Kiln Formed Glass or Fused Glass entails cutting and overlapping colored glass pieces, fusing them together by melting them in a kiln and then shaping them by slumping. In this program, the students will observe a sample cutting and see the difference between the raw piece of glass and the “cooked” one. They will then be given a multiplicity of glass pieces of different shapes, colors, textures and sizes to collage on a square glass base. The children will create two small pieces: one to take home with them and one that will be integrated into a collective piece, which can be one or more pieces for the school’s action or an installation piece (preferably on a window) as a permanent decoration for the school. The latter will incur a higher cost due to the amount of materials required and the complexity of installing. The actual project will be discussed at the planning meeting (required)

The program includes a slide show about the history of glass. It is also conducive to learning about the chemical and physical nature of glass, the behavior of color, mixing and refraction of light. Luciana will also bring samples of different glass treatments: fused, blown, molded, handcrafted and industrial and they will see how heat affects texture.

The students will also have the chance to explore patterns in their creation. Students 2nd grade and up will also be given the opportunity to learn how to execute a simple cut on a flat piece of glass.

A typical 5 day residency (recommended) will include:

1st session:
– Introduction. Class agreements.
– Viewing a slide show on the history of art, spurring conversation about glass and our surroundings, questions and answers.
– Learning how to use the glass scorer and the breaker.
– viewing different glass textures at different firing temperatures

2nd session:
– Learning the process
– Getting acquainted with kit contents
– Exploring color glass
– Making small individual piece (necklace, magnet or pin)

3rd session:
– Observing their fired piece
– Deciding for necklace, pin or magnet,
– Choosing which side is up
– Making a collective piece

4th session:
– Polishing and sanding the fired pieces
– Assembling personal pieces
– Decorating the packaging for their personal pieces

5th session:
– “Gallery Walk”
– Reflection time
– Abstract vs. Figurative
– Fundamentals of observation
– Packaging pieces to take home.

Scheduling:
There must be a week of separation between the 2nd and 3rd sessions as well as between the 3rd and 4th sessions.

Materials:
All kits of tools and materials are shared by 4 children and include:
– 20 small containers of crushed glass in assorted colors, some reactive, translucent and opalescent. Also glass ribbons, stringers, and dots.
– Clear glass tiles for base of project according to contract.
– 4 strips of different color glass for cutting 2″x 5″
– I box of glass in random shapes and assorted colors, including translucent, opalescent and dichroic glass
– 1 diamond head scorer
– 1 curved nose breaker
– 1 cutter
– 1 sanding stone
– 1 cutting mat
– 4 sanding sponges
– 4 tweezers
– 1 container with diluted glue
– 1 brush for glue
– 1 pencil
– 1 ruler
– 1 spoon

An array of specialty pieces come separate and Luciana will distribute them in class when requested, these are delicate and will not be included in the basic kits.

For shorter or longer versions of the residency, or for a single day workshop please have a direct conversation with Luciana.

This program offered by: Luciana Proano