July 2023 Newsletter

Beads, Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh, and Special Glass Deals

July is here, and we're excited to share all the wonderful things happening at Potekglass! This month, explore our trade beads, discover the work of Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh, and take advantage of great discounts on Glastac and other glass supplies. Whether you're looking for new glass pieces or want to improve your craft, we've got something for everyone!

Art in the Shop: Trade Beads and Glass Beads by Malcom Potek

At Potekglass, we have a gorgeous selection of trade beads, which were used as part of ancient bartering systems and date back as far as 40,000 years. These beads have a fascinating history and make for beautiful additions to any collection. Available by the bead or by the strand, they’re perfect for unique jewelry and art projects.

Malcom Potek has also created a stunning array of glass beads using a variety of techniques, and these are available for sale in our gallery. If you’re inspired by these beads and want to try making your own, be sure to check out our Try-iT! Torch classes where Malcom himself will teach you how to make beads and paperweights. Here are just a few examples of Malcom's beautiful beadwork:

• "A River of Barley" (2009) – Lampwork
• "Fumed Migration" (2010) – Lampwork
• "Kiln Landscape" (2007) – Fused
• "Saturday in the Park" (2005) – Fused Glass

Malcom’s Private Bead Collection is also on display at the shop, featuring beads by celebrated artists like Dinah Huelet (1994), Kristina Logan (1994), Patty Walton (1996), and Angela Green (1994). Visit us to explore this unique collection in person!

Artist in the World: Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh

Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh was a pioneering figure in the Glasgow Style during the 1890s. Her work, often overshadowed during her lifetime, was instrumental in shaping the art scene, and her pieces influenced artists such as Gustav Klimt and her husband Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Macdonald Mackintosh worked across various mediums including watercolor, metal work, glass, and textiles. Her works like The May Queen (1900) and The White Rose and The Red Rose (1902) showcase her mastery of integrating glass elements with intricate design. Known for her Art Nouveau style, her work remains an important part of art history.

Upcoming Classes at Potekglass

If you're looking to deepen your glass-making skills, Potekglass has several exciting classes this month, catering to beginners and advanced artists alike.

Beginning Stained Glass
August 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th
Cost: $115 (non-members), $103.50 (members)
This 4-week course is perfect for those who want to learn the basics of stained glass. Using the copper foil method, you will learn pattern preparation, cutting, grinding, foiling, soldering, framing, and finishing.

Try-iT! Basics from Boron
July 29th
Cost: $95 (non-members), $85.50 (members)
Explore borosilicate glass, known for its sculptural potential. This class covers the basics of torchwork, and students will create a small paperweight, an icicle ornament, and a small figure.

Kiln Try-iT!
July 1st, 2 PM - 5 PM
Cost: $95 (non-members), $69 (members)
Join us for a 3-hour class introducing kiln forming. You’ll create a colorful mosaic and slump it into a catch-all dish. All supplies are included in this fun, hands-on class.

Stained Glass Cat Head Box
Aug 10th, 17th, 31st, Sept 7th
Cost: $175 (non-members), $169 (members)
Create a 3-D stained glass cat head box. This advanced class focuses on accurate cutting, foiling, soldering, and making a copper tube hinge. Students must have prior glass cutting experience.

Open Studio: Practice Your Skills!
Join us for our Open Studio sessions to practice your kiln, torch, or mosaic skills. These sessions offer 4 hours of open studio time with access to all necessary equipment. Torch and Kiln certification required for use.

Retail in the Shop: 15% OFF Glastac

We’re offering 15% OFF Glastac for the month of July! Glastac is perfect for lightly gluing fusible glass in place before firing, and now is the perfect time to stock up.

Potekglass Hours

• MONDAY: Closed
• TUESDAY – SATURDAY: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• THURSDAY: Open Until 8:00 PM

Potekglass will also be closed for the 4th of July and will reopen on July 12th.

For more information or to book a class, call 612-281-7243 or email info@potekglass.com.

Potekglass, Art-A-Whirl, Malcom Potek beads, trade beads, Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh, borosilicate glass classes, stained glass classes, kilnforming classes, Open Studio sessions, Glastac sale.