January 2023 Newsletter

Glass Piggyback Orders, Ginny Ruffner’s Glass Art, and New Classes

Happy New Year! At Potekglass, we're starting the year with exciting updates, including a look at Malcom Potek's latest creation "Life Rooted in Glass," new glass classes, and a feature on the legendary glass artist Ginny Ruffner. Whether you're interested in learning new skills, checking out our latest retail offerings, or placing a special order for your next project, we’ve got something for everyone!

Art in the Shop: Life Rooted in Glass
This month, we’re showcasing Malcom Potek’s Life Rooted in Glass series, which explores the connection between nature and art through fused and slumped glass. The terrarium forms, made with glass sheet, frit, and die-cast glass, are a meditation on life’s cycles, offering a deeply personal perspective on the beauty of growth and transformation. The first piece, Terrarium form #1, is in progress and will be plant-dated January 4th, 2023. Come visit the studio to see the ongoing work and experience the unfolding process.

Artist in the World: Ginny Ruffner
Ginny Ruffner is a pioneering artist who revolutionized lampwork glass by using it as a medium for storytelling. Known for works like What Happens When You Squeeze a Goldfish (2022), Ruffner’s sculptures fuse vibrant narratives with intricate glass techniques. Her work continues to inspire a new generation of glass artists, especially through her lampworked glass pieces that combine art and symbolism. Explore her extensive catalog of works and learn more about her contributions to the art world on her website.

Upcoming Classes at Potekglass
We’re kicking off the new year with a range of exciting classes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, Potekglass offers classes that will inspire and challenge you.

Try-iT! Italian Soft Glass Beadmaking
Thursday, January 26th
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Cost: $95 (non-members), $69 (members)
Discover the joy of shaping colorful Italian soft glass in this hands-on beadmaking class. Learn the basics of using a torch to create beautiful beads and explore surface decoration techniques. No prior experience required, and this class certifies you for Torch Open Studio Sessions and Free Glass Fridays.

Kiln – Cracking the Kiln Code
Saturdays, Starts on February 11th
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (4-week course)
Cost: $175 (non-members), $157.50 (members)
This 4-week course introduces students to the full potential of kiln forming, covering everything from tack-firing to slumping and mold making. Emphasizing glass flow and firing schedules, this class will equip students with the skills to create their own kiln projects. This course certifies you for Kiln Open Studio Sessions and Free Glass Fridays.

Stained Glass Panel Lamp
Saturdays, Starts on April 15th
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (4-week course)
Cost: $115 (non-members), $103.50 (members)
Step into the world of 3D stained glass by creating a multi-sided panel lamp using the copper-foil method. Learn design techniques for a functional stained glass piece, including construction methods and effective soldering. Beginning Stained Glass is required for this intermediate course.

Open Studio: Practice Your Skills!
Every Month
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Cost: $35 (non-members), $25 (members)
Bring your own tools and work on any glass project you like! Open Studio sessions allow for 4 hours of free studio time with access to all of our equipment. This is a great opportunity to hone your skills or collaborate with other artists. Torch and Kiln certification are required for this session.

Retail in the Shop: Glass and Supply Orders
Free Shipping When You Piggyback on Our Shop Orders
Looking to purchase special sheet glass or glass tools that we don’t carry in the shop? Take advantage of our Piggyback Orders, which allow you to combine your special order with our restocking shipments. With no shipping fees, this is an affordable way to get the tools and materials you need. We offer this service for stained glass, Bullseye glass, and more. Let us know your interests, and we’ll add you to our email group for upcoming orders!

Potekglass Hours
TUESDAY – SATURDAY: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
THURSDAY: Open Until 8:00 PM
MONDAY: Closed
SUNDAY: Closed

For more information or to book a class, call 612-281-7243 or email info@potekglass.com. We look forward to seeing you in the studio!

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