August 2022 Newsletter
Art in the world, Upcoming Class Updates, and more!
Art in the Shop: Baby Blue Jay
Baby Blue Jay was created during the 2010 residency at the Blake School Lower campus as a template for the Mcguire Artist in Residence. As part of that residency I explored the arts and crafts themes that were incorporated into the original buildings. The second grade class was studying local birds as part of their natural history unit. As part of that study we did drawings together as a group and settled on some sweet blue jays as a bird they wanted to incorporate into the project. The final project was a series of panels that were back lit in the entrance of their building.
Artist in the World: Karl Unnasch
“I see it as my job to provide narrative pleasure for all who experience my work: The joys and curiosities generated by art should be accessible to everyone, not just to a select few. In response, it is my aim to create non-discriminatory aesthetic niches of discovery which viewers of all ages — and from all walks of life — can access, ponder and enjoy.”
- Excerpt from Karl's artist statement
Artwork Above: "Bluffland" A Regionally-Themed Stained Glass Window
This 4x6-foot stained glass window in the main lobby of F&M Bank uses plays on scale to combine elements from rural Fillmore County culture in a seek-and-find whirl. The keen-sighted may also spot a sly nod to F&M at front-center.
Karl presents this work with great respect and affection for the people of Fillmore County and F&M Bank, and hopes that it will continue to please passersby for many years to come.
"Rustican"
"Minnesotan & Pissed Off"
Upcoming Classes at Potekglass
Cracking the Kiln Code with Malcom Potek
Saturday, Sept. 10, 17, 24 and
Oct. 1
10a - 1p (4 weeks total)
3-hour class, 4 sessions
Cost: $175
Member Price: $157.50
In this 4-week survey course, students will explore the dynamic range of glass kiln work as they create a variety of glass projects including bowls, tiles, and small sculptures. Students will go away with a foundational knowledge of kilnforming glass from tackfiring to fusing to slumping, marvelous mold making, how to build kiln furniture, ways to test a kiln for cold or hot spots, and how to run various heating schedules to achieve a successful end result.
No experience necessary.
Italian Soft Glass Try-iT!
Saturday, September 3rd
10a - 1p
3-hour class
Cost: $95
Member Price: $69
Discover the ease of molding and shaping colorful Italian soft glass Effetre when it’s hot! You will learn to gather molten glass and apply on a mandrel to make beads on the torch. We will then explore surface decoration techniques to enhance beads. Expect to make between 6 and 12 beads depending on your work style.
This course certifies you to join Torch Open Studio and Free Glass Friday Sessions at Potek Glass.
No experience necessary.
Basics from Boron Try-iT!
Saturday, September 10th
2p - 5p
3 hour class
Cost: $95
Member Price: $69
Discover the sculptural potential of durable Borosilicate named for the element boron, which is added as a flux to create an American hard glass! This try-it will explore torchwork basics and each skill taught will culminate in a project after hands-on practice. You will learn to gather molten glass to create a small paperweight, smash and twirl a gather into an icicle ornament and experiment with glassblowing to create a small figure.
This course certifies you to join Torch Open Studio and Free Glass Friday Sessions at Potek Glass.
No experience necessary.
Free Glass Friday - Torch & Kiln
Every Friday 11:00a - 3:00p
$35 non-members
$25 members
This includes 4 hours on our equipment with free glass provided for kiln, soft glass, and boron artists. Bring your own tools, or borrow ours!
The glass provided for the kiln session is all Bullseye COE 90 (stringer and sheet scraps). Italian soft glass, borosilicate glass, and bullseye glass are all available for torch session!
Retail in the Shop: Inland Grinder
The WizlingCG glass grinder is a great choice for the budget-conscious or new glass art hobbyists. Use this American-made machine for grinding and shaping glass edges, stained glass work or lapidary projects. The WizlingCG accepts 3/4" and smaller grinding bits to accommodate your edge grinding needs.
Stop into the shop to check out our new Inland and Techniglass grinders.
