Course Description
During the demonstration you will watch the resident glass artist create a glass object or figurine. You will learn about the history of glass making and techniques that are used for glass blowing. Utilizing molten glass gathered (dipped) from the GlasStation's furnace, the instructor will apply color to the glass creation, blow a bubble through a pipe to form the piece, and use glass-making tools to pinch, pull, twist, twirl, and form molten glass into a design. The glass will be heated in a 2100-degree furnace as the object takes shape.

To finish your work of art, the instructor will demonstrate how to knock the piece off the pipe and place the piece in a 900-degree oven to anneal.

Class Policies
Participants must be 13 years or older. Participants under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Participants will be required to sign a waiver before beginning the class. Participants must come dressed in close-toed shoes, and natural-fiber clothing. Loose hair must be pulled back. Safety glasses and other equipment will be provided for participants' use. All classes include instruction in basic hot glass and studio safety.

About the GlasStation
ECU's GlasStation, which resides about 15 miles west of main campus in Farmville, NC, is the result of a grassroots effort by The Farmville Group, a volunteer economic development association interested in growing the local economy through the arts. The Allen and Stowe families of Farmville donated a former Gulf gas station to the DeVisconti Trust. ECU leases the GlasStation building from the Trust, and have outfitted the GlasStation with equipment to create a functioning hot glass studio.

Undergraduate and graduate ART classes for ECU students focused on glass blowing and making are regularly offered at the GlasStation. The first glass class began in spring semester, 2017.

Faculty
All glass classes are led by resident glass artist and ECU faculty member Mike Tracy. Mike received a BFA in glass from the University of Texas at Arlington, and an MFA in glass from Illinois State University. Mike joined the GlasStation and ECU's faculty in January, 2017. His work features both representational and abstract styles.

More Information

For more information about upcoming demonstrations please visit: http://www.ecu.edu/cs-cfac/soad/GlasStation.cfm 

Like the GlasStation on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ECUGlasStation

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