September 2023 Newsletter
Art in the shop, new classes, and Beads of Courage!
Art in the Shop: Sandy Erpelding
Sandy is a big asset to the stained glass community. As one of our most experienced repair technicians, she has rejuvanated hundreds of treasured stained glass windows, lamps, boxes and just about any challenge thrown her way.
As an artist she has an amazing sense of glass selection and color. Come down to the shop and see for yourself. . . . .
“I get excited about translating the visions in my mind into projects that fill with color and light. Starting with macrame in the 70's, rug hooking in the 80's, and crocheting in the 90's, I took my first stained glass class in 2003 and found I really could cut glass without cutting myself. I entered my first larger stained glass window in an Art Show at Glass Endeavors in 2004, was awarded 1st Place for beginners and that started it all. I live in Coon Rapids, MN, have two children, four amazing grandsons and two beautiful granddaughters.”
Sandy Erpelding
Twilight Owl
Live edge wooden frame
Stained Glass
$550
Sandy Erpelding
Poppy
Repurposed Frame
Stained Glass
$550
Sandy Erpelding
Hot Air Balloons
Oak Frame
Stained Glass
$400
Artist in the World: Norwood Viviano
Norwood Viviano’s work is about change. Utilizing digital 3D computer modeling and printing technology in tandem with glass blowing and casting processes, he creates work depicting population shifts tied to the dynamic between industry and community. By showing how landscapes and populations move and are modified as a result of industry, his work creates a 3D lens to view that which is invisible or forgotten. His use of blown glass forms and vinyl cut drawings are micro-models of macro changes at the regional, national, and international level.
Norwood VIviano
Recasting Grand Rapids
kilncast glass and 3D printed pattern, 22” x 17” x 29.5”, 2020.
Collection: Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids, MI.
Photo: Tim Thayer/Robert Hensleigh
Norwood Viviano
Recasting New York
kilncast glass and 3D printed pattern, 12.5” x 12.5” x 13.5”, 2021.
Photo: Tim Thayer/Robert Hensleigh
Norwood Viviano
Recasting Pittsburgh
kilncast glass and 3D printed pattern, 16” x 10” x 13”, 2020/2021.
Photo: Tim Thayer/Robert Hensleigh
Upcoming Classes at Potekglass
Stained Glass Leaded Window
September 9, 16, 23, and 30th 10am
Price: $115
Member Price: $103.50
4-week course, 2 hours each week, homework between sessions.
$115 Plus glass, tools and supplies.
(Intermediate level class. Beginning Stained Glass experience is required!)
Learn the traditional method of window creation using lead came and zinc. Find your own pattern, which should be no larger than 24" x 24", 34 pieces or less, with straight lines and curves. Feel free to stop in ahead of the first class to discuss your pattern. You will need lead pattern shears, a soldering iron, lead cutter, glass cutter, glass breaking pliers and sheet glass for your window, which you can purchase here. Other needed supplies/materials will be discussed in class.
Italian Soft Glass 101: Lines, Dots, Barrels & Beads!
October 10/7, 14, 28, 11/4 2pm
Price: $350
Member Price: $315
Learn the art of decorative bead making through lines, dots, barrels, and beads!
4-week course, 3 hours each week
Time: 2pm-5pm (Each Session)
Instructor: Malcom Potek
Stained Glass Panel Lamp
Oct 7,14,21,and 28th 2pm
Price: $115
Member Price: $103.50
4-week course, 2 hours each week (plus homework).
$115 Plus glass, tools and supplies.
(Intermediate level class. Beginning Stained Glass is required.)
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. Learn what makes a good lamp shade design, and techniques for successful shade construction.
Fused Agate Project
Oct 5,19,26 - 6pm
Create a beautiful project featuring glass "agates", custom made by you. This three week class will take you through the process of selecting glass, creating "agates" and putting it all together to make a one-of-a-kind plate or standing sculpture. No fusing experience necessary. Glass cutting experience is helpful. Students will purchase glass. Kiln firings and mold rental included in class price.
Beads of Courage Bead Challenge
Use your bead making skills to create beads to donate to the Beads of Courage program.
3-hour open torch session
September 23rd 10-1 & 1:30-4:30
Free Event!
Beads of Courage® has challenged the talented bead artists of Minneapolis to fire up their flaming hot torches and melt colorful glass into meaningful symbols of COURAGE! These one-of-a-kind glass beads will be given to children coping with serious illness to help them RECORD, TELL and OWN their story of COURAGE. We hope to see you there!
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:
*** LIMITED TIME STEAL OF A DEAL***
15% OFF Canfield Solder- 60/40 and 50/50 Canfield solder.
Time to stock up! Save 15% for the month of September!
