List of Stained Glass Classes in Illinois
Stained glass has an extensive history and it has grown and shifted over the years. The art form started with something called the “leaded technique.” This technique was the earliest form of stained glass because the lead cames were the original materials used for securing glass pieces together.
The material was malleable enough to bend around the glass but strong enough to hold windows in place for centuries (think of European church windows!).
The art has since progressed into the “copper foil technique” or “Tiffany-style.” The Tiffany-style method was invented by Louis C. Tiffany and it involves wrapping the glass pieces’ edges with copper foil and then soldering them together with tin.
This allows for the design of lamps, jewelry boxes and other 3D projects! This technique is preferred when handling highly-detailed pieces. Whether you are interested in the original lead technique or the modern copper foil technique, the state of Illinois has a studio for you.
Many studios teach both methods and are open to all skill levels. Don’t worry if you don’t have any experience – the instructors at the studios listed below are prepared to teach and patiently guide their students into the making of a masterpiece!
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1) Baltic Art Studio
- Type: Stained Glass
- Classes: All Skill Levels
- Price: $55- $150
- Website: https://balticartstudio.com/
- Telephone:(773) 526-1127
- Location: 4346 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60641
The Baltic Art Studio is run by a team of independent glass artists, craftsmen and technicians; the studio itself is a Professional Member of the Stained Glass Association of America.
At this studio, students will be supplied with the tools and supplies they need. You will be introduced to glass design and fusing techniques.
Baltic Art Studio offers group sessions that range from a minimum of six students to a maximum of 12. Their individual class sessions range from two to four hours per class and all skill levels are welcome!
2) Alton Stained Glass Works
- Type: Stained Glass
- Classes: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced
- Price: Contact for pricing information
- Website: http://www.altonartglass.com/
- Telephone: (618) 462-4145
- Location: 412 E. Broadway, Alton, IL 62002
Alton Stained Glass Works is a full-service stained glass shop that was established in 1993! They offer classes and their shop has a large inventory of art glass supplies and products.
The studio also have a new tearoom where students can enjoy select teas, wines and craft beers before heading to one of the art classes they offer. Classes are offered weekly and they encourage you to contact the studio for pricing.
The intermediate and advanced classes are available after students complete the beginner course.
3) Classical Glass
- Type: Stained Glass
- Classes: All skill levels
- Price: Contact for pricing information
- Website: http://www.classicalglass.net/
- Telephone: (847) 854-7701
- Location: 1311 S. Main St (Rt. 31), Algonquin, IL 60102
Classical Glass offers classes in both the Tiffany-style method and the lead method and they allow students to rent the studio hourly as well. The studio is open for classes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 AM to 12 PM.
The studio instructors will help you design and create beautiful glass works for your home, whether you are planning on doing a commission or making it yourself!
4) Gallery’s Choice
- Type: Stained Glass
- Classes: All Skill Levels
- Price: Contact for pricing information
- Website: https://galleryschoice.com/
- Telephone: (630) 969-5660
- Location: 6760 Minkler Rd, Yorkville, IL 60560 (Currently Virtual)
Gallery’s Choice is a family-friendly art and gift gallery. They focus on hands-on learning and their studio features art glass of more than 75 local area artists!
The gallery is temporarily closed, but is offering online learning and virtual classroom experiences. Even though they have postponed in-person classes and events, you can still participate via their website.
Gallery’s Choice encourages prospective students to reach out for class dates, times and prices.
5) Cracked Glass
- Type: Stained Glass
- Classes: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced
- Price: Contact for pricing information
- Website: http://www.cracked-glass.com/index.html
- Telephone: (217) 359-6489
- Location: 602 E. High St, Urbana, IL 61801
Cracked Glass is a great studio to start your glass art journey! The beginning stained glass class prepares students to grow in the art and teaches the basics of stained glass.
Once the beginning class is completed, students can move forward into more challenging work with the intermediate and advanced classes.
While students do need to supply their own soldering iron and materials for the second project, Cracked Glass offers the tools and supplies at a discounted rate! To sign up for their classes they ask that you contact them by email, which can be found on their website.
6) Nathalie Studio
- Type: Stained Glass
- Classes: Beginner and Intermediate (Ages 18+)
- Price: $149 – $179
- Website: http://www.nathaliestudio.com/
- Telephone: (630) 205-1594
- Location: 7320 S. Madison St, Suite 700, Willowbrook, IL 60527
The Nathalie Studio’s goal is to treat every customer like royalty because “they are the reason we do our work.” So you are sure to have a great learning experience at this studio!
Nathalie Studio is currently offering small group classes of up to four students. They offer three two-hour sessions for both their beginner and intermediate classes. Private classes are also available.
7) Shatter Glass Group
- Type: Stained Glass
- Classes: Private, All Skill Levels
- Price: $165 – $185
- Website: https://www.shatterglassgroup.com/
- Telephone: (312) 860-5454
- Location: 3400 North Knox Ave, Chicago, IL 60641
Shatter Glass Group is considered to be “Chicago’s preeminent glass school.” It is the oldest glass school in Chicago and is the only facility that specializes in private lessons and small groups.
The school’s goal is to either meet or exceed your expectations for every class and offer one-on-one instruction. After you take their beginning classes you can move forward into more challenging art pieces.
Shatter Glass Group offers a simple pricing system that includes all the materials and equipment you need to succeed. You can choose from a variety of works: straight vessels, german beer glasses, rocks glasses and more. The typical class lasts anywhere from 1.5 to two hours.
8) Creations By Carolina
- Type: Stained Glass
- Classes: small group
- Price: Contact for pricing information
- Website: http://www.creationsbycarolina.com/
- Telephone: (309) 343-9998
- Location: 201 East Main St, Knoxville, IL 61448
Creations By Carolina was founded in 2007 by Carolina Ramsell. Two of Carolina’s students, Steve and Val Morris, purchased the shop in 2017.
They now offer stained glass classes in which students build a window in either the copper foil method or the lead came method.
The Morris family asks prospective students to email or call the studio for information on upcoming classes and workshops.