SAAC invites the community to register for a fall lantern workshops which begins October 28. Learn the basics for fused glass art taught by the women of “Elements Glass Art”, Ann Wilson and Betty Wilson. Everyone will create their own custom designed fused glass panels to install in a lighted lantern. The two-day workshop will be split into two Mondays, a week apart. The workshop will be offered twice; first time on Oct 28, 6-8pm and Nov 4, 6-7pm then again on Nov 18, 6-8pm and Nov 25, 6-7pm.

On the first night of class, the group will design the six glass panels in a 2-hour session. The instructors will teach you how to use pre-cut fused glass, frit glass and glass stringers, while you will design and build your own project. Before the next class, the instructors will fire the glass panels in a kiln. Participants will return the following Monday to install the panels and lighting in the lantern in a 1-hour class.

Glass fusing is a technique of joining two or more pieces of glass by heat in a kiln. The glass becomes a flowing liquid at 1490 degrees. At these temperatures, glass softens enough that when pieces of glass are heated and pressed together, they will fuse into a single seamless piece. This is the underlying principle behind glass fusing. The outcome of each firing is different and each piece is unique piece of art.

Cost for this unique art class is $100 per person and includes all supplies and tools needed. The fee for this class must be prepaid at time of sign up due to the specialty nature of the supplies required. No experience with glass is required. The instructors will teach you how to use pre-cut fused glass, frit glass, and glass stringers, but you will be able to design your own project. Participants will be asked to sign a liability waiver upon registering. Safety goggles, face masks, and gloves must be used when working with glass and will be provided. You must be at least 15 years of age to take this class. Participants should wear closed toe shoes and not wear loose clothing nor hanging jewelry.

For more information, please call the SAAC office at 870-862-5474.