List of Glass Blowing Classes in Rhode Island 2023 [Updated]
Rhode Island is the smallest state in America, but it does not lack glass blowing opportunities for beginner through advanced learners.
The state has a rich history of industry and traditional craftsmanship. Textiles and jewelry making dominated Rhode Island’s local economies into the early 20th century.
In fact, the state’s top arts college, Rhode Island School of Design, was founded for the purpose of keeping these industries alive and well.
This tradition of passing down craft knowledge from teacher to student lives on today in Rhode Island’s quality glass blowing classes and programs. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy beginner, intermediate, and advanced learning opportunities that are not only fun, but keep glass blowing alive.
If you want to get involved in the exciting glass art opportunities available in Rhode Island this year, check out our list of the top places to learn in the state.
The mix of public art centers, private studios, and college courses are sure to inspire.
- 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) Gather Glass
-
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: small group, blow-your-own, demonstrations, 4 week courses
- Price: $55-$400
- Website: https://www.gatherglass.com/glassblowing-classes
- Telephone: N/A
- Location: 521 Atwells Ave Providence, RI 02909
Gather Glass offers blow-your-own sessions, multiple-week classes, and demonstrations for glass artists of all abilities. Blow-your-own projects include ornaments, paperweights, vases, pumpkins, and drinkware.
Beginners who want to learn the fundamentals of glass blowing can sign up for a 4-week course at Gather Glass. Topics covered in class include gathering, blowing, shaping, and tool use. Students form their own drinkware throughout the course.
Class reservations can be made online or by contacting Gather Glass via email or Facebook.
2) Clancy Designs Glass Blowing Studio
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: small group, private, weekday, demonstrations
- Price: $60-$100
- Website: https://clancydesigns.com/
- Telephone: (401) 423-1697
- Location: 382 North Rd. Jamestown, RI 02835
Clancy Designs Glass Blowing Studio is owned and operated by David and Jennifer Clancy. The couple worked as independent artists before meeting in 1998 and marrying soon after.
Ever since, the Clancy’s have collaborated on large and small projects within their own glass blowing studio. The pair offer demonstrations during regular work hours.
They also teach beginners the basics of glass blowing through blow-your-own experiences. Project options include cups, bowls, vases, ornaments, and paperweights.
Whether you want to learn glass blowing hands-on or would rather view the process before taking a class, Clancy Designs Glass Blowing Studio has everything you need to learn more about the art form.
3) Thames Glass
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: small group, blow-your-own, demonstrations, private
- Price: $42-$195
- Website: http://www.thamesglass.com/
- Telephone: (401) 846-0576
- Location: 688 Thames St. Newport, RI 02840
Thames Glass has been owned and operated by Matthew Buechner for decades. He started blowing glass around 40 years ago and has passed on his knowledge to his community through his studio.
Buechner became an apprentice at 18 and has shown his work in the Corning Museum of Glass and the Fraunau Museum of Glass in Germany.
Thames Glass offers demonstrations during regular business hours. Visitors are invited to view the glass blowing process through the studio’s front door.
Students who sign up for a class are allowed to enter the studio. Classes run for 15 minutes to an hour and teach students the basics of making ornaments, paperweights, pumpkins, bubble bowls, and vases.
4) Rhode Island School of Design
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: small group, college program
- Price: Call for tuition information
- Website: https://www.risd.edu/academics/glass
- Telephone: (401) 454-6300
- Location: 2 College St. Providence, RI 02903
The Rhode Island School of Design was founded in 1877 by a group of women who wanted to support Rhode Island’s textile and jewelry industries.
Today, the School of Design has expanded to include many arts programs, including glass. Glass students can earn a BFA or MFA in the medium by taking a wide range of courses, workshops, and seminars.
Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree complete glass blowing, mold making, casting, and cold working courses. The MFA program requires the completion of seminars and workshops that aim to develop students’ personal aesthetics.