List of Glass Blowing Classes in Kansas
Kansas is a Midwestern and Great Plains state with much to offer for glass enthusiasts. While Kansas City is one of the top destinations to learn glass blowing in the state, Wichita and smaller towns also have high-quality studios and public access learning facilities.
Whether you are brand new to the craft or are a seasoned pro, consider taking a class in Kansas this year. Class options in the state include private and public learning, blow-your-own sessions, and in-depth introductory courses.
The following are the top 4 classes offered in Kansas this year. Website links and phone numbers are provided to help you in your search for the best class for you.
- Basic Lampwork Starter Kit for beginners. 2 hours of instructional video on DVD, plus full email...
- (Requires disposable propane or Mapp Gas canister. or bulk tank propane with hose.)
- Please use saftey lenses and adequate ventilation when lampworking.
1) Public Glassworks KC
- Type: general glass art, flameworking
- Classes: small group, workshops, 3 hours
- Price: $75-$585
- Website: http://publicglassworkskc.com/
- Telephone: (816) 898-9003
- Location: Lenexa, KS 66215
Public Glassworks KC is a flameworking studio that has been operating for close to a decade. The studio offers high-quality introductory courses and exciting guest workshops for experienced artists.
The introductory classes teach students the basics of making beads and marbles. Torch and tool safety is covered and students get to craft their own pieces in the three hour class.
Intermediate students expand their skillset to make borosilicate objects, ornaments, and flowers.
Public Glassworks KC hosts several masterclasses or guest workshops throughout the year. These opportunities are ideal for experienced glass artists who want to learn something new or perfect previously acquired skills.
This year’s options cover vessels, mandalas, flowers, and much more. Masterclasses last for 2 to 4 days and range in price. For more detailed and up-to-date information on Public Glassworks KC’s current masterclass offerings, visit their website.
2) CityArts
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: small group, weekdays, weekends, mornings, afternoons, evenings, single day, multiple week sessions
- Price: $50-$210
- Website: https://www.wichita.gov/CityArts/Pages/GlassBlowing.aspx
- Telephone: (316) 350-3245
- Location: 334 N. Mead Wichita, KS 67202
CityArts is an art learning center that first opened in its current location in 1998. The organization partners with the City of Wichita to provide enriching arts programming for all ages and abilities.
The center is located in Wichita’s Old Town district and includes several workspaces for different art mediums. One of the most unique art styles offered is beginner glass blowing.
Students can choose to participate in a shorter paperweight class or a multiple-week general glass blowing course. Both are great options.
Those who want to dip their toe into glass blowing without a major financial or time commitment should consider the paperweight class. If you would rather dive into the art form, sign up for the next multi-week session.
3) Karg Art Glass
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: small group, weekdays, weekends, mornings, afternoons
- Price: Contact for pricing information
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/KargArtGlass
- Telephone: (316) 744-2442
- Location: 111 N. Oliver St. Kechi, KS 67067
Karg Art Glass is made up of regional artists of various mediums. The studio includes a gallery and workspace.
Visitors are welcome to visit the gallery and watch glass blowing demonstrations in the studio. If you want to try out glass blowing for yourself, make sure to call for a blow-your-own session.
These are great for all ages. Project options include ornaments, pumpkins, and paperweights.
4) Illuminated Glass
- Type: general glass art, flameworking
- Classes: small group, 3 hours
- Price: $150-$200
- Website: illuminatedglass.com/pages/7-home
- Telephone: N/A
- Location: 313 E 8th St. Lawrence, KS 66044
Illuminated Glass is owned and operated by Ben Kappen. He studied illustration in college before focusing on flameworking. He opened his studio in 2004.
Kappen offers classes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced glass artists. Beginners focus on safety, glass properties, and the very basic techniques.
Intermediate and advanced students build on previously acquired skills to make more complex forms.
Contact Illuminated Glass directly via their email (listed on their website) for more information and to sign up for a class.
I am looking for information about a glass blowing studio that was in Salina KS 67401, but I don’t think it’s around anymore. I don’t have the money or ability to travel to KCMO or to Wichita to take classes. I am considering buying one of those lamp works kits online and learning how to block premade glass tubes into blown glass balls to be used for Home Made Christmas ornaments for our family Christmas tree. I am very disappointed with the quality and quantity of good glass ornaments like the ones from our childhoods Christmas, especially the detailed ones that are made by Check crafts people. All I have been able to find are plastic crap that’s not fit for anything but trash! I want to be able to make my own ornaments, use silver and gold on a Cobalt or Royal Blue base. I want to make around 500-1,000 of them and make special ones for each of my family members. This way I can leave them to my partner to use them after I have passed on. I also want to make around 250-500 of the Victorian style Leaded glass Ice cykles that hang from the tree branches. With the advancements in LED lighting I have thought about putting them inside of the hand made ornaments to make them glow from the inside out. I don’t want to use plastic ornaments or anything like it to decorate our house. I know that it’s probably the wrong time of the year to get started making Christmas ornaments but it is hard to get excited about blowing glass in July when it’s already 120 degrees outside. I used to make Christmas decorations and ornaments with my Grandparents in the summer so that we could sell them have everything planned out ready to go for Christmas. Instead of trying to figure it all out after Thanksgiving meals. I have not been able to have a Christmas tree for around the last 20+ years and I am thinking about doing it next year starting in July 2024. Just need to find local classes figure out how to do, make what I have in mind. Sometimes seeing something in your mind is vastly different from what turns out to be the finished project.