March 2025 Newsletter

Art In the Shop: Residential Installation (Featured Artwork)

In April 2023, my friend left me an email about a residence that he was renovating. The architect had called for a glass partition to separate a living space from passing spaces. Troy likes to be engaged in his projects, and he thought glass art may have a place here. We had a great conversation about possibilities that would reflect his love of the outdoors, caught up after a dozen years, and agreed to start working on this project. From the Architects drawings, I did a number of sketches to make sure we were on the same page, produced some samples and then started to dig in. If you have been in the shop over these last two years you probably have seen this project in different stages of completion.

This is a project report. The current design has two firings left, but it is starting to actually look like its conception. I will be excited to see it up! Stay tuned...

Art in the World: Thomas Medicus

Thomas Medicus is an Austrian artist known for his innovative approach to anamorphic glass sculptures, in which fragmented images emerge depending on the viewer's perspective. His work explores the intersection of art, science, and perception, creating sculptures that challenge conventional ways of seeing. Using hand-painted glass panels arranged in three-dimensional structures, Medicus constructs artworks that reveal multiple images when viewed from different angles.

His technique is deeply rooted in optical illusion and visual transformation, making his glass sculptures dynamic and ever-changing. Each piece is meticulously designed to display distinct images that shift based on the observer’s position. The layering and precision required in his process result in captivating works that blur the boundaries between two-dimensional and three-dimensional perception.

Among Medicus’ most fascinating works is his glass amoeba sculpture, a stunning representation of a microscopic organism brought to life through a delicate interplay of light, transparency, and movement. This piece is an excellent example of how he fuses biology, geometry, and visual storytelling into a singular sculptural form.

If you are interested in learning more about current artists and Stained Glass in general, check out this months coverage in Stained Glass . . . SGAA (Stained Glass Association of America) Quarterly Magazine. We have copies available for purchase in the shop!

Upcoming Classes at Potekglass

Designing Custom Sheets in the Kiln!

• Day 1: Thursday April 10 | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
• Day 2: Thursday April 17 | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
• Day 3: Thursday April 24 | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
• Day 4: Thursday May 1 | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Instructor: Malcom Potek

Cost: $275 (Member Price: $250)

4-week course, 3 hours each week. $275 plus glass, tools and supplies.

This class will guide you through creating your own one-of-a-kind kiln formed vessel. Students will strengthen their technical firing skills and increase their design arsenal to level up their fused glass skills. Through the use of frits, powders, stringers and various accessory glasses, students will learn how to produce custom sheets and components that will be cut and reassembled into a slumped vessel. Included in this class is how to approach striking and reactive colors in the kiln. Students will have opportunity to work in the shop at a discounted rate outside of class time.

Fused Agate Project
(No prior experience is required)

• 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: Mark Trease

Cost: $150 (Member Price: $135)

3-week class, 3 hours each week.

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!

Stained Glass Jewelry Box

• Day 1: Saturday, March 8 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Day 2: Saturday, March 15 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Day 3: Saturday, March 22 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Instructor: Mark Trease

Cost: $65 (Member Price: $58.50)

3-week class, 2 hours each week.

Create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind jewelry box—perfect as a holiday gift or a unique keepsake for yourself! In this intermediate-level workshop, you’ll take your stained glass skills to the next level by learning to design and construct a stunning three-dimensional jewelry box with the glass of your choice. Add extra sparkle with bevels for a truly elegant touch.