Claudia Knauss
Glasshoppers are preparing to enjoy “Christmas in July,” when their focus turns to planning and creating holiday gifts for family and friends, and to fill the glass studio display window in SBR’s Creative Arts Building with one-of-a-kind pieces. Monday, July 13 will be the annual “Christmas in July” sale for members to stock up on all colors of glass and specialty items available to enhance the quality of their holiday projects. Glasshoppers members are invited to attend the sale at 1 p.m. Remember to check out our display windows repeatedly, as new pieces will be added frequently. From small unique ornaments to attach to a gift all the way up to large platters, you can purchase a gift that shows you know the recipient’s favorite colors and their preferences in terms of what they enjoy. What a fantastic way to show you care!
Glasshoppers offers new classes each month, so members always have the opportunity to learn new techniques and practice creating exciting projects. Open Studio takes place in half-day sessions where members can come in and create, coupled with interacting with other Glasshoppers to get help when needed, and participate in encouraging conversation. Amy Belford, Glasshoppers member, says that Open Studio has been the “most gratifying way…to improve (her) glass skills.”
Like Amy, many Glasshoppers have such fun in class and open studio that they also work on glass at home. But, even having her own “in-home” glass studio, Amy prefers spending time with other glassmakers. “The interactions we have are a welcomed addition to my creative process. Other club members have willingly shared their techniques for cutting and arranging glass into unique designs. Being able to share tips I’ve gleaned from my own successes (and failures) has been satisfying as well.” For Amy, and many other SBR residents who’ve decided to join Glasshoppers, creating art within a supportive community has provided a safe place to explore and experiment with glass. Amy has now taken her creative process to the next level. Glasshoppers “has given me the knowledge and courage to sell my work as a fused glass artist in local galleries, something I had only dreamed of doing!”
The next opportunity to join Glasshoppers requires attendance at July’s Safety Class. Sign up now by contacting Joy Cafferty, Membership Chair, at Cafferty_j@msn.com.