GLASSTRONOMY: Designing Tableware & Cooking with Glass

A Five-Day Intensive in Glassblowing, Culinary Arts & Creative Experimentation

What happens when molten glass becomes both a medium for artistic expression and a tool for cooking?

In celebration of UrbanGlass's 50th anniversary, glass artist, Robert DuGrenier returns to the studio where he worked from 1979 to 1997 to lead an intensive exploration of Glasstronomy—the intersection of glassblowing, culinary arts, and performance.

Over five days, students will design and create custom tableware and serving pieces specifically for a Glasstronomy dining experience. Working in the hot shop, they will explore the possibilities of plates, bowls, drinking vessels, and other objects that transform the presentation and enjoyment of food.

The class will introduce experimental culinary techniques developed through DuGrenier's Glasstronomy experiences, where the heat of molten glass becomes an active element in food preparation. Students will investigate the relationship between glass, heat, timing, and presentation, exploring how the boundaries between the kitchen and the glass studio can inspire new creative possibilities.

Through demonstrations, hands-on glassblowing, and collaborative design, students will develop objects that are not only functional but also contribute to the artistic experience of a meal. The expectation is that students will create at least two of each item to take home at the end of the workshop.

The workshop will culminate in a shared Glasstronomy dining experience: a progressive meal prepared using molten glass techniques and served on the tableware created by the students during the class, and shared around a table where art, heat, and culinary creativity come together.

Additional work time for intensive students: Students will also have access to additional hours in the hot shop, without instruction, on Tuesday - Friday from 5-8pm. Students must be able to work safely in the studio, and be able to set up their area without needing instruction. Students participating in student hours will need to be approved by the instructor and TA’s.

What to Expect: 

This intensive is designed for glassblowers with some previous hot-shop experience. Students will work through a combination of demonstrations, hands-on practice, and design development.

The class will focus on:

• Designing and creating functional tableware and serving pieces.
• Exploring the relationship between glass form and food presentation.
• Demonstrations of Glasstronomy culinary techniques.
• Developing individual and collaborative concepts for a dining experience.
• Understanding the creative and technical challenges of working with heat, timing, and molten glass.

Students should expect a combination of demonstrations and studio practice, with the final projects depending on individual experience, design complexity, and available studio time.

The culinary experiments involving molten glass will be instructor-led and subject to appropriate studio and food-safety procedures.

Students will work together and learn to manipulate molten glass (2000 degrees). Safety, color application, and tools will all be covered in a fun and exciting environment. The hot shop is a loud studio, and can get quite warm.  Glassblowing involves a variety of activities including sitting, standing, and working with hot glass. The environment can be very hot and loud at times. Handling glass and tools may require a certain level of dexterity and ability to lift 5-10 lbs approximately. Read more about how to prepare for class on our Registration Info page.  To learn more about accessibility the Accessibility page on our website.

Eligibility: Previous experience required. A minimum of two years experience suggested to get the most out of this class.  Open to ages 14 and up.

Pick-up: The glass needs to cool down overnight, so the students will have to return to UrbanGlass once notified to pick up their work. 

We recommend registering for classes early to reserve your spot! We base materials, and teacher needs off of student enrollment. Early registration not only guarantees your spot in class, but also helps to ensure the class will run. Classes with low enrollment may be cancelled within two weeks of the start date of class. Contact our Registrar of Education, Ari Eshoo, at arianna@urbanglass.org if you have questions about the class or would like to arrange a payment plan.

Class Schedule

• Intermediate | 5 Sessions: January 12 — January 16
  Tuesday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm