List of Glass Blowing Classes in Vermont 2023 [Updated]
The state of Vermont has a long history of glass production and artistic glass blowing.
The first glass factory opened in the state in 1813 on Lake Dunmore. This manufacturing center specialized in glass window production.
Today, artists across Vermont create their own functional and beautiful glass projects. Most artists living and working in Vermont have been educated at some of the hundreds of glass studios and educational programs located in the Northeast region.
Others have even taken their studies abroad; learning with some of the top glass blowers in Europe.
Although a small state, Vermont boasts a large community of glass artists, with many offering classes and demonstrations.
Below are seven glass studios offering classes and other educational experiences for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students and visitors.
Regardless of whether you want a hands-on learning experience or a chance to observe glass blowers in real time, you are sure to learn something new about blowing glass in the state of Vermont!
- 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) Sherwin Art Glass
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: demonstrations, weekdays, weekends
- Price: Free
- Website: https://sherwinartglass.com/
- Telephone: (802) 376-5744
- Location: 33 Bridge St. Bellow Falls, VT 05101
Sherwin Art Glass is owned and operated by Chris Sherwin, a glass artist with more than 30 years of experience. Sherwin opened the studio in 2005 after apprenticing with Simon Pearce and working at the company as a journeyman glass blower and team leader.
Sherwin specializes in crafting animals, birds, fruit, paperweights, vases, and seasonal items. He is currently taking his first sabbatical since opening Sherwin Art Glass but plans on opening back up in spring of 2022.
Sherwin offers daily glass blowing demonstrations at his studio. Attending one of Sherwin’s demonstrations is an affordable way to learn more about the glass blowing process from a distance before trying more hands-on learning.
Contact Sherwin Art Glass directly for more information on upcoming demonstrations and other events.
2) Orwell Glass
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: small group, open studio, studio rentals, half day, full day, mornings, afternoons
- Price: $50
- Website: http://www.orwellglass.com/
- Telephone: (802) 948-2209
- Location: 690 Route 73 Orwell, VT 05760 (~50 miles south of Burlington)
Orwell Glass is owned and operated by John Chiles, a glass blower whose work has been shown in galleries and shows around the world. Chiles owns several glass businesses in the Orwell area, but Orwell Glass is the place to learn and experiment with glass.
Blow Your Own classes at Orwell Glass are the perfect introduction to blown glass and are appropriate for all ages. In only 20 minutes participants can create pumpkins, ornaments, suncatchers, and more.
Those with more experience should consider Orwell Glass’s open studio days and studio rentals. Open studio allows students to experience glass for a longer duration and get to know the process better. Studio rentals are ideal for experienced glass workers who need a space to create and experiment.
Contact John Chiles directly for more information on open studio times and student rental pricing.
3) Ziemke Glassblowing Studio
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: demonstrations, weekdays, weekends
- Price: Free
- Website: https://zglassblowing.com/
- Telephone: (802) 244-6126
- Location: 3029 Waterbury-Stowe Rd. Waterbury, VT 05676 (~30 miles east of Burlington)
Ziemke Glassblowing Studio is owned and operated by Glenn Ziemke. He began working with glass back in 1976 and opened his first glass blowing studio in 1979. His current studio was constructed in 1995.
Ziemke Glassblowing Studio features an observation room where visitors can watch him work. These demonstrations are perfect for anyone interested in learning about the glass blowing process without getting hands-on right away.
It is worth noting that Ziemke Glassblowing Studio is currently closed for the season, but will be reopening again in the spring. Glenn Ziemke does plan on retiring in the next few years, so make sure to visit his studio and see him in action before he retires!
4) Robert Burch Glass
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: small group, private, 1 hour classes, child-friendly
- Price: $90
- Website: https://robertburchglass.com/
- Telephone: (802) 387-4032
- Location: 3 Great Meadows Ridge Putney, VT 05346
Robert Burch started blowing glass in 1971. He creates functional and decorative blown glass items like vases, paperweights, and sculptures. Burch’s studio is located in a 200 year old barn in Putney.
Burch offers glass blowing classes for beginners of all ages. Choose to create a paperweight or perfume bottle in one of his hour long classes.
While Robert Burch does not have a schedule of classes, you can contact him directly for more information on classes and schedule a time that works best for you.
5) Fire Arts Vermont
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: small group, private, demonstrations, weekdays, weekends, mornings, afternoons, 2 hours
- Price: $50-$150
- Website: https://www.fireartsvt.com/
- Telephone: (802) 257-2787
- Location: 485 West River Rd. Brattleboro, VT 05301
Fire Arts Vermont offers glass blowing classes, workshops, and demonstrations for all skill levels. The studio is a collaboration between master glass blower Randi Solin and artist Natalie Blake. The pair both have over 25 years of experience working with glass and share their passion for the medium with students and visitors.
Demonstrations are offered on some weekdays. They are fantastic opportunities to learn more about Solin’s and Blake’s artistry and learn more about the history and process of blowing glass.
Classes and workshops are available throughout the year and many have seasonal themes. Fire Arts Vermont is currently offering a Mother’s Day themed workshop where students can learn to make a blown glass flower.
Private lessons are also available and last 2 hours. Contact Fire Arts Vermont for more information on private classes and other upcoming events.
6) Manchester Hot Glass
- Type: general glass art, glass blowing
- Classes: small group, private, 2 hours, mornings, afternoons, evenings
- Price: $50-$450
- Website: http://www.manchesterhotglass.com/
- Telephone: (802) 362-2227
- Location: 79 Elm St. Manchester Center, VT 05255
Manchester Hot Glass is owned and operated by Andrew Weill, who began blowing glass as a teenager. He earned his BFA in Glass from Franklin Pierce College and then went on to travel and work in Europe. He opened Manchester Hot Glass in 2000 and is passionate about using the skills he learned in college and abroad to teach and design.
Classes at Manchester Hot Glass are available for private groups and individuals. They are appropriate for complete beginners and teach the basics of glass blowing. Students pick their own colors, handle hot glass, blow, and shape the glass with the assistance of an instructor.
Participants can choose to make paperweights, bowls, glasses, and vases. There are a few class options to choose from, so make sure to check out Manchester Hot Glass’s website for a full list of class offerings.
7) Salt & Sand Studios
- Type: general glass art, glass fusing
- Classes: small group, 45-90 minute sessions
- Price: $55-$85
- Website: http://glassschoolvermont.com/glass.php
- Telephone: (802) 583 2559
- Location: 3955 VT Route 100 Warren, VT 05674 (~45 miles southeast of Burlington)
Salt & Sand Studios is a yoga and glass art studio located in Warren. The glass portion of the studio is operated by Spencer Kirk Jackson, who is an artist trained by the Pilchuck School, The Corning Museum of Glass, and other renowned institutions.
He offers beginner-friendly glass fusing classes that are 45 minutes to 90 minutes long. They are the perfect introduction to hot glass. Students learn to create items such as plates, small sushi trays, and seasonal window decorations like snowflakes and stars.
To complete these projects, Jackson introduces students to basic glass fusing techniques like cutting and arranging glass pieces. Projects are fired by Jackson and sent home with students upon completion.