The Cane Ladder: Next Steps in Cane

GLASS BLOWING SPECIAL TOPIC CLASS WITH CLAIRE KELLY

THURSDAY - SUNDAY, MAY 6 - 9

Classes have a maximum of 6 students and a minimum of 4 students

* Requirements: Glass 2 or equivalent

Class Overview
Whether you are on the first rung or have been climbing the cane ladder for some time, take your cane skills to the next level as artist Claire Kelly, best known for her colorful glass sculptures, intricate line work, bold pallets, and fanciful animal scenes, covers the cane basics and teaches advanced techniques. 

With an emphasis on proper glassblowing techniques such as gathering, marvering, and shaping, you will establish a solid foundation for realizing your designs. Kelly will work with you through each step of the process and teach her personal techniques via hands on instruction and class demonstrations that clearly illustrate and reinforce proper technique while pushing creativity.

Working in synchronized teams, students will learn to pull cane, pick up cane on the blowpipe, and make a finished vessel with their cane pattern. From there students will move on to more advanced projects. The goal is to break down how to make and use cane into manageable, focused steps that students can reference and take into their own studio practices. Students should be able to take two gathers comfortably to get the maximum benefit from this class.

Class Times:

9:00AM - 5:30PM Each day

Class time includes instructor demos and student work time.

Claire Kelly’s visit will also include the following public events:

• A free artist talk on Thursday, May 6, starting at 6PM at the Belger Crane Yard Gallery (2011 Tracy Ave., KCMO)

• A free glass blowing demonstration on First Friday, May 7, from 6PM to 8PM at the Belger Glass Annex (1219 E. 19th St., KCMO)