November 2021 Newsletter
Ongoing projects, classes in the shop, art in the world and more!
Art in the Shop: All Paths Lead to the Edge
"All paths lead to the edge" is a cast glass series. There are a total of 20 trivets in this series. The casting for these pieces were done with fine blue frit. Each trivet contains a custom blend of powder frits. The blend includes 1406 Transparent Steel Blue, 1140 Transparent Aventurine Blue and a hand milled white.
Artist in the World: Ian Chadwick
Ian Chadwick is a glass artist from England. He primarily works in kiln-formed glass. Chadwick describes the inspiration behind his work as, "optical art, traditional pattern-forming and an interest in sacred geometry". He uses a mosaic technique to individually place strips of glass. The colors and patterns are carefully chosen to compliment one another. Chadwick work features many kaleidoscopic patterns as well as symmetrical designs.
Chadwick uses Bullseye glass to create his dazzling mosaics. He teaches classes online through Bullseyes website.
Upcoming Classes at Potekglass
Free Glass Friday - Torch & Kiln
Introducing Free Glass Friday - Kiln!
This includes 4 hours on our equipment with a set of student tools and free glass. The glass provided for the kiln session is all Bullseye baby! Italian soft glass, borosilicate glass and bullseye glass available for torch session.
Snowflake Ornaments
December 4th
10:00 am - 1:00pm
Intermediate
3 hour class
Cost: non-members $95 / members $85.50
This intermediate kiln working class will focus on precisely cutting pieces of glass and using geometry to create a jig. Then get to work on ornaments. Work with clear Bullseye glass and colored embellishments to piece together a snowflake to be fused in the kiln!
Note: Participants must have taken a Kiln Try-iT! class or have other previous glass experience in order to register for this class.
Icicle and Skier Ornament
December 11th
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Intermediate
3 hour class
Cost: non-member $95 / member $85.50
This fun class focuses on heat and flame control. Technically we are making seals, but practically we will be creating Icicles and ski figures, then adding loops to the pieces to create one-of-a-kind ornaments. A perfect way to warm up and create beautiful hand-made gifts! Student can expect to finish 2-3 glass ornaments in this class.
Note: Participants must have taken a Torch Try-iT! class or have other previous torch work experience in order to register for this class.
Blowing Boron Basics
December 18th
10:00am - 1:00pm
Intermediate
3 hour class
Cost: non-members $95 / members $85.50
Learn how to blow glass in the scientific tradition. Students will be pulling points, making tapered spheres, and sculpting bowls.
This class will use a jacketed graphite shaping tool. If you have your own please bring it to class. Please note there will be an additional supply fee of $15, payable by cash, check, or card during the class for those who don't have the shaping tool. This pays for the jacketed graphite shaping tool, which is not a standard part of our class tool kit. You will be able take this tool home with you to use.
Note: Participants must have taken a Torch Try-iT! class or have other previous torch work experience in order to register for this class.
Retail in the Shop: European Christmas Market
ON THE ROAD !
The European Christmas Market in St. Paul is the most authentic traditional holiday market of its kind in Minnesota, offering a unique shopping experience, family-friendly entertainment & intercultural activities. It is an admission-free public event based on the festive open-air Christkindl Markets that spring up in Germany, Austria, and other European countries during the Advent season.
Visit Potekglass at the European Christmas Market Nov 26 – 28, Dec 03 – 05, Dec 10 – 12, and Dec 17 – 19.
