There’s something captivating about the transformation that happens when glass meets hea, the hard, jagged edges melting away to reveal something beautifully new. This summer, Piece by Piece is delighted to announce our brand-new Glass Fusing Basics class that will be held on Fridays. The class is designed to bring the wonder of artistic change to the heart of our community.
Guided by fused glass artist Carmen Flores Tanis, this weekly course welcomes both beginners and experienced mosaic creators. Whether you're curious about the dynamic nature of glass or looking to add an innovative skill to your repertoire, this is your invitation to explore.
Every session offers hands-on learning: participants will discover a new fusing technique and complete projects such as bird plant stakes, butterfly suncatchers, one-of-a-kind pendants, vibrant fish ornaments, distinctive jewelry, spider web bowls, and imaginative melted bottle art. The process is engaging, accessible, and filled with opportunities for creative expression.
“We’ll be cutting, layering, painting, crushing, melting, and shaping glass in all sorts of inventive ways,” shares Carmen. “From experimenting with copper wire and candle flame techniques to working with molds or learning to drill into glass, there’s so much to discover together. I can’t wait to embark on this creative journey with everyone!”
As part of the experience, students will also gain insight into the science behind the art exploring how glass types interact, understanding compatibility, and building confidence in identifying, cutting, and combining materials safely. For those passionate about mosaics, this class also opens doors to creating custom elements, like colorful dots and pebbles, to enhance your future mosaic artworks.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Picerne Family Foundation for their generous support, which enables us to offer rich educational opportunities and creative experiences within our community.
Interested in joining us? Current Piece by Piece participants and community members who meet our program criteria are welcome. Please reach out to John@piecebypiece.org to learn more and reserve your spot.