January 2025 Newsletter

Wedding Vase (Featured Artwork)

I am always thrilled to be asked to make something for a client, but am especially touched by having work included in a public ceremony. As part of the couples ceremony they poured different colors of glass frit into a unity vase, returned the vase to the shop and allowed me to create this modest reminder of their commitment to each other.

Art in the World: Darcel Deneau

I was first introduced to Ms Deneau's work at the SGAA conference in Buffalo New York in 2023. The urban landscapes she represented are immediately appealing, invigorating scenes of a dynamic Detroit. Excellent in their execution of shading, perspective and realistic portrayal of this vibrant city she is at the top of her game in her craft. What really makes an impression however is the use of glass to her ends. Sky and reflection become dynamic with the use of iridized glass. Brickwork and rust are at once abstract and recognizable in mottles, as are times of day, all through the use of her selection of glass and mixed media.

Bullseye Glass Announcement
Bullseye Glass has announced a price increase for 2025 of 5%. While it is never great news about a price increase Potekglass has you covered. Because of a large buy at the end of 2024 Potekglass will keep our prices at the 2024 rate until March 1st 2025. Stock up now to beat the increase! Shop in store to pick out your perfect sheet or order online and have it shipped. Free shipping on orders over $200. Wholesale purchases do not receive free shipping, but if you are in the 5 state region it is pretty cheap.

Upcoming Classes at Potekglass

Glass on Glass with Erin Ward

• Day 1: Saturday, February 22 | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• Day 2: Saturday, March 1 | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• Design Your Own Glass-on-Glass Mosaic Masterpiece!

Unleash your creativity in this hands-on mosaic workshop led by Erin Ward, an award-winning artist with over a decade of expertise. Over two engaging Saturday sessions (February 22 & March 1, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM), you'll explore essential mosaic techniques and craft a custom glass-on-glass artwork to cherish.

Just bring an 8x10 shadowbox frame (with a real glass insert), nippers, Weldbond glue, bright opaque glass, and your creative spirit. Optional tools are available for purchase to enhance your experience.

Secure your spot today and discover the joy of creating art with glass!

Lines & Dots! Italian Soft Glass
(Prior experience with a torch is required)

• Day 1: Thursday, February 6 | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
• Day 2: Thursday, February 13 | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
• Day 3: Thursday, February 20 | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
• Day 4: Thursday, February 27 | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Instructor: Malcom Potek

Cost: $250 (Member Price: $225)

Dive into the world of Italian soft glass beadmaking in our Lines & Dots course! Join us to learn the art of shaping and decorating beads, from classic forms to intricate designs like scrollwork and silver foil decoration.

Guided by instructor Malcom Potek, with over 30 years of torch experience, you’ll create unique beads while mastering techniques with Italian soft glass. Perfect for those looking to take their beadmaking skills to the next level!

Fused Agate Project

• Day 1: Saturday, March 8 | 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
• Day 2: Saturday, March 15 | 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
• Day 3: Saturday, March 22 | 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Instructor: Malcom Potek

Cost: $150 (Member Price: $135)

Join us for the Fused Agate Project, a three-week class where you’ll create beautiful glass "agates" inspired by natural stone patterns. You’ll select vibrant glass pieces, design custom patterns, and assemble a stunning plate or sculpture to take home. Perfect for beginners—no fusing experience required!

Beginning Stained Glass

• Day 1: Saturday April 5 | 10:00am - 12:30 PM
• Day 2: Saturday April 12 | 10:00am - 12:30 PM
• Day 3: Saturday April 26 | 10:00am - 12:30 PM
• Day 4: Saturday May 3 | 10:00am - 12:30 PM

Instructor: Mark Trease

Cost: $115 (Member Price: $103.50)

4-week course, 2.5 hours each week (plus 2-3 hours of homework between sessions).

$115 Plus glass, tools and supplies.

Learn the basics of stained glass from start to finish using the Tiffany copper foil method. We'll teach you pattern preparation, cutting, grinding, foiling, soldering, framing and finishing. Stop in before the first class to select a pattern, pick out and purchase your glass, and purchase your beginner kit ($139.50 - which is a 10% discounted price for enrolled students). 

There will also be supplies and tools to purchase during the four weeks to take you through the creation process (approx. $140 total). Students will have homework each week, and opportunity to work in the shop at a discounted rate.

Sheet of the Week Playlist
December Review

At Potekglass, we invite you to join us on an artistic journey that unfolds each week as we hand-select a sheet of glass. Each selection is paired with a thoughtfully chosen song that resonates with the unique essence of the glass. Each week, we offer a 15% discount on this exquisite piece, providing an excellent opportunity to enhance your collection. We encourage you to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for real-time updates. Here is our review of last month's selections.

• Côte à Côte by Mike Clay
  • Youghiogheny 6314 SP

• You're My Flame by Zero 7
  • Bullseye Glass Co. 002637-0030

• Ummh by Bobby Hutcherson
  • Artisanal Glass AG210

• You're the Good Things by Modest Mouse
  • Kokomo KO145