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Peter Greenwood

Glass Blowing Studio, Gallery & School

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Classes | Workshops | Special
Events


This is a unique and rare opportunity to create glass art at the furnace.
Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you will learn the many different ways of forming molten glass, including blowing and solid working.

Greenwood Glass is not only a glass blowing studio/gallery but also a school offering a variety of workshops suitable for all levels. Whether you would like to try glass blowing for the first time, or you are a glass blower with advanced skills, we can offer workshops designed to fit your needs.

We can host special events such as birthday parties, corporate team building, and we offer glass blowing demonstrations to schools and organized groups. These workshops are designed to accommodate all ages and any sized group.

For more information, call 860-738-9464
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Schools that have participated in the workshops

Westminster School: Simsbury, CT Art Department, Beginner glass blowing workshop. 8 students.
Windsor Locks High School: Windsor Locks, CT Glass Blowing demonstration and lecture. 48 students.
Northwestern Regional 7 High School, Winsted, CT Glass ornaments, glass lecture. 28 students.
Braeburn Elementary School, West Hartford, CT Glass ornaments.18 students.
Amity Regional School District No. 5, Woodbridge, CT Art Department Faculty, beginner workshop. 7 students.
The Devereaux Glen Holme School, Washington, CT Paperweight workshop 6 students.
Manchester Regional Academy, Manchester, CT Glass ornaments 15 students.

Berlin Public Schools Berlin, CT Faculty in service day, paperweight workshop.
Watkinson School Hartford, CT 27 students demonstration tour and glass blowing paperweight workshop.

Groups that have attended the educational Demonstration Tours

Mohegan Tribe Uncasville, CT
Brandeis Women"s Committee Hartford CT Chapter
Duncaster, Bloomfield, CT
Elmwood Senior Center, Elmwood, CT
Red Hatters Group, Farmington, CT
Ashlar Village, Wallingford, CT
Falls Village Senior Center, Falls Village, CT








(Above is Gene who is 85 years old making his first paperweight)


1 to 4 Hour Beginner Workshops
(Available Tuesdays through Saturdays)


Call to reserve your space.
860-738-9464

Gift Certificates are available.

10 day artist apprenticeship opportunity in Kenya, Africa
February 15 - 27 ($3500 all inclusive)
More information contact trip facilitator and guide Sarah Fulton.
646-320-4155 or 212-598-5218
www.kitengela-glass.com

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Glass blowing workshop videos shown on WFSB TV, Better Connecticut
Aired December 14th 2009
http://www.wfsb.com/video/21961985/


Another Better Connecticut video aired on January 14th 2009
http://www.wfsb.com/video/18479733/index.html

To view the videos:
Copy and paste the video links directly into your browser.

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Beginner Workshop

This fun workshop is designed to introduce students to the basics of blowing and manipulating hot glass. Students will create 3 to 4 glass objects including, a paperweights, a glass flower, and a blown vase. Experienced instructors will demystify the principles of forming hot glass into finished objects. There is a maximum of 4 students with each instructor. A continuation of this beginner workshop is available.
Ages 12 years old and up. Call to make reservations. 860-738-9464

• Class size Limit: 8

• Course fee: $200.00 per person.

• All tools and supplies are provided.

• Time: Tuesday through Saturday.

• No glass experience is required.

Workshop durations for smaller groups.
Available for one or more people Tuesday through Saturday 9 to 4.

1 person: One hour of instruction at the furnace.
2 people: Two hours of instruction at the furnace.
3 people: Three hours of instruction at the furnace.
4 people: Four hours of instruction at the furnace.


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Blow Your Own Glass Flower or Paperweight Workshop

Make a glass flower or paperweight. Instructors will guide you through a hands-on experience in the hot shop twisting and pulling molten glass and sculpting it into a colorful glass flower or paperweight. This workshop is available to individuals or groups Tuesdays through Saturdays on a walk-in bases. Call to reserve a time. 860-738-9464

• Times: Walk-in Tuesdays through Saturdays.

• Fee: $45.00 Ages 7 years old and up.

• All materials included. No experience necessary.

• Call for registration and details. 860-738-9464


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Blow Your Own Glass Ornament


Blow your own keepsake glass ornament. Watch with amazement the glass expand into an ornament as you blow into the pipe. Two experienced instructors will guide the participants through this fun process. All materials included. This workshop is available to individuals or groups Tuesdays through Saturdays on a walk-in bases. Call to reserve a time.
860-738-9464

• Dates: Year Round

• Times: Walk-in Tuesday - Saturday

• Ages 5 years old and up

• Price: $30.00 No experience necessary

• Call for registration 860-738-9464

The history of the Christmas glass ornament.

The very first decorations in the form of a ball used for Christmas trees consisted of fruits (apples, oranges...). In the year of 1858, a severe drought effected all of Europe, and the apples and fruit fell from the trees. A glass blower from Goetzenbruck, a small village in the Moselle region of eastern France had the idea to blow glass balls as a solution to the loss of the fruit. This glass blower created a tradition which spread throughout the world.

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TEAM BUILDING WORKSHOP

This workshop is offered to companies that are interested in team building.

Under the guidance of experienced instructors the students will work as a team to make glass objects. 8 students will be divided in two groups, each with an instructor. Each team will have the task to make a specific glass part. Each participant will rely on the assistance of their coworkers to make these objects. The students will have the option of choosing a specific color. This will help to identify the individuals work later in the finished sculpture. The colors provided could represent your corporate colors. The goal of this workshop it to involve everyone in the process of making the components. A team building camaraderie will form naturally throughout this glass blowing process. Glass blowing requires a complete concentration and focus on the process at hand. Three or more people can work on one piece. As it is in the corporate world, glass blowers rely on other individuals, and form a team to complete a task.

The result of this team building workshop will be two blown glass sculptures, one that will hang on the wall, and one which can hang from the ceiling of the participating corporation. The overall design of the two sculptures is predetermined. The individuality of the finished sculptures will be unique to the team that made its parts. These sculptures will show how each simple but unique object can be combined and become something greater. We will fabricate the finished pieces into the sculptures, pack and ship them.

The workshops are available Tuesday through Saturday. Duration times are based on the clients schedule. 4 hour minimum is required. Call for more information. 860-738-9464

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TESTIMONIALS:

Dear Peter,
We wanted to thank you for a wonderful experience. It started from observing the unique atmosphere in your beautiful shop and ended with the excitement of getting our own glass creation sent to our house. In between, you gave us the opportunity to fall in love with the art of glassblowing. Your kindness, patience and professionalism allowed even clumsy beginners such as ourselves to create beautiful art work, while experiencing this ancient craft. We left proud and fascinated, and we will be back!
Sincerely,
The Ron Family
Greenwich CT

I just wanted to say that we had the most marvelous time visiting your studio on Saturday. It is absolutely spectacular and the work in your gallery is just amazing. Anna was so thrilled - she will never forget her glass blowing experience for the rest of her life!
Thanks again,
Susan Hennigan

Thanks so much for being such a gracious host/instructor at your studio on Friday. Kerin & I had a great time. We're looking forward to picking up our pieces on Saturday afternoon.
Thanks again,
Jeff & Kerin Vegiard

Greetings!
I wanted to let you know that our pieces arrived safely yesturday evening. We were thrilled
to see how they turned out, and very, very glad to have had the experience. You are an excellent (and patient) artist and teacher.
We both thank you very much for such a wonderful time at your shop.
Hi Peter,
Just wanted to let you know we liked all our glass pieces we made in
November and your workshop really was a once in a lifetime experience.
I know you asked where we found you listed. I know we visited your
website directly but I don't remember how I originally found your
workshops as something to do in CT.

I wrote you up in Trip Advisor:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g33902-d1647561-Reviews-Greenwood_Glass_Blowing_Studio_Gallery_School-Riverton_Connecticut.html

Shelly & Bob Ashurst
Alabama

3/1/10
Peter,
Carol and I would like to thank you for a wonderful glass blowing experience. For me it was one of the best craft classes I have ever taken and I have taken plenty. Carol was also very happy with the workshop. We are both grateful to you for sharing your craft with us. I hope we get the opportunity to come back (with friends) for another workshop.

Best wishes,
Kim & Carol

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Private Lessons Available - Gift Certificates Available
Depending on your interests, we can accommodate any workshop to fit your needs.
Call for more information.

860-738-9464

Greenwood Glass Blowing Studio/Gallery/School
3 Robertsville Road
Riverton, CT 06065
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Glass Blowing Workshop information

SAFETY:
Safety is the number one priority. All students should know the risks of glassblowing. Glass blowing is inherently a dangerous activity. The following rules created by various studios and teachers, are meant to help keep the glass blowing experience as safe as possible. Be aware of your position in the studio. When you are walking behind someone, be sure to let them know that you are there. Students will be intensely focused on the piece of hot glass at the end of their pipe, please be aware of their potential movement. Do not swing a pipe in the direction of another person. Do not give the pipe a full swing no more than shoulder height. Never raise the blow pipe higher than your head. You should always move around the shop with the hot glass end of the pipe angled toward the floor. ALWAYS LOOK BEFORE TURNING AROUND WITH A HOT BLOWPIPE. While blowing glass always be aware of any person in other areas of the studio. Safety glasses must be worn at all times. We will provide eye protection. If you have prescription eye wear or prefer your own ordinary sunglasses, please feel free to bring them. You are responsible for keeping your safety glasses on at all times. All classes will start with an explanation of the safety rules. Only authorized personnel are permitted to adjust studio equipment. If there are any problems, contact the the instructor.

Clothing:
Do not wear synthetic material or plastic fiber. Proper dress should include a cotton long sleeve shirt with a short sleeve undershirt, long pants, closed toe shoes, no open toed footwear or flimsy shoes. Sturdy hard soled shoes are recommended. Do not wear metal exposed such as jewelry, metal buttons, watches, ect. Individuals with long hair need to bring something to tie their hair back.

Liability Waiver:
All students are required to read and sign a liability waiver and agree to abide to the standards of safety and conduct that Greenwood Glass Blowing Studio has outline. All students should know the risks of glassblowing. We attempt to run a safe shop, but cannot protect you from everything. Students under the age of 18 will require a parent or guardian signature on the liability waiver. Parents are encouraged to read and review safety procedures with their children.
Link to liability waiver Please print, sign and send with your reservation fee. Otherwise the form will be provided.

Refund/Cancellation Policy:
If a student must cancel and cancellation is received 30 days prior to the class start date, you will receive a full refund less a $15.00 processing fee. If cancellation is received less than 30 days but at least 7 days prior to the class start date, a 50-percent refund will be given less a $15.00 processing fee. There is no refund for cancellations received less than 7 days before the class start date. If, for any reason it is necessary for us to cancel a class, and we are not able to offer another time, a full refund will be given. If there is a major snow, ice storm, or power outage, the class will be postponed to another date.

Payment May Be Made By: Check (payable to Peter Greenwood) or cash.

Health:
All students must be in good health and ability to withstand the heat and the physical demands of glass blowing. Please check with your doctor if you have any questions.

Students Work:
Finished pieces must cool overnight. You will need to pick them up later, or if desired, we can ship them for a reasonable packing and shipping fee. We cannot hold your pieces indefinitely, so please pick them up promptly or make arrangements for shipping. We are not responable for students work that is left in the studio.

Drug &Alcohol Policy:
Alcohol is not permitted in or outside of the Greenwood Glass Blowing Studio except during permitted events. The use of illegal drugs while at GGBS is strictly prohibited. We do not tolerate behavior that jeopardizes your safety or the safety of others. Do not blow glass if you have been drinking or have consumed anything else that would impair your coordination, judgment or balance.

Burns & Cuts:
Students might receive minor burns or cuts as a natural part of learning to blow glass. Many objects are hot, tools, pipes, punties, furnace doors, annealing ovens, assume that all surfaces are hot, even surfaces (such as the rails of the bench) that are not directly in contact with the glass. Report all burns and cuts to a staff member. We have a first aid kit available. All of these issues will be covered in the safety instructions at the beginning of the class.

Unannealed Glass:
Shards and other pieces of unannealed glass can be extremely dangerous and may explode without warning. Under no circumstances should any piece of glass be removed from the studio unless it has been properly annealed. Shards and unannealed glass pieces will occur from the glass blowing process. These pieces of glass called drops are usually cut off from the piece that a student is working on. They rest on the floor and will retain their heat for many minutes. Please do not try to pick up this pieces. Instructors will dispose of them throughout the class.

Teamwork:
We blow glass in teams. The person making the piece is in charge of the team and is known as the Gaffer. The two assistants help the Gaffer by getting pieces of glass, arranging tools, providing bench blows, etc. Gaffers will not always need 2 assistants, allowing time for one assistant to rest. Team members should take care of each other. Help your fellow students to follow the rules of safe behavior and not work beyond their abilities.

Steaming a Pipe:
Never place a pipe in water without capping the end. If you forget to do this, a column of ultra-hot steam will surge up the pipe, and burn your hands or you'll be scaled with flying boiling water.

Sharing Blowpipes:
The Gaffer and assistants will take turns blowing on the pipe during the course of a piece. If you are uncomfortable with this communal contact, the best remedy is to purchase your own blowpipe and use a blow-hose. We clean the pipes between classes, but not each time that a student uses it. We have alcohol-based wipes to use on mouthpieces if you so choose. Please inquire with your instructor.

Personal Property:
Greenwood Glass is not responsible for the security of property belonging to students, instructors, or staff.

Pets:
Students are not permitted to have pets with them while at the studio.

Photography:
Greenwood Glass and its associates reserve the right to photograph, on site, students and their artwork for public relations work in promoting GG and its programs.

Nondiscrimination Policy:
Greenwood Glass does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, or sexual preference.

A Note on Gathering:
We purposefully do not teach gathering at the beginning of the class for several reasons. First, most students are intimidated by the heat of the furnace. Secondly, we want you learning the other skills on relatively symmetrical gathers (your first gathers won't be this way). Finally, the furnace is fragile and must never be hit with a gather of glass. We will teach you to gather as your skills warrant.

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Furnace
The furnace holds 210 lbs of glass in a free standing crucible at 2000 F. It runs continuously and is very fragile. Students need to receive special instruction before removing glass from the furnace.

Glory Hole
Glory Holes are used to re-heat glass and run at a temperature of 2300 F. The doors are fragile and should be operated only with care. When you accidentally drop a piece in the glory hole, use the pipe or punty that it fell off to immediately retrieve as much of the piece as you can. While re-heating your glass object, pay particular attention to avoiding collisions with the doors.

Glass Blowing Bench
The main work area, the bench combines two areas: a seat with rails and a tool stand. The bench is setup for right-handed people. Lefties will need to learn to blow glass right-handed. Both hands are important and do different things. Although benches can be set up right or left-handed, most benches in the world are right handed.

Annealers
Annealers (aka Lehr ovens) are used to safely cool glass from final temperature (960 F) to room temperature. Annealer doors are fragile and must be closed slowly and firmly. Beware, their surfaces can get very hot.

Pipe/Color Warmers
Glass will not stick to cold objects, it is necessary to preheat pipes and puntys. A pipe is hot enough when it has a very slight glow. Do not use a pipe that has not been heated as bits of glass on the end may explode violently when rapidly heated. Color ovens contain colored glass. Color glass will crack unless preheated to 1000 - 1100 F.

Marver
The marver is the most powerful method of shaping glass and also the most difficult to master. When marvering glass, remember to support the weight of the piece and only allow the area you are working to touch the surface. The marver is an excellent tool for shaping and removing heat from an area of the glass. Marvers must be keep clean. Never set any object (especially a wet object) on a marver. It is a good habit to wipe the marver down before each use.

Optic Molds
When a hot bubble is inserted in an optic mold and inflated, the profile of the bubble is distorted into optic ridges. Used for decoration on both clear and colored vessels.

Hand Tools
Blocks & Paddles
Wooden spoon-like "blocks" are used only to shape very hot glass (usually fresh out of the furnace). Blocks should not be used on glass that is not moving as they will simply scum the surface and damage the block. Blocks should be used wet, but not with pools of water inside. If a block begins to smoke, rather than steam, immediately re-wet it. Paddles are used primarily to flatten the bottoms and lips of pieces. They do not need to be wet.

Jacks & Pacioffis
This versatile tool for shaping glass has two working surfaces, the blades and "backs" (the flat section near the bend). Assume both are hot and only grab the jacks by the handles. A pacioffi is basically a jack with wooden blades and needs to be kept wet. Metal jacks should have a fine coating of wax on the working surface.

Tweezers
Tweezers should be free of wax and are used for any number of activities: "plucking" the glass, guide puntys into place, etc.

Paper/Graphite Pad
A thick layer of wet newspaper will protect you from the glass even straight out of the furnace. Newspaper and graphite pads should be treated like blocks and always used wet on moving glass. Purpose of the paper or graphite pad which is held in ones hand, is to shape the hot glass.

Diamond & Straight Shears
Shears are used for cutting glass. Straight shears are used like scissors to slice through glass and diamond shears are used to cut to a single point. NEVER use shears on cold glass. If you catch yourself using much force with shears, the glass is to cold to work and most likely you will damaging them.

Blowpipes
Blowpipes are provided for student use. Shop pipes should be treated gently, especially when hot. They will bend with excessive force. Our pipes have fancy plastic mouthpieces rather than the traditional metal. This is for safety reasons as plastic is much less likely to knock your teeth out. The plastic pieces are more delicate and scratch easily especially when spun on the floor. If you are inverting a pipe, protect the mouthpiece by spinning it on your shoe (not a beginner technique).

Puffers & Steam Sticks
Puffers, either bent or straight, are used to inflate a blown vessel while it is on the punty. "Steam sticks" are wet wooden cones and have a similar function.

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Copyright © 1999-2010 Peter Greenwood
All rights resevered worldwide

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