January 2023 Newsletter
Happy New Year, Glass Piggyback Orders, and Ginny Ruffner's Glass Art
Happy new year!
I hope these first of longer days firmly plant the seed of life in your mind, and craft in your hands. Reflecting on my work over these past few months I see lots of systems in place and teaching projects prepped, but very few objects that I have made for art sake. So I took some time and assembled objects in the studio into a study I call . . .
Art in the Shop: Life Rooted in Glass
Terrarium form #1 "Life rooted in Glass"
In progress. Plant date 1/4/2023
Glass Sheet, Frit, Die Cast glass. Fused & Slumped.
Unnumbered and Unsigned.
By Malcom Potek
Artist in the World: Ginny Ruffner
I first saw Ginny Ruffners work at the Tucson museum of art in 1997 at the show "Calido: Contemporary Warm Glass". Extremely innovative Ruffner, produced sculptures from lamp-worked glass that she enameld iconography and narratives onto. Her work was amazing then and still is! Check out her website for the large catalog of glass art as well as the other projects she is involved with. Ruffner pioneered using lampworked glass as an art form.
(above) "What Happens When you Squeeze a Goldfish" 2022 Lampworked glass and mixed media
Upcoming Classes at Potekglass
Try-iT! Italian Soft Glass Bead Making
Thursday, January 26th
5pm - 8pm
3-hour class
Cost: $95
Member Price: $69
Discover the ease of molding and shaping colorful Italian soft glass when it’s hot! Students will learn to gather molten glass and apply it on a mandrel to make beads on the torch. We will then explore surface decoration techniques to enhance beads; such as dot stacking and stringer application. Expect to go home with anywhere between 6 and 12 beads depending on your work style.
No experience or supplies necessary. Class cost covers glass and student tool kit rental for the session.
This is a certifying class for Open Studio: Torch use on Free Glass Fridays and more.
Beginner Level Class + Torch Certifying
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
Stained Glass Panel Lamp
Saturdays, Starts on April 15th
2pm - 4pm
4 Week Course
Cost: $115
Member Price: $103.50
Enter the world of 3-D stained glass creation!
In this 4-week class you'll create a multi-sided panel lamp shade using the copper-foil method (aka Tiffany Stained Glass Style). Learn what makes a good lamp shade design, and techniques for successful shade construction. Stop in ahead of the first class to discuss your pattern and pick out glass. Bring 2 copies of your pattern to the first class. Students will purchase a few supply items during the class. There will be homework in addition to the weekly 2 hour classes.
Beginning Stained Glass is a prerequisite. Intermediate - Advanced 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: Glass and Supply Orders
Free Shipping When You Piggyback on our Shop Orders
Special Orders and Piggyback Orders are a great way to get that special sheet glass or glass tool that you've been wanting (and we don't already carry it at the shop).
Piggyback Orders are Potekglass orders made for restocking the shop multiples times a year. No shipping is charged for these orders as we are already shipping glass and supplies to the shop. Pickup your order at the studio once we've received it.
We are always able to do Special Orders for your tools, supplies, or glass sheets that we don't currently stock from our wholesale vendors. Shipping rates apply.
If you'd like to receive a piggyback notification when we are placing our next shop orders, please respond to this newsletter with your category of interest: Stained Glass, Bullseye Glass, or Both!
We will add you to the email group of your choice and reach out soon about piggyback order opportunities.
