List of Stained Glass Classes in Rhode Island
Stained glass has a long history – dating back to what historians think is the 4th century. The craft existed in ancient Rome where colored glass was used to design exquisite windows. It became incredibly popular in Europe in the 1100s and you can see the original art in the many grand cathedrals to this day.
As the art form grew, universities and colleges began offering classes for stained glass. The interest in the subject kept growing and stained glass is now a popular hobby for those who have an interest in the fine arts.
Rhode Island is home to a significant figure in stained glass history: John La Farge. La Farge was a writer, painter, and stained glass artist. He studied, lived, and worked in Rhode Island for many years. He is known for his works The Sealing of the Twelve Tribes, Angel of Help, and many others.
Thankfully, Rhode Island has kept the art alive and well since La Farge’s time. Stained glass classes are not hard to come by; locals and tourists have the opportunity to take classes with extremely talented artists. Whether you are a novice or you have been doing stained glass for years, the studios listed below are sure to ignite (or re-ignite!) your passion for the craft.
- 【What You Get】This stained glass kit includes: 8" Mosaic Glass Cuttitl llrs x1, 8" glass running...
- 【Oil Feed Glass Cutter Set】- Features automatic oil dispensing system keep the wheel lubrication...
- 【Running and Breaking Pliers】- Glass Running Plier has Adjustable set screw allows you to...
1) Bosgraaf Stained Glass Studio
- Type: Fused Glass, Stained Glass
- Classes: small group, multiple week sessions, weekdays, weekends, mornings, afternoons, evenings
- Price: $90.00-$175.00
- Website: https://www.bosgraafstudio.com
- Telephone: (401) 782-1288
- Location: 1214 Kingstown Rd. Peace Dale, RI 02879
Bosgraaf Stained Glass Studio was founded in 2005 by Peggy Corcoran. Corcoran has been working with stained glass for over 20 years and is considered the “architects’ and designers’ choice” for stained glass in her area and beyond. She has been offering stained glass classes for over 15 years; she offers both beginner and intermediate classes at the studio.
The beginner course is six weeks long and teaches students panel construction using the copper foil method. Students have the opportunity to complete a small stained glass panel and, if time permits, a sun catcher.
In the intermediate classes, the students are free to work on any project they want to. The sessions meet once a week for 4 weeks. Each session is 2.5 hours long and the studio provides complete materials and tools lists for their students. According to their website, students in the intermediate classes receive 15% off any materials bought at their retail store.
2) Shard Glass Studio
- Type: Stained Glass
- Classes: small group, 5 week sessions, weekdays, weekends, mornings, evenings
- Price: $35.00-$175.00
- Website: https://www.shardglassstudio.com/
- Telephone: (401) 497-9527
- Location: 1454 Main St. Suite 24 West Warwick, RI 02893
Shard Glass Studio (SGS) is a stained glass studio that is owned by Lauren DelSignore. It is located in the Agawam Mill Artists Studios in West Warwick. The studio believes in creating an environment that students feel comfortable and creative in, where students can feel that “glass loves light.”
SGS offers a five-week course for all experience levels. The sessions are once a week and last about two hours. The instruction provided is minimal unless a student needs more help. This allows students to get creative and learn through experimentation.
While the price of the class does not include materials, students can purchase any materials needed at Shard Glass Studio. The class teaches the copper foil method of stained glass construction.
This option is great for those who are brand new to stained glass, or those with some experience who want to try out the copper foil method. The learning environment at Shard Glass Studio allows adventurous beginners to be as creative as they want.
3) Holidaze Stained Glass
- Type: Stained Glass
- Classes: small group, weekdays, weekends, mornings, evenings, 7 week sessions, 2 hours
- Price: Contact for pricing
- Website: https://www.holidazestainedglass.net/
- Telephone: (401) 568-5140
- Location: 712 Putnam Pike Chepachet, RI 02814
Holidaze Stained Glass is owned by Karyn Rae Szaro, who has been working with glass for over 15 years. The studio is open Tuesday through Saturday, making this a great place to learn stained glass if you have a busy schedule!
The studio offers a seven-week beginner-friendly class that is two hours per session. Holidaze’s current students range in experience levels and the course is open to novices and professionals. Karyn Rae Szaro takes pride in making sure classes are fun, educating, and relaxing.
Szaro also has a retail store where she offers a full line of supplies – from high-quality glass to all the tools you will need to complete your own work of stained glass art.
4) Heritage Gifts & Glass Studio
- Type: Stained Glass, Fused Glass
- Classes: small group, in-person and online options, weekdays, weekends, mornings, afternoons, evenings
- Price: $25-$275.00
- Website: https://www.heritagegalleryri.com/#/
- Telephone: (401) 884-0130
- Location: 5580 Post Rd. East Greenwich, RI 02818
Heritage Gifts & Glass Studio is a gift shop and glass studio that opened in 2011. Owned by third-generation artist Alice Benvie Gebhart, the studio was voted “BEST WAY BAY” by Rhode Island Monthly Magazine four times for their performance excellence.
Gebhart is a trained art educator and teaches classes at the studio as well as at select locations nationally. She is a member of the Providence Art Club, Glass Art Society, American Craft Council and Attleboro Arts Museum.
Classes take place in rear studio of Heritage Gifts and are appropriate for both beginner and experienced artists. The studio recently offered a drop-in class focused on fused glass hearts.
Visit the studio’s website or contact Alice Benvie Gebhart directly for information on upcoming in-person classes.
Gebhart also offers a Master Class via the platform Zoom. The new class is three sessions long, once a week, for 1-2 hours. The class offers the opportunity to take part in a lesson, view a demonstration, and ask questions. The class is limited to 20 students and begins on April 23, 2022.