Worcester Center for Crafts Re-opened
Glassblowing Courses Offered at the New Street Glassworks Studio
Aug 18, 2009
After a, “strategic pause,” in class offerings at the beginning of 2009, the Worcester Center for Crafts and Worcester State College aligned in order to re-open the Craft Centers’ doors. The 153-year-old Center will designate rooms that Worcester State College will use for future arts classes.
The Glassworks Studio on New Street is the First to Open
Re-opening first is the Glassworks Studio on New Street in Worcester. Interested students can register now for 8-week classes at the Glass Studio, which are scheduled to begin the week of September 8th of 2009. There are also 6 different, one-night, craft-specific sessions for those who cannot commit to a full course. The Worcester Craft Center on Sagamore Road is scheduled to open in 2010.
Glassblowing Courses for Beginners, Experienced Artists and Teens
Glassblowing is an art that has been practiced for centuries. It takes patience to learn. Because of the extreme temperatures required to boil glass, this is a serious hobby that requires students to follow both safety and etiquette rules. Glassblowing I will offer beginners with the proper rules to abide by while taking part in the practice. A Teen Glassblowing is also available for teens on Saturdays.
Glass Blowing II is available for students who have either completed the first course or have received additional permission from heads of the department when registering. Students in this course will refine their shape-making skills throughout the eight weeks. Both Glassblowing I and II are open to students 18 and older. Youths 16 and older must be accompanied by an adult if enrolling in one of these two courses.
Glass Beadmaking and Stained Glass Courses are Available
Glass Beadmaking I is designed to teach beginners to us soft moretti glass to make beads. Using torches and other studio equipment, students will create unique glass beads and pendants. These one-of-a-kind pieces can be given as gifts this upcoming holiday season.
Glass Beadmaking II enhances the lessons learned from Beadmaking I by adding new elements to the design process. Students will learn to apply shards and to use silver or foil to enhance their pieces.
Techniques in Stained Glass is open to students of all levels, and students will be allowed to work at their own pace. After learning safety and etiquette rules, students are taught the steps to create stained glass. From design and color to shaping and foil, participants of this class will create pieces within their skill levels.
One Night, Friday Fun Sessions in the New Street Studio.
Friday Night Fun sessions will be offered over the course of the 8-week session in both Glassblowing and Glass Beadmaking. These six, one-night classes are great introductory steps for those not ready to commit to an 8-week course. During each class, students will learn a bit about the history of the craft and watch a brief demonstration before rolling up their sleeves to create their own pieces.
The six Friday-night courses are Glass Beads or Glass Paperweights on September 18th, Fall Beads or Floppy Bowls on October 9th, and finally Halloween Beads or Pumpkins on October 23rd. This is an affordable way for people to try their hand at a craft before signing up for a full 8-week session.
The Worcester Center for Crafts’ New Street Glassworks Studio is located at 35 New Street, in Worcester. The Center’s website lists the schedule of course along with pricing information. Plenty of free parking is available.
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