Kiln and slumping glass

I have graciously been given a free kiln!  I answered an ad on Craigslist and it was made available to me from the Beverly Art Center.  It is a Skutt model 181 dating from 1965 to 1979.  It currently does not work- but I am hopeful.  My goal would be to have my own kiln and wheel and be able to do more work at home.  I am interested in slumping glass besides throwing pots.

Slumping glass involves heating Dichroic glass to a temperature of 1000 to 1400 degrees F , then you must follow four steps: heating the glass, soaking the glass, cooling the glass and annealing the glass.  All of these steps can be accomplished in the same kiln that heats ceramics.  These steps are followed to allow the glass to become smooth and melt and finally cool to room temperature to avoid cracking. The "slump" comes when the heated glass slumps into a smooth ceramic bisque mold.

I personally have never tried to work with glass but I look forward to trying it.  Our lead potter and president, Joyce Riley, has fused glass to the bottom surfaces of her pottery bowls.  The look achieved was one of water and reflection, a beautiful effect and she told me that all these pieces sold!!  Great job Joyce.

Here is an example of fused glass featured project by Delphi Artist Karina Foster in the Binet Catalog. Lovely example of a slump mold bowl!

We are starting classes again

The Village Artists will be starting classes again at our new space.  Artist, Pat Moore, has graciously accepted the teaching position. 
The classes are as follows:

2011 Class Schedule
1957 Ridge Road
Homewood, IL 60430
708.798.4774

This beautiful art work is by Pat Moore, our Instructor.

Kids Classes ages 5-9 -  Instructed by  Artist Pat Moore

Art Variety 1
Saturdays: 2PM-3PM, May 7, 14, 21, & 28
Fee: $60 Materials included

Youth Classes ages 10-18 - Instructed by  Artist Pat Moore

Art Variety 2
Saturdays: 3:15PM-4:45PM, May 7, 14, 21 & 28
Fee :$75 Materials included

Teens and Adults Classes - Instructed by Artist Pat Moore

Mixed Media
Mondays: 3PM-4:30PM, May 9, 16, and 23, June 6 &13
Fee: $75 Materials not included

New Art Work by Barb Heine

We would like to take this moment to highlight the new art work of one of our members. Barb Heine is a potter and a painter of watercolors.  She has a new project she has been working on for the up coming Open House.  Barb is painting original watercolors and placing them inside vintage jewelry, trinket and music boxes.  She finds these boxes at local antique shops and estate sales, she refurbishes them and creates a new work of art.

 This one is titled "Red Hot Chili Peppers"

"Crocus First Light"

The inside contains a velvet lined space for jewelry or trinkets and some have mirrors.

"Ski Slope in the Pines."

Some of the them contain Music Boxes.

Barb states, " I love painting watercolors and I love vintage things.  I am a great collector of antiques and when I see these boxes they speak to me!  Each one deserves a special little painting all its' own, no two boxes are alike.  I hope our patrons come to our Grand Opening and appreciate all the hard work we've done in our new space."

                                                              Artist: Barb Heine

The Grand Opening/Open House that Barb mentioned is On April 29-30th.  Friday night from 5-8 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm, the public is welcome.  Location: 1957 Ridge Road, Homewood IL

Grand Opening-Open House

The Village Artists will be having a
Grand Opening and Open House.

Friday  April 29th 2011  from  5 pm to 8 pm

Saturday April 30th 2011 from 10 am to 3 pm

Please stop by and visit us - 

See the art work, meet our members and let us show off our new space! 

Village  Artists

1957 Ridge Road, Homewood, IL 60430
708.798.4774

Construction of Homewood store front

Hello Members and Patrons

The Village Artists gallery and studio space on Ridge Rd in Homewood, IL -
We are moving right along during construction.  Our next meeting is Monday, Feb 28th 2011. 

Hopefully, in the near future we will be having a painting party and a big group effort to rearrange all our belongs.  I know you will agree it is time to finally CREATE ART in our new space! 
We have been warmly welcomed by the mayor, town residents and our "neighbors" of Ridge Rd stores. 

Three wonderful ladies have been repainting our sign to hang on the outside facade.
Thanks to Sally, Anne, and Sharon for your hard work.
It is also time for election of new officers,  nominations and decisions to be made shortly. 
Spring is almost here and we hope to have a Grand Opening in our new space. 
April 29th is a date being looked at.

Attend the meeting, give your input, welcome spring and let's be creative!