Jason McDonald will lead a masterclass intensive where he’ll introduce the basics of 16th century Venetian style glassblowing from an American studio perspective. The class will have a “skills and drills” format covering basic to advanced steps of blowing thin, footed vessels. Class will include instructor demos and student practice time.

From instructor Jason McDonald:

The Czechs, Swedes, and Germans, among others, have venerable glassmaking traditions but (in my opinion) the workshops of the Venetian lagoon, particularly those of the 16th century, produced some of the finest blown glass objects the world has ever known. As difficult to produce as they are fun to look at, goblets are a challenge that have captured my attention and, if you're reading this probably yours too. The motto of this class will be “fail quickly.” Don’t plan to bring more home from this “crash course” than good working habits that you can apply to your practice but leave room to surprise yourself!

By the end of this masterclass you will have a solid foundation in:

• Bringing a great punty and learning how to spot the ones you should avoid;

• Making and receiving thin, blown feet;

• Creating a “bulletproof” neckline that breaks well consistently;

• Gathering the right amount of glass;

• Straightening a piece both on the pipe and on the punty;

• Taking a piece off the punty with increased success.

Masterclass Daily Schedule:

Monday, April 28: 9am - 7pm

Tuesday, April 29: 9am - 7pm

Wednesday, April 30: 9am - 4pm

Thursday, May 1: 9am - 7pm

Friday, May 2: 9am - 4pm

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Jason McDonald's visit will also include the following public events:

• A free artist talk on Wednesday, April 30, from 6 pm to 7 pm at the Belger Crane Yard Gallery (2011 Tracy Ave., KCMO)

• A free glassblowing demonstration on First Friday, May 2, from  6 pm to 8pm at the Belger Glass Annex (1219 E. 19th St., KCMO)