This workshop will provide an introduction to hot glass casting into open-faced sand molds to create unique narrative relief tiles. Participants will learn about sand mixes, utilizing color powders and frits, copper and glass inclusions, and creating negative space with rigid sand cores. Any or all of these elements can be combined with personal mementos and found objects to create personalized cast glass tiles. Teamwork is essential with this process, so be prepared to make new friends and enjoy a fun and direct technique with hot glass.

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About the instructor

Theresa came to glass after earning a BFA in film and photography from The Evergreen State College. Her love of hot casting led her to combining photo imagery on her cast glass. Theresa also experiments with layering color and light in sand cast forms. Theresa worked with Bertil Vallien, as a production and teaching assistant for 20 years. She has earned numerous awards, including an Artist Trust Fellowship, Wheaton Arts Fellowship a special student scholarship to the National Academy of Art in Sweden, among others and has over 25 years of teaching experience. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally. She was recently awarded a full scholarship to earn her MFA in glass and sculpture at Tulane University which she completed in 2025.