June 2021 Newsletter
Ongoing projects, classes in the shop, art in the world and more!
Art in the Shop: Ahvah Bowl
In the Torah or old testament, we as people of Abraham and Sara are asked to love our neighbor. (Leviticus 19:9-18) In my interpretation the larger the personal divide the more divine the edict. The center of this bowl contains the Hebrew word ahavah which translates to love in English. The Palestinian flag is mirrored in the colors used in the bowl.
Malcom Potek
"Ahavah", 2020
14" Round x 3 1/8" Tall
Artist in the World: Angie Babby
Angela Babby is a glass artist whose work is inspired by her Lakota ancestry and the mysterious nature of glass. Her artistic creations usually follows a four step process. First, Babby draws a pattern and cuts it out of cardboard. Then, the cardboard shapes are used as stencils to cut glass shapes. Some glass pieces are painted with enamel and fired. This process is repeated until the painted enamel reaches its desired effect. Finally, the glass pieces are adhered to a tile board and filled with mortar.
Babby's art is simultaneously realistic and surreal. The subjects of her art are detailed people or animals, while the colors are surrounding backgrounds are whimsical.
"Ancient One", Glass Mosaic on Tile Board, 20"x24", 2019
"Melt, Prayers for the People and the Planet", Kiln-fired Vitreous Enamel on Glass Mosaic on Tile Board, 30"x30", 2019
Upcoming Classes at Potekglass
* Beginning in May classes will begin to seat 8 students per class. This allows classes to maintain 3 feet of space between students.
Free Glass Friday
June 11, 18 and July 2
Time: 11:00am - 3:00pm
Open Torch Session
Cost: $35
Member Price: $25
Join us for an open torch session. This includes 4 hours on our equipment with a set of student tools and free glass. The glass provided for this session is Italian soft glass, borosilicate glass and bullseye glass. Take care to keep the glass types separate as Italian soft glass has a COE of 104, borosilicate glass has a COE of 33 and bullseye glass has a COE of 90.
Students must bring their own mandrels and bead release. These items are also for sale at Potekglass and online.
Torch experience is required to participate. Not certified? Sign-up for a Try-iT! Class. Lots of experience - just not at Potekglass? Call Malcom and he'll get you set up.
Italian Soft Glass Try-iT!
June 13
Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Beginner Level Class
Discover the ease of molding and shaping colorful Italian soft glass Effetre when it’s hot! You will learn to gather molten glass and apply on a mandrel to make beads on the torch. We will then explore surface decoration techniques to enhance beads. Expect to make between 6 and 12 beads depending on your work style.
This is a beginner session intended to introduce a glass-working approach. Students will learn basic techniques specific to that approach with hands-on practice time to get comfortable working with glass and open your eyes to the creative potential of glass!
Special Effects - Kiln
July 17
Time: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Intermediate Level Class
Previous experience with glass is required for this intermediate class. Potekglass provides Try-iT classes for beginners to gain needed experience.
This class includes one full day of kiln special effects.
Retail in the Shop: Rods
Potekglass is now selling a limited selection of Bullseye glass rod! Stop by the shop or visit our website to browse the selection. We are offering a 50% off rod purchases made in store or by phone. Most rods are suitable for both torchwork and kilnwork. We are excited to start providing new glass supplies!
