The 30-hour course is designed to teach beadmaking skills to economically disadvantaged women to develop their careers and explore their creativity.
The Bead Project, a regular course offering of the open-access glass center UrbanGlass, offers economically disadvantaged women the opportunity to learn a new skill. In addition to learning the craft of beadmaking at the torch, students are given business training to assist with setting up their own home-based business of making glass beads to sell at craft fairs and boutiques. The course will be offered this fall at UrbanGlass’s interim space in Brooklyn (the main UrbanGlass facility is currently undergoing a full renovation and will reopen in 2013).
Applicants must meet certain income requirements, and demonstrate a seriousness of purpose. If selected, they will receive 30 hours of hands-on instruction, including information about safety procedures, a history of glass beads throughout history, and training in sourcing supplies and equipment for creating a functioning home studio.
After successful completion of The Bead Project curriculum, students receive a glass beadmaking kit and jewelry making kit containing all the necessary tools and equipment for continuing to produce their work. Enrolled students receive not only the course tuition at no cost to them, but take home a kit of tools and supplies to get them started on a new career working from their homes.
The Website for the program reads: “The Bead Project was created specifically for low-income women, age 18 and over. Previous glass experience is not required, nor is a formal art background. Proof of income is required and must be included with the application.“
The application form can be downloaded as a PDF here.
UrbanGlass is currently located at 126 13th Street, Brooklyn, New York, 11215. For questions, or more information, email info@urbanglass.org.