EMPTY THE CUP Glass Experience Workshop
Registration is via Scholarship, you must be approved to be in the class. This is NOT a drop in class. See scholarship request information below, all are welcome to apply.
Empty the Cup glass studio is partnering with the Durango’s MakerLab to host a 3-day glass workshop from July 27-29th. A beginner series of introductory workshops at the Maker Lab will offer a hands-on experience for those new to glass blowing. Students will learn how to make a sculpted and a blown piece of glass, as well as a third piece that will come together to be part of one larger sculpture donated to the city of Durango. This collaborative effort will foster teamwork, creativity, and camaraderie, leaving a tangible legacy of art within the community.
Fifteen scholarships will be awarded to individuals, with emphasis given to individuals based on artistic merit, financial need, and indigenous background. All students selected will receive a month-long membership to the Maker Lab to explore the various crafts and technologies offered to entice more people to make! The new mobile glassblowing studio, thanks to the Lodger Tax Grant, will offer these students a 3-hr. glass blowing class with instructor/artist, Lucy Olechowski. In this class students will learn how to make a sculpted glass flower and a paperweight. All students will also create a third and final piece that will be a blown glass tree form. These pieces will be combined into a larger glass art sculpture. Upon completion it will be put on display for one month at the Maker Lab and then donated to the City of Durango as a thank you for the new addition of glass blowing to the many other traditional craft arts available in Durango.
Students interested in applying to the workshop will need to be open for availability on either July 27th or the July 28th. All students are also encouraged to be present on the 29th to finish their pieces and learn a valuable technique in glass making that is referred to as cold-working. On this last day of the workshop students will learn to cut and polish their glass pieces. As a group we will discuss and execute the finishing touches and approaches to how the individual pieces will be displayed together as a one unified sculpture. The vision of this workshop is to engage people of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels, in the ancient art of glass blowing; fostering a sense of togetherness and collective achievement. This event will be a unique opportunity for the community members to come together, connect, learn, and contribute towards creating magnificent glass artworks. However, due to some of the physical constraints and safety concerns of glassblowing, the class is limited to ages 14 and older. Additionally, ages 14-17 must be accompanied by an adult.
Artists who work in all media are encouraged to apply. You do not need to have images of work in glass to be considered for a scholarship. Scholarship applicants are scored and ranked based on artistic merit by an outside jury of arts professionals. Higher consideration is also being given to financial need and people of native descent.
Scholarhip applications are available here, interested students should apply no later than July 15th!
