Recent Commission
We’re thrilled to showcase our latest custom commission for Victoria Sass, Principal Designer and Owner at Prospect Refuge Studio. Prospect Refuge, a renowned Minneapolis-based design firm, is celebrated for its modern, Midwestern aesthetic and thoughtful design approach.
Victoria’s work, frequently featured in Architectural Digest and Elle Decor, has made her a leading voice in blending classic influences with contemporary style.
For this project, Victoria envisioned a unique 30.25" x 76.25" window inspired by medieval design, infused with a contemporary twist. Using a curated series of reference images she provided, we crafted a piece that brings this vision to life with meticulous attention to detail.
Working with a designer who has such a clear and refined design language made this project incredibly rewarding.We’re excited to see this piece installed in her beautifully renovated space soon!
If you’re interested in your own custom work, reach out to Potekglass to discuss your vision. We love helping clients bring unique, artful details to their spaces!
Artist in the World: William Saltzman
This month, Potekglass is proud to spotlight the remarkable life and work of William Saltzman, a visionary artist whose contributions have left a profound mark on Minnesota’s art landscape. Saltzman, born in Minneapolis in 1916, was inspired by the rise of Modernism and gained momentum from the many great artists who fled to New York during WWII. Embracing abstraction and modernist forms, he introduced a dynamic new style to the Midwest, establishing himself as a master across numerous mediums, including stained glass, charcoal and pastel drawings, oil paintings, metal and wood sculptures, and even stage set design. Saltzman’s legacy includes numerous public commissions across Minnesota and beyond, with pieces displayed in prominent spaces such as the Mayo Clinic, the University of Minnesota Meditation Chapel, Edina Public Library, and St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church.
His commitment to crafting works that resonate within their surroundings led him to consider every element of the space, including architecture, lighting, and nearby objects, a process he referred to as capturing “visual energy.” This attention to harmony and flow is evident in his large-scale installations, such as the stained glass windows at the University of Minnesota and the striking 30-foot mural titled “Energies of Man” at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Saltzman’s art has been exhibited in major museums and galleries across the United States, including New York’s Museum of Modern Art, The Whitney Museum, the Walker Art Center, and The Minneapolis Institute of Arts.
In Minnesota alone, his public commissions bring color and life to libraries, universities, hospitals, and community spaces. He viewed each piece not as an isolated work of art but as an integral part of its environment, with each surface extending beyond its physical boundaries to create an immersive experience for viewers.
In addition to his artistic contributions, Saltzman was deeply committed to fostering artistic growth in Minnesota. He served as the art supervisor for Fairmont public schools, the acting director of the University of Minnesota Art Gallery (now the Weisman Art Museum), and later as the director of the Rochester Art Center. Through these roles, he expanded access to art and championed creativity across communities, mentoring students, organizing exhibitions, and cultivating an appreciation for the visual arts.
His impact continued at Macalester College, where he was a beloved Professor of Art and inspired a new generation of artists. Saltzman’s artistic philosophy, seeing art as inseparable from life, remains central to his legacy. His work, infused with his concept of “visual energy,” reflects his view that art is a living, breathing element of the spaces it inhabits, with each piece designed to harmonize the world around it. Saltzman’s legacy is truly one for the history books, a pioneering influence that has shaped Minnesota’s culture and enriched its community life.
Upcoming Classes at Potekglass
Master Series: "Thick & Thin, Light & Dark" with Chad Holliday
Day 1: Saturday, November 30 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Day 2: Sunday, December 1 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Day 3: Saturday, December 7 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Day 4: Sunday, December 8 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn the art of glass casting from one of the industry's most sought-after talents, internationally acclaimed artist Chad Holliday! Join us for an exclusive, four-day immersive workshop that takes you deep into the secrets of glass relief sculpture.
This beginner-friendly workshop, limited to just 8 participants, ensures each student receives hands-on, personalized instruction from Chad himself. You’ll begin by transforming your sketches into clay models and crafting professional molds.
Under Chad’s expert guidance, learn essential techniques—from casting to cold working—that create breathtaking works of art playing with light, depth, and texture.
What You’ll Get:
🎨 Personal guidance in an intimate, small group setting.
🎨 All materials included—just bring your creativity!
🎨 A stunning, one-of-a-kind glass relief sculpture to take home.
Don’t miss your chance to learn from a master and elevate your artistry!
Stained Glass Succulent and Water Lillies
Day 1: Saturday, November 16 | 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Day 2: Saturday, November 23 | 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Cost: $65 | Member Price: $58.50
Beautify your world by making stunning succulents or water lilies that require no care or watering! Over two weeks, students will construct two items and learn decorative soldering techniques, edge soldering and 3D construction.
Santa's Workshop: Holiday Ornament-Making Class
Thursday, December 5 | 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: $65 (Member Price: $58.50)
Get into the holiday spirit by creating beautiful glass ornaments in our Santa’s Workshop class! In our spacious studio, you’ll learn how to craft up to four festive ornaments using simple glass techniques.
Icicles, Dewdrops, and Pine Trees: Try-iT!
Thursday, December 12 | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: $95 (Member Price: $66.50)
In this fun and creative class, you’ll learn to shape glass into delicate icicles, sparkling dewdrops, and charming pine trees, perfect as seasonal decorations or handmade gifts.
Stained Glass Jewelry Box
Thursday, December 12 | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Thursday, December 19 | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: $65 (Member Price: $58.50)
Create a beautiful, one of a kind jewelry box that is perfect as a holiday gift or a unique keepsake for yourself, crafted with care and personalized to reflect your style and creativity.
Beginning Stained Glass
Day 1: Saturday, January 4 | 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Day 2: Saturday, January 11 | 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Day 3: Saturday, January 18 | 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Day 4: Saturday, January 25 | 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Cost: $115
Member Price: $103.50
Learn the basics of stained glass from start to finish using the Tiffany copper foil method.
Glass Painting with John Sandy
Day 1: Saturday, January 9 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Day 2: Saturday, January 16 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Day 3: Saturday, January 23 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Day 4: Saturday, January 30 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: $115
Member Price: $103.50
Join us for a four-week journey into the art of glass painting! Under the expert guidance of John Sandy, previous owner of Glass Endeavors, and a seasoned artist with over 25 years of experience, you’ll learn tracing techniques, firing tips, and how to bring intricate designs to life on glass.
Wild Color Mosaic Pet Portrait with Erin Ward
Day 1: Saturday, February 1 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Day 2: Saturday, February 8 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $195 (Member Price: $175.50)
Create a one-of-a-kind mosaic pet portrait in this vibrant two-day workshop! Guided by seasoned mosaic artist Erin Ward, you’ll transform a photo of your pet (or favorite animal) into a unique glass mosaic.
Beginning Stained Glass
Day 1: Thursday, February 6 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Day 2: Thursday, February 13 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Day 3: Thursday, February 20 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Day 4: Thursday, February 27 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: $115
Member Price: $103
Learn the basics of stained glass from start to finish using the Tiffany copper foil method.
Lines & Dots! Italian Soft Glass
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
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.
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
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.
Great news! Our street is now fully open and parking is a breeze!
Hennepin County, along with the City of Minneapolis and other partners, has completed improvements on Lowry Avenue, making access to Potekglass easier than ever. We have plenty of parking available, so feel free to come by and visit us!
Sheet of the Week Playlist
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.
- "Doctor Honoris Causa" by Joe Zawinul
- Lamberts Glass 1064OP/CLRY
- "Rollin" by Mario Abney
- Wissmach WI 706LL MY
- "For What It's Worth" by Sérgio Mendes
- Bullseye Glass Co. 3116-30
- Red Clay by Freddie Hubbard
- Youghiogheny Oceana 350
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October 2024 Newsletter
December 2024 Newsletter