May 2019 Newsletter

Open studio, shows, glass classes, summer camps and more!

Art in the Shop: Artist in Residency at Achieve Language Academy

Students brainstorming design to fit Artist in Residency theme: "belong and grow"

Artist in the World: Loren Stump

Loren Stump is a contemporary flameworker, tool and technique developer and teacher. He began as a stained glass artist but quickly discovered his affinity for flamework while young in his career. He is well-known for his skill of murrine: a 4,000-year-old Middle Eastern process in which glass rods are melted together and then sliced to reveal elaborate patterns or images in the cross-cut. Largely self-taught, he has continued to hone his skill over the past 30 years and has amazingly perfected his technique to the point where he manipulates 2D murrine slices into 3D forms.

One of his most complex works is a unique take on Leonardo DaVinci's painting Virgin on the Rocks in which he used hundreds of glass rods to create each component detail. Each cut of murrine sold for $5,000 per slice! He can be found working and teaching in his studio Stumpchuck in Sacramento when he is not on the road.

Loren Stump (above) working in his studio Stumpchuck

Loren's unique take on DaVinci's Virgin on the Rocks

Some of Loren's murrine portraits

Upcoming Classes at Potekglass

Kiln Try-iT!

Sat 6.1 | 10am - 1pm

Simple to start endless in its potential, kiln-forming is to glass what conducting is to instruments. You will explore the foundations of kiln-work: learn to cut patterns out of sheet glass, make frit, and work with a variety of glass formats by fusing glass in the kiln to create a ring dish.

Basics from Boron Try-iT!

Sat 6.8 | 10am - 1pm

Borosilicate glass gets its name from the element boron, which is added as a flux to create an American hard glass. A melt that occurs at a hotter temperature, boro is well suited for sculptural glass endeavors. In this class students will create a small paperweight, smash a gather into an icicle ornament as well as experiment with blowing a small object.

Italian Soft Glass Try-iT!

Sat 6.15 | 10am - 1pm

In this course, students will learn the basics of gathering up molten glass on the torch and applying it onto a mandrel. Once beads are made you will create stringers and apply surface decoration to beads. Expect to make between 6 and 12 beads depending on working style.

Boro Glass Menagerie - Turtle Try-iT!

Sat 7.6 | 10am - 1pm

In this introduction to sculpture on the torch, students will learn the fundamentals of turning glass shapes into small turtles. Learn to create seals, how to make a button and pick up frit, heating out tool marks and how to strike color.
No experience necessary!

Book Your Private Event!

Opportunity to Create & Further Technique for All Levels

Gently Used Equipment For Sale

Up Next in Studio: Art-A-Whirl

Give the Gift of ART!

PotekGlass Abroad: Malcom in Grand Marais