We take such caution to NOT break our glass.

In this class, we are taking a hammer to it and smashing it to bits..... then putting it back together. We will look at the wonders of two types of safety glass- laminate and tempered- and learn their differences. Working with regular tools, we will smash tempered glass in a controlled space and then work with the shards of glass to recreate beautiful, fused works. We will discuss firing schedules for "hard" or "soft" edges and the use of mica powders to make things sparkle. While our dish or plate is firing, we will learn a cold working process for tempered glass. Epoxies and quick-set adhesives will be discussed for mounting with other tricks and tips. Students will leave with at least two completed projects. Bring your favorite hammer or use tools provided in class.

• Using common tools, students will safely shatter tempered glass, work with the resulting cullet, and fuse it into dishes or plates. We will cover mold selection, firing schedules, and approaches to achieving hard or soft edges, as well as the use of mica powders for surface effects. Cold-working techniques and adhesive options for mounting (including epoxies and quick-set adhesives) will also be discussed.

• While kiln firings are underway, students will explore laminated glass, learning how to direct fractures to create patterns or imagery without full shattering. Inks may be used to highlight cracks. The workshop concludes with a discussion of float glass as an alternative and methods for creating your own laminated structures.

Schedule
Day 1: March 14, 1–5 pm
Day 2: March 15, 11 am–4 pm

Cost
Members: $360
Non-Members: $395

Bio for Sonja London-Hall-

I began my love of glass over 25 years ago. It started with a regular stained-glass class by local Flagstaff artist. From that point on I was hooked. I have explored and studied all aspects of glass and its versatility with many great masters of glass. Ranging from standard stained glass, fused glass, and hot glass to precious metal clay, encaustic, mosaic, and mixed media.  I have worked to push the limits of what glass can do and how it can be displayed.  My work has been in local and SW art exhibits, national publications, and collected across the US. Current works were inspired by the glass concepts of Marcel Duchamp (“The Large Glass”, ca. 1915) and mentor Yorgos Papadopoulos (“Art in the Garden”, 2015) where glass has been intentionally disrespected to produce remarkably complex and beautiful designs.