Glassblowing – beginners’ workshop

This fun 4-hour workshop is designed to introduce students to the basics of blowing and manipulating glass. Experienced instructors will demystify the principles of forming hot glass into finished objects and will guide you through this unique hands-on experience. You will learn the many different ways of forming molten glass, including blowing and solid working. After mastering the technique of twisting and pulling molten glass you will sculpt it into 3 to 4 glass objects, making a paperweight, a glass flower, and a blown vase. Glass blowing is a synthesis of artistic vision, physical challenge and teamwork and you will no doubt enjoy this rare opportunity to create glass art at the furnace.

The workshop runs every Saturdays from 9.00 – 13.00, no glass experience is required and all tools and supplies are provided. The class size is limited to 8 students and safety instructions will be covered at the beginning of the class. Age limit is 12 years old and up.

Finished pieces must cool overnight. You will need to pick them up later, or if desired, we can ship them for a reasonable packing and shipping fee. We cannot hold your pieces indefinitely so please pick them up promptly or make arrangements for shipping. We are not responsible for students’ work that is left in the studio.

What to wear:

Do not wear synthetic material or plastic fiber. Proper dress should include a cotton long sleeve shirt with a short sleeve undershirt, long pants, closed toe shoes, no open toed footwear or flimsy shoes. Sturdy hard soled shoes are recommended. Do not wear metal exposed such as jewelry, metal buttons, watches, etc. Students with long hair need to bring something to tie their hair back.

Testimonials:

Thanks so much for being such a gracious host/instructor at your studio on Friday. Kerin & I had a great time. We're looking forward to picking up our pieces on Saturday afternoon.

Thanks again,

Jeff & Kerin Vegiard

Peter Greenwood was born in Hartford, Connecticut in 1960. In 1979, he had a shift of consciousness; the mystique, the discipline, the spiritual exercise which defines glassblowing forever changed his life. At age 19 he took his first steps toward his career at the Rhode Island School of Design.

In 1980, he designed and built a glass studio in Farmington, Connecticut. Focusing on traditional techniques and experimenting with many different styles, Peter aims to capture the essence of harmony, balance and rhythm within each piece.

His career now spans the range of his imagination, resulting in numerous exhibitions of his art, and nationwide critical acclaim. Peter's portfolio includes work as varied as an enormous dining table with twin pedestals, to a finely detailed 18-inch statuette, a replica of the 18 foot statue called the Genius of Connecticut. Peter's insatiable desire to develop and refine new designs motivates him to continually explore the infinite possibilities of working with hot glass.

Find him in action in his studio, gallery & glassblowing school located inside the Historic Union Church 1829 in the charming village of Riverton, Connecticut.