Public News

Sgraffito Powder Challenge

We are on the countdown

On July 7th we will start our challenge… this is a challenge with yourself to build your skills in working with black glass powder, not a competition with others. You will be creating imagery using a subtractive technique: light areas are created by scraping away the powder and dark areas are created by adding powder. Each day we will post a different subject matter for you to create on either white or french vanilla glass. Some exercises will be time driven and some will be restrictive on the tools you may use…all are to increase both your skills and the tools in your tool box. For example one assignment will be creating imagery with your non dominant hand, another one will be to create five different images with only five minutes for each creation.

In order to participate, you will ask to join the PNWGG 2024 Powder Challenge closed Facebook group (the link is also on the the event listing ). This challenge will be open to anyone who wishes to participate so feel free to invite your friends to be part of this journey.

If you didn’t attend the June General meeting you can still see Kelly Crosse Alge’s video: https://youtu.be/-fG8StyzuRA?si=acUuubI67wWZnmug for an advanced example of how effective this technique can be.

Each evening starting on July 7th the exercise to be completed for following day will be posted. You are encouraged to post the results of your work to create a wonderful collection of imagery that everyone can who is participating can refer to for sharing and learning. You do not need to fire each exercise but make sure you take a picture to post before dumping in readiness for the next day.

We will be checking in with those who sign up to do the challenge if they are not posting their work…in fairness to everyone else you are expected to participate and not just lurk.

Please only post as per the instructions you receive each day…there is lots of room for creativity so you will be amazed at the different ways the exercise gets interpreted which is very inspiring.

We look forward to having your participation in this fun, exciting journey over the course of the 30 days and when you reflect on your work you will be amazed at your progress…so lets get started and see you in the PNWGG 2024 Powder Challenge Facebook group…we cant wait to get started…see you there!!!

If you have any questions, please contact either Greta Schneider or Rae Williamson

General Meeting: Sgraffito Glass Powder Challenge Introduction

June 23,2024 @ 3:30PM-4:30PM Pacific Time Via Zoom

What is it?  Creating imagery with finely powdered black glass on a sheet glass substrate. Sgraffito is a subtractive technique; light areas are created by scraping away the powdered glass, while dark areas are made by adding piles of powder.  The finished drawing is very vulnerable until the piece is fired in a kiln so don’t sneeze!  We will be working to complete 30 fused glass powder sgraffito sketches in 30 days. Getting started may be difficult and you may not have experience using glass powders in this way. I hope though that you accept  the challenge feet-first and I promise you will improve by leaps and bounds over the next 30 days! We will begin on July 1st after learning how to do do it, so get your black powder ready…

We will also review the 2024 Gathering of the Guilds.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89848794864?pwd=4a5bBH83UQqqbKXqr4cfBsxkCqUdLE.1

Summer IS coming!

Welcome to June. It doesn’t seem like it but the summer art show season is just around the corner. Find a list of the shows we know have glass in them in the current newsletter. Members can log in and list their events on the Guild calendar by filling out the form under About>contact us, submit calendar event and we’ll try to publicize your event too.

June also has several Guild events:
10th Guild Board meeting via Zoom
19th Sherlocking (Troubleshooting) both Zoom and in person (Fairview OR)
24th General meeting via Zoom introducing the “Sgrafitto Powder Challenge” that will run during July.

Zoom General meetings are replaced by in-person potluck picnics during July and August. We hope to see you at at least one (and take photos for the newsletter if you think of it):
July 14, Keyport WA (Kitsap Peninsula, west of Seattle) 1 to 3 pm hosted by Fred Buxton
July 28, Seattle, WA 11 am to 2 pm hosted by Karen Seymour, one block west of the Seattle Zoo.
August 11, Battle Ground WA (N of Vancouver WA) 11 am to 3 pm (note: changed to Sunday) hosted by Gail Haskett
August 24, Fairview OR (NE of Portland) noon to 3 pm hosted by Margie Reiff

You can even bring your Mom to the Vendor Fair in Redmond on Saturday

  • This free event is Saturday May 11th, from 11 am to 3 pm and open to all folks interested in glass (Guild Members get discounts so join now).
  • Sponsor NW Art Glass is the place: 9003 151st Avenue NE in Redmond WA. They have invited the PNW Glass Guild to hold the Guild’s first Seattle area Vendor Fair in their upstairs classroom.
  • The Silent Auction features at least 16 items including CBS Dichro and other glass, class discounts from Zetamari, Blowing Sands, Glass Expressions and several other teachers, and even one of Gerald McBride’s handmade wooden display stands for your glass creations.
  • Several demos including Castalot (Michael Dupille), Reactive Glass Explorations (Lael Bennett), a New Glass Grinder Design (Gerald McBride), Silicone Mold Variations (Stephanie Johnston), Temperature For Texture (Karen Seymour).
  • Vendors from as far away as Turner OR are coming to sell you their glass related wares.
  • See the event link on the PNWGlassGuild.org website for the most current schedule.

Let’s make it a party: there will be lemonade and various finger food from Trader Joe’s for lunch. If you bring some food to share we’re sure to have enough. We have no idea of how many folks to expect (emailing us if you plan to come will help us round up enough chairs). Come and talk glass!

General Meeting: Kiln Carving

May 5 @ 3:30 pm â€“ 5:00 pm Pacific Time: via Zoom

Kiln Carving will be discussed on May 5, 2024 at 3:30 pm

Via Zoom join us as speakers Greta Schneider, Rae Williamson and Carlyne Lynch share the process of kiln carving, which involves cutting a pattern or design in ceramic fiber paper and stacking glass on top of the pattern and firing the piece in a kiln.

Contact the VPs, Barb Kienle and Carlyne Lynch, to get on the speakers list if you want to share on the topic.

Zoom Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83686557347?pwd=Y2hwTFgwSDlOZ0t0NjFTRjFla0ovdz09

Vendor Fair in Redmond WA (near Seattle)

Saturday May 11th, 11 am to 3 pm

Sponsor NW Art Glass, 9003 151st Avenue NE in Redmond WA, has invited the Guild to hold their first Seattle area Vendor Fair in their upstairs classroom (the new ground floor classroom isn’t quite finished). The purpose of a Vendor Fair is to have fun sharing info with other glass artists, raise money for the Guild, give sponsors a way to interact with our members and give members a good deal on the donated items.

Anyone interested in glass is welcome to attend but if you join the Guild you also get discounts on your silent auction bids and from some vendors and teachers. You are encouraged to bring finger food to share.

• Silent auction featuring donated items from sponsors and anyone else (the CBS dichro donation just arrived!)
• Sponsors will be selling things on a space available basis.
• Members who teach can put out class information and talk to perspective students.
• Scheduled demos: we already have Gerald McBride demoing his new grinder design, Lael Bennett talking about reactive glass, Stephanie Johnston showing different ways to make silicon molds, and Karen Seymour talking about temperature/texture effects. Check the event listing as we update the demo schedule and assign times.

Contact Sponsorship to reserve a space or make a donation for the auction.

General Meeting: Dr. Helen Bodycomb, Mosaic Artist

May 13 @ 7:00 pm â€“ 8:30 pm Pacific Time: via Zoom

Australian artist, Dr. Helen Bodycomb, will share her new book, Mosaicism – Thinking in Mosaic on May 13, 2024 at 7:00 pm via Zoom.

Enhance your practice and grow your thinking. Come hear visiting Australian mosaicist Dr Helen Bodycomb speak about some of the evolutionary drivers that sit behind our urge to make mosaic, and other compelling ideas from her new book, Mosaicism – Thinking in Mosaic.

You can also meet Helen in-person at Marvelous Mosaic on May 13th, 5:00-7:00 pm. Marvelous Mosaic is hosting Helen with an open studio and refreshments at 64535 Columbia River Hwy, Deer Island, OR 97054 on May 13th, 5:00-7:00. Come meet Helen, purchase her book and get it signed. Marvelous Mosaic’s vitrigraph products, tools and supplies will be for sale at a discounted price for Guild members during this event.

Gathering of the Guilds / Marvelous Mosaic Customers

To all customers who attended the Gathering of the Guilds in Portland, Oregon and made credit card or debit purchases at Marvelous Mosaic Fine Art booth, we have important information to share. Due to a technical glitch, our credit card reader ceased functioning properly from Saturday at 12:45 pm until Sunday at 4 pm. We kindly ask that if you purchased glass vitrigraph, glue, tools or pendants during these times, you check your charge statement and reach out to us if you were not charged for your purchase all charged did not go through between times indicated. Your attention to this matter will greatly assist our small business in recovering from this unforeseen setback. Kory Dollar of Marvelous Mosaic kory@marvelousmosaic.com or 360-719-9298

Gathering of the Guilds this Friday to Sunday

April 19-21 in Hall D of Portland’s Oregon Convention Center.

Come see fantastic art from PNW Glass Guild members and 5 other guilds FREE admission. https://gatheringoftheguilds.com/ for more info.

Volunteer and have even more fun: join us as a booth sitter, floater, door counter, or help with load in and load out on Wednesday, Thursday, or Sunday. You’ll get to interact with lots of your fellow PNW Glass Guild members and help this event succeed. Sign up through Signup Genius at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0C4BA5AA2AA4FE3-47297269-2024#


Painted Glass Pet Portraits Workshop, Bainbridge Island, WA

July 30 – August 2, 10 am – 4 pm

Member Cheryl Chapman will teach her reverse enameling process for the first time in the Seattle area! Join her at the Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network (BARN) to learn how to turn an animal photograph into an adorable, fun caricature portrait in glass all while learning about enamels and how to do reverse glass painting using a variety of mediums, tools and Easy Fire Enamels. Class Registration

General Meeting

March 24 @ 3:30 pm â€“ 5:00 pm Pacific Time: POSTPONED to MAY 5 @ 3:30-5:00pm

Kiln Carving

Join us on May 5th as speakers Greta Schneider, Rae Williamson and Carlyne Lynch share the process of kiln carving, which involves cutting a pattern or design in ceramic fiber paper and stacking glass on top of the pattern and firing the piece in a kiln.

Upcoming Events:

Sherlocking (Fairview OR, near Portland) & Zoom

March 20 @ 6:30 pm â€“ 8:30 pm Pacific Time: Fairview OR

Open to all members: Participants can show, describe and explain their piece and ask questions. New tools and discoveries also get shared. The meetings will be held on the 3rd Wednesday of most months at Margie Rieff’s house in Fairview OR (NE of Portland). Snacks are welcomed. Please contact Margie if you want to attend.

Please log in to see Margie’s address and the Zoom link

Vitrigraph Design & Demonstration, Portland

March 24 @ 2:00 am â€“ 4:00 pm PDT

Sunday March 24th, 2-4pm. 
4110 NE Fremont Street, Portland, Oregon

General Meeting via Zoom

March 24 @ 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm Pacific Time: POSTPONED to MAY

Kiln Carving

Join us as speakers Greta Schneider, Rae Williamson and Carlyne Lynch share the process of kiln carving, which involves cutting a pattern or design in ceramic fiber paper and stacking glass on top of the pattern and firing the piece in a kiln.

Contact the VPs, Barb Kienle and Carlyne Lynch, to get on the speakers list if you want to share on the topic.

*Members, log in to view this info.*
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83686557347?pwd=Y2hwTFgwSDlOZ0t0NjFTRjFla0ovdz09

Only 2 booths are still available for Gathering of the Guilds!

Both booths are 10’x10′: one has a corner ($475 + commission) and one is in-line, i.e. no corner ($400 + commission). Show and sell your work to the anticipated thousands of attendees of this free annual event April 19-21 in Portland. Last year’s attendance was just over 13,000 and the GOTG publicity team estimates it may even reach 30,000 this year based on the huge increase in response they are already getting. You must be a current PNW Glass Guild member and sign up for your booth before March 1st or the space will be re-allocated. See the registration page for details.

Guild General Meeting: Zoom

February 25 @ 3:30 pm â€“ 5:00 pm PST: Via Zoom

Topic will be how to use scrap glass. Get inspiration from other people’s projects and contribute your own. Our speakers will be  Lyn Kennison and Shirley Bishop.

Lyn has been doing glass for 20 years starting with stained glass . She makes jewelry as well as functional & nonfunctional art. She creates lots of  scraps and  has  been chopping up & refiring pieces she doesn’t  like. She will be sharing how she makes thick pieces with scrap & then what she does with them afterwards. 

Shirley has been creating glass for 10 years and opened  Studio13 Glass Art  in 2013. She loves creating with glass and teaching others. She will share how she uses scraps in creative ways.

We all want to see what you’ve done with your scrap. Contact the VPs, Barb Kienle and Carlyne Lynch, to get on the speakers list: things run so much smoother when they know who to call on next.

See the event listing for more info and Zoom link.

Sunday March 3rd Seattle Glass etc. Brunch

11 am until around 2 pm at Karen Seymour’s house near the zoo in Seattle (5415 Greenwood Ave N). Any one is welcome, member or not. Come discuss glass, what the Guild could do that would be helpful to your glass journey, and especially the upcoming Vendor Fair May 11.

If you have a piece to show off or ask questions about, we’d love to see it. Also bring a dish to feed about 8. Please contact Karen Seymour if you plan to attend.

Upcoming Glass Events

(Bolded dates are PNW Glass Guild sponsored events)
Feb 10 HeARTfest show and sale (Camas WA) say hi to member Shirley Bishop at this new community event

Feb 12 Guild Board Meeting via Zoom there will probably discussion of several upcoming events: Website patching & freshening, Gathering of the Guilds (Get your booth now before the space gets reallocated!!), Vendor Fairs in Seattle and Portland, Rose Festival booths and probably more. Any interested member may attend.

Feb 21 Sherlocking Play Day (NE Portland OR) In-person troubleshooting of your fusing “surprises” is back! This is intended as a monthly event on each –2nd– Wednesday evening of the month after this one.

Feb 25 Guild General Meeting via Zoom: Things to do with your scrap. Get inspiration from other people’s projects and contribute your own. Lots of interesting examples have been seen at other meetings: potmelts, holiday decor, vitrigraph pulls etc. Bringing it all together as a topic should be interesting and informative.

March 1st Grand Reopening of Moonwater Arts (Anacortes WA) help new Sponsor Joanie Schwartz celebrate and visit her new studio/classroom.

This Sunday Feb. 4th: Seattle potluck 11 am

Anyone (you don’t have to be a guild member) who wants to talk about glass, doing shows etc. is invited to a potluck brunch at Karen Seymour’s by the zoo in Seattle. Bring a dish to feed about 8.

If you also bring something for the show and tell (glass, a new technique or questions about a process, a kiln “surprise” to diagnose etc.) people will be delighted.

Please contact Karen if you plan to come so we have enough chairs etc. out before everyone starts arriving.

Gathering of the Guilds 2024, April 19-21

Booth sales are open now on the website for the show. You must be a current member to sell your work.

  • This year’s show and sale will be in Hall D of the Convention Center and will be in a much larger space, which will allow us to arrange our booths differently and so we have more booths with front line corners and aisle corners.
  • We have more room for Group Booth tables, so we can provide more opportunities for new and emerging artists.
  • Please check out all the information on the show on the event listing on the calendar Gathering of the Guilds – Pacific Northwest Glass Guild .
  • To sign up for a booth before they are all sold out, log in as a member, go to the homepage, then click on Registration Info in the GOTG article, and follow the instructions.
  • If you have questions, please contact Lesley Kelly.

Happy New Glass Year:

Here are some events to get you started:

CHANGED: Jan. 21, 2:00 pm: Open house for Guild Members in Fairview OR (east of Portland)

Jan. 15, 7:00 pm: Board meeting via Zoom (it was rescheduled from last week)

Jan. 28, 3:30 pm: General meeting via Zoom, “Working With Enamels

Feb. 4, 11:00 am: Glass etc. Potluck Brunch in Seattle

April 19-21: Gathering of the Guilds in Portland
Registration and other info will be available soon.

Increase your skills this year. See the “Find a Teacher” list for links to see member-teachers’ new classes.
For more skill building tips members can log in and view videos of past General Meetings under Glass>Education