February 2023 Newsletter
Itasca State Park Panel, Micro Mosaics by Julie Burkhart, and Plum Glass ON SALE
Art in the Shop: Custom Stained Glass Panel
Itasca State Park Headwaters of the Mississippi
46 inches x 8 ¾ inches, Glass by Youghiogheny and Wissmach, Copper Foil Technique
- designed and crafted at Potekglass by Mark Trease
Success for us with this piece was translating the clients desire for fall foliage, and the quick water down by the stones. The clients chose Itasca State Park to memorialize the site of their engagement.
Above photos were taken by Mark in progress. The glass pieces are all copper foiled and ready to be soldered!
Interested in your own custom stained glass panel?
Reach out to us at info@potekglass.com or by coming to the studio to discuss options.
Artist in the World: Julie Burkhart
Modern Micro Mosaics are made from thin strands of colored glass called stringers or tesserae. The glass is hand scored and cut into small segments and meticulously set into a handcrafted bezel of Sterling or Gold. After the bezel is filled, the mosaic is ground and polished to produce a smooth finish.
Left to right: Fern Pendant, Xtra Large Multi Color Pendant, Red and White Quilt Pendant
Julie Burkhart's Artist Statement
I’ve been working as a professional jeweler since 1979. I studied in Texas and first worked at a diamond importer. I have worked as a jewelry designer and bench jeweler at independently-owned jewelry stores, setting stones and manufacturing custom designs from concept to finished piece.
Shop Julie's Available Art Here
Micro mosaics were very popular in Italy at the turn of the 20th century. When I became interested in creating micromosaics, because it is a dying art form, I couldn’t find any information on the technique. I developed my own technique with a modern twist. To create a mosaic, I hand cut strands of colored glass and hand fabricate my mosaics in sterling silver bezels. While tedious, I find the process very calming and the jewelry unique.
In addition to fine glass stringers for mosaics, I also work in gold, platinum, palladium, diamonds, and colored gemstones. My design inspiration comes from the look and texture of ancient and current mosaics, quilts, nature, fine art, and architecture. Gemstones featuring unusual cuts and rich color as well as colored glass provide the palette for my work.
My studio is now located in the vibrant NE Minneapolis Arts District. I am available for fine custom jewelry design, expert jewelry repair, diamond setting, and Modern Micro Mosaics.
To see more of Julie's work and her design process, give her a follow on Facebook and Instagram @BurkhartDesignStudio
Upcoming Classes at Potekglass
Torch Work - Marbles 101: Borosilicate Spheres
Thursdays, Starts on March 2nd
5pm - 8pm
4 Week Course
Cost: $375
Member Price: $337.50
In this dynamic 4-week course, students will learn how to make interesting marbles with the literal ins-and-outs of making a perfect sphere. Different pattern techniques covered in this 4-week course include the mighty vortex, striking implosions, colorful raking, plus canes and twists.
This glass fundamentals course gives the boro beginner, or intermediate glassworker, the skills to begin translating their ideas into reality.
All the tools and COE 33 borosilicate glass are supplied throughout this course. If you have your own tools, bring them so you can get even more comfortable with using them!
Beginner - Intermediate Level Class + Torch Certifying
Torch Work - Italian Soft Glass 101: Lines, Dots, Barrels & Beads!
Saturdays, Starts April 15th
10am - 1pm
4 Week Course
Cost: $350
Member Price: $315
In this 4-week course, students will learn the techniques of shaping and pattern development. Students will develop interesting surface designs for decorative beadmaking using dots, scrollwork, filligrana, and glass selection.
The first half of the class sessions will focus on shaping rondels, spheres, cylinders, and learning about specialized glass, as well as, silver foil decoration. Focus during the later class sessions will be on transforming cylinder beads into bi-cones & elegant tapers. Decorative techniques taught throughout include line, pattern, and raised scroll work.
Potekglass Try-iT! Glass Torch Class or previous torch experience is required for this class.
Intermediate Level Class
Kiln - Cracking the Kiln Code
Saturdays, Starts on Feb 11th
10am - 1pm
4 Week Course
Cost: $175
Member Price: $157.50
In this 4-week survey course, students will explore the dynamic range of glass kiln work as they create a variety of glass projects including bowls, tiles, and small sculptures. Malcom will instruct on various techniques for creating fused glass pieces, and incorporating pattern bars. Students will leave with a foundational knowledge of kilnformed glass from tackfire to fusing, slumping, and basic mold making. An emphasis on heating schedules and glass flow, will allow students to produce their own schedules to create their own unique glass projects.
Additional class cost for glass, tools, and supplies will range from $120 - $300 depending on glass selection. Feel free to reach out for more information.
No experience necessary. This is a certifying class for Open Studio: Kiln use on Free Glass Fridays and more.
Beginner - Intermediate Level Class + Kiln Certifying
Mosaic - REpurposed: An Illuminated Stained Glass Mosaic Class with Visiting Artist Wendy Andersen
Friday & Saturday (2 Days)
March 31st 12pm - 4pm
April 1st 10am - 1pm
2 Day Class
Cost: $175
Member Price: $157.50
In this creative 2-day class with visiting glass mosaic artist, Wendy Andersen, students will learn to work with stained glass scraps in a stunning way. Using their imagination, or a provided pattern, participants will make a glass-on-glass mosaic block that can be internally lit or set in a window to catch the natural light. Different skills and techniques covered in class will be glass cutting, breaking, grinding, and how to adhere + grout stained glass to a 3D glass object.
Choose from a provided pattern, or draw your own. Most supplies are provided for this class. Bring your own glass scraps!
Students will need to supply some tools for this class (click here for a list of supplies). Tools and scrap glass are also available at Potekglass for purchase and we have complete supply kits for 10% OFF to students.
No experience necessary.
Beginner Level Class
Open Studio: Practice Your Skills!
We host 4 hour Open Studio Sessions every month
for Kiln, Torch, and Mosaic artists to practice their skills
$35 non-members / $25 members
Join us for an Open Studio Session at Potekglass
These sessions include 4 hours of shop time with large work space and studio equipment available for use. BYOT - Bring your own tools from home or rent a student tool kit. We also have tools and glass available for purchase at the studio.
Create any size project, collaborate on ideas, and meet other artists.
Torch and Kiln certification required for those Open Studio Sessions.
Space is limited so please reserve your seat ahead of time.
Retail in the Shop: Sheet Glass ON SALE
30% OFF Antique Plum Sheet Glass
Stop by the shop to pick out Antique Plum sheet glass for
$15.33 / SQF
(30% OFF from $21.90 / SQF)
FOR A LIMITED TIME
IN STORE ONLY SALE
