In 2011 we had the pleasure of offering workshops by Emilio Santini and Margaret Zinser.  Below is some information regarding these exquisite flameworking artists and the workshops we offered.  We look forward to new visiting artists in the future.

Emilio Santini returns to WMGAC. Born in Murano, Italy into a noble family with over 500 years of glass blowing tradition, he spent six summers working in a glass factory under several different glass masters. When he turned seventeen, his father began teaching him lampworking. He teaches in this country’s major glass schools and is represented internationally by some of the most important galleries in the world. His art is featured in numerous private and museum collections.

 3-Day “Goblet Making—Cups and Feet for Venetian Goblets at the Torch”
Prerequisite: One year glassmaking experience recommended
   This class will cover the making of a Venetian goblet from how to blow a straight bubble to the final step of opening cup and foot to assembling them with a Venetian stem or a figure as the stem. Lip wrap application, correct use of jacks, preparing the proper bubble for the foot and all the other tricks needed for the execution of a Venetian goblet will be shown.

Margaret Zinser lives in Tucson, Arizona and has worked with glass since 2001. In 2004, she completed her Master's degree in Entomology which is certainly apparent in her insect-themed beads. The technique and chemistry of working with glass feed Margaret's scientific side while the freedom of working with a molten medium nourishes her creative soul. Margaret serves on the Board of Directors of Sonoran Glass Art Academy and Beads of Courage. Her work has been featured in galleries throughout the US, Canada and Japan and in several magazines, including The Flow, Bead and Button, and Bead Unique.

1-Day "Focus on Color" Workshop
Prerequisite: Previous flame work experience working on a mandrel
    This class is geared for beadmakers desiring to learn more about "reactive" colors in soft glass. Topics include: Italian soft glass colors with Reichenbach and Kugler frits and cane, and using sliver leaf and foil to create texture.

2-Day "Beetles and the Butterflies" Workshop
Prerequisite: Previous flame of flat glass experience.
    Sculpt insect-inspired base beads in the flame: beetles, off-mandrel butterfly wings and beads. After creating sculptural base beads, Margaret will share strategies for mixing, layering, fading stippling vitreous enamel paints covered detail and color. Methods for mixing and firing enamels after painting will be covered. Learning enamel painting opens up your bead making to a whole new world of detail and color?