Glass Garden Studio

Monday Night Stained Glass Class

2010-09-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

The Tiffany stained glass class began Monday night and the students learned some basic stained glass skills by making a small suncatcher. The first night of the class everyone learns to cut glass, use copperfoil and solder the pieces of glass together. The result this night is a small hummingbird suncatcher that can hang in the window or be used as an ornament this holiday season. Next week the students start their larger project which will take about 5 weeks to complete. I love stained glass.....Robin

Simone Nicole at First Friday Denton

2010-08-17T14:38:00.000-07:00

Simone Nicole played at the studio on the First Friday in August. I would have to say that it was was an absolutely wonderful show. Simone has been singing since she was 14 and after performing with a band for a couple of years she decided to go solo and do some of her own music. We look forward to her coming back this fall and performing again in the studio. Be sure and check out her myspace and her website. www.simonenicole.com. Check out the photos of the evening........Robin

First Friday Denton, August, 2010

2010-08-03T20:25:00.000-07:00

I am really looking forward to First Friday Denton at the Studio on August 6th. Gregory Conlin will be back to do sketch portraits and the music will begin at 7:00. Simone Nicole will be performing at the studio and it promises to be fun. Beautiful art, great music and good people. What a great combination.

Sizzling Summer Art Show

2010-07-27T20:46:00.000-07:00

A Great time was had by all at the Sizzling Summer Art Show. We had a wonderful turnout and if you got to come, no doubt you got to enjoy the wonderful artwork from both our veteran and new artists. I think this is the best show yet. It was quite a spread with food provided by Sweet Basil, the artists and friends. Vanessa Helvey and David White kicked off the celebration with both cover songs and original songs written by Vanessa. The Boxcar Bandits then took the stage and performed an amazing set. Gotta love those Boxcar Bandits. A new addition to this opening was the opportunity to have your portrait done by Gregory Conlin and not only could you have your portrait done, but watch him in action. He will be back at our next First Friday in case you didn't get the opportunity to have your portrait sketched. Didn't get to come? Here are a few photos........Robin

Sizzling Summer Art Show

2010-07-22T21:53:00.000-07:00

Wow, is all I have to say today about our Sizzling Summer Art Show. Yes, it is Sizzling somewhat outside. After all, it is Texas, but I have to admit our Summer Art Show is also a Sizzler. We are busy hanging our beautiful show and preparing for Saturday. Our artists have brought in beautiful works and we have added several new artists to our gallery since the last show and I think you will enjoy getting to see their work. Click HERE for a short article about our opening on Saturday. Since the information was given to the paper we have added several other new Artists. Crystal Nelson's beautiful collage works, the paintings of Mariko Frost who was featured in the Texas National, 2009, Jennifer Leigh Jones, who in 2009 was Awarded as being one of The New Dallas Nine Artist’s in D Magazine, and new artist Joshua Rackley. I am so looking forward to hearing Vanessa Helvey play and sing and tap my feet to the "have to love em " Boxcar Bandits.

Return from the Windy City

2010-07-20T20:54:00.001-07:00

Recently I got to take a quick trip to the Windy City. I spent a lot of time visiting other art galleries, charming towns in Michigan as well as a quick trip to Wisconsin. On my final day in Chicago I got to ride the train into the city. Getting out at Union Station was quite the treat for me. Like an ant, I followed the stream of people to a street level. I had traveled with my parents to Union Station when I was very young on the Santa Fe Railroad and I remembered that as a child the station alone seemed like a small city. Walking very quickly, I made my way to The Art Institute of Chicago where I saw the incredible collection of masterpieces. Rooms filled with Monets, a huge hallway filled with Rembrants as well as getting to see Picassos and Van Goghs. Beautiful enamel works, sculptures and metalworks as well. What a treat to get to visit the Institute. Of course, one day was by no means enough to see everything there but I did see as much as I could until my brain was on total art overload. Just a few pictures to share some of the sights....Robin

Glass Garden Studio Fun!

2010-07-07T21:27:00.001-07:00

Check out the beautiful projects that my students have created.

These projects were made in the evening Tiffany stained glass class. When taking the six week course, you first make a small suncatcher which gives you practice cutting glass, foiling and soldering. The second week you begin your larger project which takes the remaining 5 weeks in class to complete. The larger project is framed in zinc that you cut and solder together to make a finished stained glass panel ready to hang. I would say each of these students get an A+! .....Robin

Studio Fun!

2010-06-24T19:52:00.000-07:00

The studio was filled with the sounds of creativity Tuesday night. You might ask the question “what does creativity sound like?” On this particular night it sounded like conversations about art, artists meeting other artists and the sounds created by the various tasks being done. During the Watercolor batik class, stained glass students stopped by to get ahead on their Glass Mosaic projects or finish up their Tiffany stained glass project. The studio was filled with activity and color and it was so enjoyable to have a large group of people working together in different mediums, sharing ideas and encouragement. Dreams do come true.......Robin

First Friday Denton, June 2010

2010-06-13T19:53:00.000-07:00

My favorite day of the month is quickly becoming the First Friday of the month. At the studio, the work tables are pushed back to make room for the music and fun. Last first Friday Adam Cline and Joel Dreistadt performed for the biggest first Friday crowd that we have had. Also known as the group White Gorilla, these experienced musicians filled the studio with some rock, some folk and shared many of their original songs with the crowd. Adam and Joel had been playing together for four years and prior to forming their duo, were busy traveling around the midwest with another group. With Adam, singer-songwriter, on his guitar and Joel playing percussion, the crowd checked out the beautiful art, visited with friends and listened to some of Denton's local talent. What a great evening. If you missed it, you can check out the pictures and put First Friday Denton July on your calendar.

Mosaic Class

2010-06-03T04:19:00.000-07:00

Mosaic is the art of creating images with an assemblage of small pieces of colored glass, stone, or other materials. Did you know that the earliest known examples of mosaics made of different materials were found at a temple building in Ubaid, Mesopotamia, and are dated to the second half of 3nd millennium BC. Amazing. Actually, Mosaic work is still very popular and there are some really beautiful and extensive mosaic glassworks in Vegas at some of the hotels. I have always enjoyed working with mosaic and actually made my first mosaic before I was 11. I wasn't using glass then but working with small tiles. In the mosaic class at the studio we are working with glass and started out making mosaic coasters which are not only functional but also pretty. Each person in the class did their own design. The coaster takes three weeks to totally complete because of drying time for the glue, drying time for the group and then application of the grout sealant but don't think we are just standing around waiting for things to dry. The second week the class began their large project. Once again you could make the project of your choice and the projects varied from table top, mirror, to art tile. Check out the pictures of the Mosaic Class.

It's time to Bead!

2010-05-23T14:47:00.000-07:00

Beading has always been one of my favorite things to do. I enjoy making jewelry using a variety of beads but of course, being a stained glass artist, I tend to gravitate to glass beads. Although metal, stone and ceramic all make beautiful beads, there is something about the sparkling surface of glass that I love. Attraction to how glass beads look is not the only magnet that pulls to toward them, but there is also something special about the way they feel in your hand and against your body. I am posting a picture of a small beaded bag necklace that I have made. It is made of glass delica beads, a very consistently sized seed bead from Japan, glass crystals and small silver beads. It is really one of my favorite things I have made and having recently sold it, I thought I would share it with the world one last time. I will be teaching some beading classes at the studio and soon will add beads and findings so beaders may purchase supplies. The second photo captures some of my new favorite beads that will be offered at the studio. I can't wait to make something out of those fish beads.........Robin

Community

2010-05-18T19:52:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month I participated in the Denton Community Market, an outdoor market that sets up on the second Saturday of each month on Carroll Boulevard in Denton, Texas. I arrived, set up my tent and then set our my wares to join the sale. I really had no idea what to expect or who might be there but as the morning progressed, I realized that this was a very special event in which I was participating. The market was full of arts, crafts, plants, food, and music but most importantly, the market was full of the sense of community. Webster says that a community is a unified body of individuals : a group of people with a common history or common social, economic, and political interests. The participants of the market were a community, a community working to make an event that would enrich our city. At this market I saw old friends that had spent most of their lives building the sense of community in others and a new generation who were following their vision and working for the good of all. Sometimes we need reminders that life is always full of potential for great things to happen. The Denton Community Market is one of them.…..Robin

2010-05-13T07:04:00.000-07:00

I hope you got to stop by the studio to listen to Vanessa Helvey and David White last Friday. Performing many of her own songs, Vanessa "wowed" the group with her voice and guitar. David White plays an incredible guitar and mandolin and together the duo was definitely a crowd pleaser. If you didn't get to see them, they will be performing at Twilight tunes on the square tonight. We hope to have them back in the studio not too far in the future......Robin

Music and Art, Now that's the way to spend an evening!

2010-05-06T20:58:00.000-07:00

Join us Friday night at the studio for music from Vanessa Helvey and David White. Vanessa is a singer songwriter who is originally from the Texoma area. Her father taught her how to play the guitar when she was 14 and she has been playing and writing music ever since. She moved to Denton to attend the University of North Texas where she graduated with a degree in Political Science. She has two dozen original songs and looks forward to recording in the near future. Until then, she follows her passion of playing as much as she can locally and in the DFW area. David White studied music at the University of North Texas and will be playing madolin and guitar. Vanessa describes her style as Americana/Alternative Country/Folk and the trio hopes to eventually add a drummer and move toward a more electric sound. While performing in Austin, Vanessa was discovered by a group that will be producing a reality program about the life of musicians. She could be a candidate for the new innovated program but the selection process is still in the works. If interested in a preview, you can check out Vanessa's myspace at www.myspace.com/vanessahelvey.

Evening Stained Glass Class

2010-04-29T20:43:00.000-07:00

I have shared the pictures of my morning stained glass class at the studio but I didn't want to slight the first evening Tiffany stained glass class. The students worked very hard starting with making a small suncatcher the first night, then moved quickly to a larger window for their second project. Listening to a variety of music while working, they cut, soldered and coppeerfoiled their way to a beautiful piece of art. Check out their photos.

Senior Metals show at the Studio

2010-04-22T19:57:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we hosted a Senior Metals show at the studio. Time and Nature was the theme of the show and the student's work was beautiful and inspiring. The artists, Shannon Saxman and Greta Perea study at the University of North Texas and created a beautiful event. Music, food and beautiful art, you can't go wrong with that combination.

First Class in New Studio

2010-04-11T20:37:00.000-07:00

I really love doing stained glass and love teaching so that statement gives you insight as to how much I enjoy teaching stained glass classes. I have taught stained glass classes for a long time for the University of North Texas mini-courses. These classes were taught on the UNT campus in the beginning but then later moved to my home studio. Although my home studio was cozy, my new studio offers so much more space for teaching. My first class has completed their projects and I wanted to share some pictures of the stained glass projects completed at the studio. In the first Tiffany Stained glass class taught at the studio, the students did a wonderful job. By the end of the first lesson they had learned to cut glass, solder and completed a small suncatcher. The second week of the six week course, the students began their first project. For this larger project they could do a design of their choice and I think their small windows are simply beautiful. I have to say that I had a wonderful group of fun people in my voyage class at my new studio space. Check out the pictures of their projects......Robin

First Friday Denton, April, 2010

2010-04-06T21:21:00.001-07:00

Each First Friday of the Month, our studio stays open late for those who would like to stop by for evening art viewing. This past Friday we had a wonderful evening of art with the sounds of Glen Farris in the studio. We had quite the crowd beginning around 6:00 pm and Glen began playing around 7:00. Glen plays the guitar, sings and plays the harmonica, and as his sounds filled the studio, smiles filled the faces of those listening. His music transcended the various ages of art and music lovers that were gathered and he even took requests.
Join us May 7th for First Friday Denton. We have a wonderful duo lined up to perform at the studio.

It's a Sign!

2010-04-01T21:55:00.000-07:00

Do you believe in signs? We finally have our sign outside the Studio. With some tape and paint we created this basic sign that really says what we are all about. ART. The sign does say so much more than art if you look deeper. It screams I love color, I love graphics, abstracts are cool, spirals are my friend.....I guess you get the picture. The sign was fun to paint and alot of fun to watch go up. Looking for the studio? Just look for a sign.

Art Opening at the Studio

2010-03-31T22:31:00.001-07:00

Saturday we had our second art opening at the Studio. The studio looked beautiful and the new photography room was completed although I have to admit that paint was still being applied the night before. So many friends and patrons came out to support the studio. The music was great and we were so lucky to have such talented musicians perform as the Dana Isaac Trio along with Deke and Dana's daughter Tess. The Boxcar Bandits were outstanding as usual and you might notice in the picture that there is a Boxcar Bandit want-to-be. This art show exhibited the art of 24 artists and there was such a variety we are hoping that there was something of interest for everyone. I was working on a special piece of stained glass for the show, but did not quite get it ready but soon it will be on display. If you didn't get to make it to the exhibit, stop by anytime between 12 and 6 pm and check out what we have been doing.......Robin

Art Opening

2010-03-24T19:52:00.000-07:00

What a busy week at the studio. The Mosaic class began Monday night and I am very excited to see what projects the students create. Monday we made coasters out of stained glass and next week after grouting the coasters, we begin our next project. This class lasts for 5 weeks and is always so much fun. Tuesday, the morning stained glass class began. This class lasts for 6 weeks and the first day of this class a smaller suncatcher is made. Next week we will begin our larger project that will take 5 weeks to complete. The studio is looking great. The rest of this week will be dedicated to cleaning, hanging art, and getting ready to make merriment at the Art opening, Saturday, March 27. It will last from 4-8 and we have two groups lined up for music. The Dana Isaac Trio will play from 4-6 followed by the Boxcar Bandits from 6-8. So much fun.

Nx35 at the Studio

2010-03-15T21:09:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a tremendous day in the Studio. We have almost finished hanging the new art for the show and celebration on March 27th and the new Photography gallery is almost ready. Saturday was also a day full of music and for our Nx35 unofficial show we had 5 groups play their original works. The Studio is really a great place for an intimate concert and everyone in attendance seemed to agree. The show was kicked off by the Wheeler Sparks group and Wheeler performed his beautiful songs written for his grandfather. Very nice. Following Wheeler Sparks was singer and piano player LaLagray. Her unique style and voice totally captured your heart. The Early Birds performed several tunes that were great and had quite a following. Clint Niosi played his folksy acoustic set demonstrating that he is an accomplished guitar player as well as songwriter. Special guests from Brooklyn, New York, completed the show. I would highly recommend checking out any of these fantastic musicians. Music and art, what a great combo....Robin

Birthday Art Party Bash

2010-03-10T01:13:00.000-08:00

We had lots of fun on Sunday in the Studio. A wonderful celebration for a very special young lady who turned 4 years old. We started the party off with drawing on cardstock and everyone created a drawing for the birthday girl. Lin led the party to the pile of pillows where birthday stories were read and then back to the table for painting on T shirts. Shirts weren't the only thing painted as you can see in the pictures. Carolyn did a great job with the facepainting. Bright colored cupcakes, pin the tail on the donkey..... who couldn't have a wonderful time. - Robin

Music Coming to the STUDIO

2010-03-05T18:24:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, March 13th, music makes it way to A Creative Art STUDIO. 4 acoustic groups will perform in the studio starting around 12 noon. This is a part of the NX35 conferette but we are not an official sponsor venue. I have gone to Myspace to check out those who are scheduled to perform and really liked what I heard. If you want a preview, you can check out the following:

Clint Niosi - http://www.myspace.com/clintniosi
Lalagray - http://www.myspace.com/ashleymyrick
Early Birds - http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Early-Birds/266060173685?ref=ts
Wheeler Sparks - http://www.myspace.com/wheelersparks

Stop by if you can. From what I understand you will not need a wristband. We are getting ready for a very busy and exciting time next week. Hope to see you there.

It's Snow Shoveling Time!

2010-02-17T06:45:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful snow. I had to post some pictures of the studio in the snow and share this story. Needing to shovel snow in Texas is quite the rare occasion and after borrowing a shovel and broom I headed up to the studio to clear the sidewalk. Brrrrr. I was making pretty poor progress when a very nice wandering minstrel stopped by and said that he would be able to help me. No sooner than he spoke another guy rode up on his bike and said that he would shovel because he had grown up in Minnesota and this snow was no big deal. The younger man began shoveling like crazy, the minstrel retrieved the guitar on his back and proceeded to belt out a variety of tunes to entertain us as we worked. Singing, shoveling, and sweeping the snow away from the sidewalk, we got the job done. Passerbys waved and laughed as they saw us. It was one of those spontaneous moments that happens rarely but beautifully. It was a good day.........Robin

Get ready to Party!

2010-01-27T19:50:00.000-08:00

We had our first ART PARTY at the studio this past weekend. I spent the week making cute artist smocks from recycled T-shirts for the kids to wear to protect their clothing. Although time consuming, these artist smocks will be great for future parties and children's art classes that are planned. The studio looked very festive with the addition of the colorful decorations and special Birthday decor. We offer various art activities for parties but this party was a Paint a T-Shirt party. The group of eight year olds practiced by first drew out their designs on cardstock. After a lesson on painting, the partygoers selected their paint and began creating their masterpieces. The end results were color and unique and wearable. Fun was had by all....Robin

Late Night at the Studio

2010-01-17T18:57:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a late night at the studio. I was in a jewelry making mood and thought I would make some glass pieces to incorporate into my jewelry. Fused glass is made by heating compatible glass in a kiln until the glass becomes molten which usually happens at about 1500 degrees. These jewelry pieces were taken to a "full fuse" which means the different layers of glass were taken to such a high temperature that they look like one piece of glass. The incredible colors are made by using dichroic glass which is glass that has a special coating. The magic of dichroic glass is that it reflects one color and transmits a different color so it's color appears to change when you look at the glass from different angles. When you fuse glass you have to let the glass anneal in the kiln which means you slowly bring the temperature of the kiln down. If things cool too fast, things can shatter. The first picture is a "before" picture of the glass in the kiln and the second picture is an "after" picture of the completed jewelry pieces. These colors make me think Spring is just around the corner. ; ) Robin

Stained Glass Classes begin!

2010-01-13T20:18:00.000-08:00

Our studio offered it's first stained glass class this week. The students are learning the Tiffany or copper foil stained glass method which generally has been thought to have been developed by Louis Tiffany although recently I have heard that there is a debate about who developed this method. Prior to the development of the Tiffany technique, stained glass windows were created by using the age old method which involved joining the pieces of glass with lead cane or strips of lead that have channels to hold the glass. In the Tiffany method the pieces of stained glass are are wrapped in a copper foil and then soldered together. This method allows the stained glass to be lighter in weight and also allows three-dimensional projects such as boxes and lamps, to be constructed.
The students in the class created a small suncatcher for their first project and will begin the construction of a panel next week. The class runs for 6 weeks and I look forward to seeing the final projects..... Robin

Stained Glass Repair

2010-01-07T12:53:00.000-08:00

It is a extremely cold day and I am keeping warm at the studio by working on a new stained glass repair job. I am taking this larger window that came out of an old oak door, repairing the broken piece of glass and then will make it smaller to fit into a transom for one of the Classic houses here in Denton. The trick to doing window repair is to fix the broken pieces without breaking any more. Difficult? yes. Doable? yes, if the glass gods are smiling today. After the repair and resizing is done, I will polish it with whiting until it shines like new. How great to take something that has a little wear and tear and make it beautiful and useful again.....Robin

Happy New Year

2010-01-02T20:36:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that our doors have only been open for a little over a month. Each day is a new adventure in the world of art. I just returned from a short trip to Marfa, Texas where I got to check out several art galleries and looked at the studios of Robert Arber and Julie Speed. The beauty of the Big Bend area is breathtaking. I am now planning to create a desert scene in glass. It was all very inspiring and also made me feel very proud of what we have accomplished so far in our studio. Additional tables for the classes are almost assembled and should prove to be a comfortable place to work. Very exciting times....... Robin

Art Class Schedule

2009-12-18T19:27:00.000-08:00

Our class schedule for winter classes is ready. In January, 2010, we will begin our voyage classes with a Saturday Basic art class, a 6 week Tiffany Stained glass class offered Monday evenings and Tuesday mornings, and a 3 week watercolor batik class offered on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings. Call, email or stop by the studio to sign up for one of our classes offered. We will be adding a variety of classes throughout the year. Join us for some fun and learn something new. -Robin

Wassail Festival and Tree Lighting

2009-12-05T22:54:00.000-08:00

Today was our first event to participate in on the square. With a borrowed recipe from a business neighbor and a borrowed 1960 Perculator, I trusted that our Wassail would be great. Actually, it was quite tasty even if I do say so myself. Lots of merry makers stopped by and saw the studio for the first time and shared in the holiday cheer that was happening in the studio. Making our way to the square to watch Brave Combo play, I know that the Holiday season has now official begun....Robin

Preparing for Christmas on the Square

2009-12-02T18:16:00.000-08:00

Today we are getting ready for Denton's Christmas on the Square. Wassail recipe in hand, ornaments on the tree and cold weather. All we need now is Brave Combo and luckily we have "It's Christmas Man" on CD. I am finally learning to blog and this is my first. TaDaaaa! Come see us on the Denton Square on Thursday and warm up with our hot, spicy new recipe! ~Robin