tricks as you work with soft Italian
glass at the professional flameworking torch. Compared to hard Borosilicate
glass, soft glass offers a wider array of vibrant colors and greater ease of
sculpting using heat, gravity, motion, and a few simple tools. Working with soft
glass requires a gentle touch: too rapid heating or cooling causes cracks or
explosions, while constant motion and flame management go hand-in-hand
with creativity and inspiration. During this intensive four-day exploration, learn
off-mandrel sculpture, component construction, color control and application,
and the fundamentals of glass design. Gain confidence and control at the torch
so that the only soft glass explosions will be of the creative variety. No experience
necessary; beginners welcome.