How to Sculpt Glass like a Cowgirl

In this advanced beginner course, students will learn how to shoot from the hip, sling hot bits, and enter the wild west of sculpting hot glass! There will be NO HOT TORCHES in this course. Instead, we’ll focus on speed, bit application, and preserving furnace heat to sculpt a variety of objects ranging from plants and animals, characters and creatures, and abstract forms.

What to Expect: 

This class will be a combination of demos, drills, and independent student work time. Students should expect to have some independent work time every class and bring home 4-6 sculptures depending on scale. While the demos are designed with skill building in mind, students will be encouraged to take the lessons and use them to experiment with their own ideas. Instructors will be present during the in class work time for students but may not be available during student hours for guidance, so all students blow slots will be distributed evenly so everyone gets independent work time with the instructors. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, this class is just as focused on learning how to assist as it is to gaff, so students should expect to be available and present during one another’s blow slots.

Safety 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. Clean-up time is included in the duration of class, and usually the last 20 minutes of class are dedicated to cleaning your workstation. Read more about how to prepare for class on our Registration Info page.  To learn more about accessibility the Accessibility page on our website.

Additional work time for intensive students: Students will also have access to additional hours in the hot shop and cold shop, without instruction, on Wednesday - Saturday from 12-4pm. 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.

Eligibility: This class is a good fit for intermediate skill level or people with at least 3 years of experience. 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

• 5 Sessions: August 4 — August 8
  Tuesday, 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm