Learning Opportunities at Stone and Glass

Stone and Glass is a hot glass and mixed media working artist studio.

By nature, the focus of all studio actions and intentions is to support the creation of artistic pursuit.  The majority of our production is sold to patrons and customers of Stone and Glass Gallery. Our studio environment is one of professional behavior and operation. Our expectation is that everyone associated with Stone and Glass exhibit courteous and professional behavior at all times, especially when the studio is represented to the public.  

Stone and Glass is not a school or hobbyist environment. Many great learning opportunities abound, yet the studio first and foremost is the operation where owner and principal artist, James Stone, and others, make their living. To benefit from the Stone and Glass studio environment as a student, intern, visiting artist or contract employee; your individual aspirations must align with those of the studio. If you are looking to be involved with a well run and successful creative operation, Stone and Glass has much to offer. 

There are three levels of learning opportunity at Stone and Glass.

The first level is our “Introduction to Hot Glass”.  This is for the individual who wishes to have a hot glass experience and make a few glass objects. This class is often referred to as a private paperweight lesson. This is a very safe and easy way for you to sit on the bench and work with hot glass for the first time. These classes take place on Saturday and last about an hour. First, we will do a demonstration of the piece. Then with our help, you will make the same piece. Minimum age for this glass is ten years old. The cost is $150.00.  Class fee includes all materials and equipment.

The second level of learning opportunity is, “Introduction to Offhand Glassblowing”. As with all classes at Stone and Glass, you will enjoy one-on-one private instruction. This class is designed for people who think they might want to pursue further education in hot glass art. This is the gateway class to becoming a serious hot glass student. The class will teach all the basic techniques needed to become a beginning glass blower and to be able to blow glass on your own.  This class includes all tools, glass, and color needed to make six pieces. Students are expected to do homework and keep a journal of their experiences. We will have three classes together, each about two hours in length. You will make two pieces in each class. This class is a prerequisite for renting furnace time at Stone and Glass. The cost of this investment in your future creative endeavors is $995.00.

The next level of educational opportunity at Stone and glass is to become a “Studio Member.”  Studio membership is limited to only four students at any time. Studio membership is a very special relationship between the student and the studio, reserved for serious committed students. In order to be considered for one of these four positions a prospective student must prove their commitment not only to learning advanced skills, but also supporting the studio, physically and emotionally. We are always on the look-out for students who want to have a future in art glass.

There are several pre-requisites to becoming a Studio Member. 

1-Candidates must commit to a minimum of six months continuous membership in the studio.

2-This stage of development requires you own glass-working tools; a pair of Jacks, tweezers, a pair of standard shears, and diamond shears.

3-Candidates should be prepared to purchase their color supplies. 

4- The contribution of at least four hours a month to shop maintenance, repair and cleaning.

Membership at Stone and Glass entitles the member to four hours a month of one on one personal instruction time with master glassblower James Stone, four hours a month of personal furnace time to practice and create your own work, four hours access a month to all shop tools and equipment. As a member of the studio, you have the option to spend a minimum of sixteen hours a month in the studio. (Many of our members spend much more as the opportunities open to our “insiders” are limitless.)  The majority of time available to Studio Members is on weekends.  A committed member understands the operational responsibilities and on going expenses of the studio and is committed to supporting this effort.

The Studio Member investment is $500.00 per month with a six month minimum commitment. Renewals of membership must occur 30 days prior to the end of each six month agreement.

It is also our expectation that Studio Members treat the studio, its equipment, and staff better than you would treat your own personal studio. Everyone who uses or works at Stone and Glass is a guest of the studio and should treat this relationship as such. 

If you would just like to have the glass blowing experience but do not want to actually touch the glass, there is also an option to have James custom blow a piece for you while you are right next to me on the bench. You will be commissioning James to make the piece as you and he design it. The cost of this service is $225.00 per hour. What ever is made during your session belongs to you.

Call or email to register  
E-mail -  james@stoneandglass.com

Ask about our group discounts.