Glass Fusion

In a free flowing open class setting, Page Kelly will walk you through the process of designing and making two 8” fused glass bowls. You will learn how the process works, how the materials are chosen, and design considerations when making a particular piece. After class the pieces will be fired for you by the instructor and you will end up with two wonderful glass bowls of your own creation!

Course Details:

• 10 am -     Introduction to Helena arts scene
• Noon -         Lunch
• 1 pm.    -    Techniques for glass fusing/slumping process, detailed
• description of materials, positive/negative spaces, design considerations, handout.
• 1:30 pm -     Demonstration of technique
• 2 pm -         Open class time – participants design, build their pieces.
• 4 pm -         End of class

Post-Class time by instructor: 2-4 days depending on number of participants – First firing to fuse glass, Second firing to slump glass into the bowl form.

Cost: $185

Includes lunch, materials and firing fees.

Instructor: Page Kelly

Born in Bozeman and raised in Helena, Page is a fifth generation Montanan and a graduate of Carroll College.  Page is largely self-taught with the help of workshops and classes with many talented residents at the Archie Bray Foundation as well as with Ralph Esposito at Carroll.  In November 2007, Page established her own studio in the East Valley called Zephyr Valley Pottery.   

As an art advocate, collector and an artist, Page believes that art enhances our lives through our every day interactions with it. Whether it is a stunning painting that causes the viewer to be provoked or soothed, or a vase that holds a fresh-cut garden bouquet, art of all kinds enrich our lives. Page brings this enthusiasm and love for art to the Swanson Gallery.
Page produces functional work as well as sculpture.  Her focus in functional work is the exploration of the relationship between surface treatment and form.  The goal is a surface that looks rough or even messy on a form that begs to be picked up, then the lovely surprise of a smooth satiny feel or intriguing texture rewards the curious.  A truly successful piece is one that engages the viewer and satisfies as many senses as possible. 

In her sculpture, Page is interested in the expression of metamorphosis through inner consciousness and purposeful change.  Life experiences can change us as human beings and our interactions and understanding of the world.  Sculpture is a way to interpret those events and reactions, taking an experience that is emotionally or mentally painful or dark, and transforming it into a physical manifestation of beauty.