New glass arts course offered with Museum of Glass

University of Washington Tacoma has teamed up with the Museum of Glass to offer a new glass art class. The course provides a basic introduction to studio glass making methods within the context of glass as a visual art material. Students will benefit from having access to the exhibitions in the Museum galleries as well as use of the state-of-the-art Hot Shop to achieve their learning goals. 

“This is a fabulous opportunity for UW Tacoma students that will also strengthen the collaborative relationship between our two organizations,” said Larry Knopp, director of the university’s Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences program, which is offering the class. “Where else is such an experience obtainable?  We are thrilled and very proud!”

The program is being piloted during UW Tacoma’s winter quarter which began January 3. Scott Darlington, studio glass artist and UW Tacoma part-time lecturer, is the course instructor. The theme of this session is “objects of devotion” inspired by Beauty Beyond Nature: The Glass Art of Paul Stankard. This exhibition presents more than 50 intricately flame-worked sculptures of flora, insects, figurative elements and poetry encased in clear crystal.

“We are very pleased to partner with UW Tacoma to offer this course,” said Museum of Glass Interim Director Susan Warner.  “At the Museum, we take pride in our ability to educate our community as well as entertain. This collaboration provides us one more avenue of outreach to students.”

This is the only course currently offered for college credit at the Museum. Students will become familiar with working in a hot glass studio and learn to manipulate glass to realize their artistic visions. They will come away with a basic portfolio of glass artwork that will be on display for Museum visitors at the end of the term.

Plans for a second offering of this course during spring quarter are under way.

Museum of Glass provides a dynamic learning environment to appreciate the medium of glass through creative experiences, collections and exhibitions. In addition to the Hot Shop Amphitheater where visitors can watch artists work, the facilities include galleries, outdoor exhibition areas, a theater, hands-on art studio, grand hall, café and store.