Tree Platter - Seasonal Kiln Fusing Discovery

Glass Fusing is the technique of joining two or more pieces of glass by heat in a kiln. There are different glass fusing techniques. For example, “tack fusing” is a fusing technique in which the pieces of glass are heated until they are just hot enough to stick together and retain many of their own original characteristics or textures. In a “full fuse”, on the other hand, glass is heated until it becomes molten. Once fused, these glass pieces can then be slumped into a dish-shaped mold (“What Is Fusing?” Bullseye Glass Co.).

During your hands-on Kiln Glass Experience, you will work one-on-one with professional glass instructor to create your own autumnal platter, a perfect accompaniment to your fall celebrations. Final project measures approximately 12”x7”.

Projects vary and are designed by participants. Our instructors will explain the safety, equipment, and tools that kiln-formed glass artists use everyday to create their art. Participants will be taught how to cut sheet glass, and then will be coached through the steps of creating a unique piece of their own. You will then be able to cut, shape, layer, and arrange a variety of colored sheet glass to create a one-of-a-kind project. Kiln-forming is a valuable alternative to working with molten glass in the hotshop, as makers will be able to detail their pieces and have much more control over their design. Kiln-formed Glass Discoveries are slightly slower paced than Hot Glass Discoveries, and do not involve hot equipment. Completed pieces will be ready for pickup the week following your reservation.

No experience is required and all materials are provided. 

2 hours in duration.

Age: Full age requirement guidelines can be found here.

• Minors ages 9-13 are allowed to participate with the presence of a parent/guardian. 

• Minors ages 14-17 are allowed to work independently with parent’s permission (signed guardian release form on file).

• Open to adults of any age

Waivers: All students and parents of minor students are required to read and sign a waiver, which indicates all of the safety risks involved with glassmaking and provides contact information.

• Adult Liability Release

• Minor Liability Release

Class Size: Strictly limited to 8 individuals per session. For safety reasons no additional non-participating spectators or guests may join you for your experience, since space and seating is limited. For individuals who need accommodations or have caretakers, reach out to us in advance so we can advise on how to best prepare for your time at the studio and modify our space if needed.

Health: It is the responsibility of the student to take care of themselves if they possess any health or cognitive conditions that could be affected by working in Foci MCGA’s facilities. It is the responsibility of the student to notify staff of such conditions, should it affect their health and impair regular studio operations.

Impairment: Students are not permitted to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol during class.

Clothing: Please wear closed toe shoes that cover the foot entirely (no crocs or sandals). Foci MCGA will provide safety glasses, but you are welcome to bring your own.

Fees, Payment Transfers & Refund Policies:

• Refunds: Foci MCGA does not fully refund any classes. A 50-percent refund will be given for cancellations made at least 14 days before the start of class. No refund will be given after that time. If you need to cancel, please email contact@mnglassart.org or call 612-759-8476. If it is necessary for us to cancel a class for any reason, a full refund will be given.

• Rescheduling: If you would like to transfer your registration to another class/class date, a request must be made in writing at least 14 days prior to the scheduled activity. A transfer fee will incur. Class transfers are NOT guaranteed and are dependent on enrollment availability of the class you seek to transfer into. In the case that your request cannot be accommodated, the above stated refund policy will apply.

• Transfer of Funds Fee: Foci MCGA does not allow transfers for Core Classes and Seasonal Discoveries.

• Studio Closures & Weather Policy: The studio shall be closed when the Executive Director judges the risk to the health and safety of studio clientele and staff be at risk. This judgement is based upon observations of conditions, local school closings, the State of Minnesota or City of Minneapolis emergency declarations, and the Minnesota DOT Road reports. In the event Foci MCGA is closed due to inclement weather, clients will be notified at the phone number they provided when booking services.  If the phone call is not answered a message will be left and an e-mail will be sent. Clients will not be charge for missed rental/class time. Clients may choose to rebook time without penalty or to be refunded for prepaid services.