Due to the need for health precautions and based on the guidelines and restrictions issued by the state of Virginia involving COVID-19, all classes and events scheduled through June 10, 2020 have been postponed or cancelled at Clifton Forge School of the Arts.
We will continue to monitor the developing circumstances and make future decisions based on the latest information. Students already registered for a cancelled class can hold their payment as credit for a future session of the same class or receive a full tuition refund. You should have received an email asking your preference. Contact us at cfsota@lumos.net for more information.
We will announce future class dates once normal scheduling and operations resume.
Thank you for your patience and understanding in this time of uncertainty.
Look for upcoming posts on our Facebook page for art inspiration and creative ideas to pass the time spent at home! https://www.facebook.com/cfsotarts/
We look forward to creating art and music in person together in the near future. In the meantime, we encourage you to share your individual artistic creations with us on social media or via email- be sure to tag us on Facebook and Instagram!
As always, we appreciate your support of Clifton Forge School of the Arts, the community art school of the Alleghany Highlands.
Please contact us if you have questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Keely Noffsinger Massie, Program Coordinator
cfsota@lumos.net
(540) 862-7275
We will continue to monitor the developing circumstances and make future decisions based on the latest information. Students already registered for a cancelled class can hold their payment as credit for a future session of the same class or receive a full tuition refund. You should have received an email asking your preference. Contact us at cfsota@lumos.net for more information.
We will announce future class dates once normal scheduling and operations resume.
Thank you for your patience and understanding in this time of uncertainty.
Look for upcoming posts on our Facebook page for art inspiration and creative ideas to pass the time spent at home! https://www.facebook.com/cfsotarts/
We look forward to creating art and music in person together in the near future. In the meantime, we encourage you to share your individual artistic creations with us on social media or via email- be sure to tag us on Facebook and Instagram!
As always, we appreciate your support of Clifton Forge School of the Arts, the community art school of the Alleghany Highlands.
Please contact us if you have questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Keely Noffsinger Massie, Program Coordinator
cfsota@lumos.net
(540) 862-7275
GLASS CLASSES
STAINED GLASS & FUSED GLASS
WE OFFER GLASS CLASSES IN:
FUSED GLASS (jewelry, sun catchers & larger projects); STAINED GLASS (copper foil & traditional lead came); BEGINNER & INTERMEDIATE LEVELS.
If you are interested in a PRIVATE GROUP CLASS for a group of friends, scout troop, or an organization, please call the School at 540-862-7275 to make arrangements.
Clifton Forge School of the Arts offers gift certificates, making it easy for you to give - or get - wonderful classes as gifts!
Buy gift certificates HERE or call the school at 540-862-7275.
FUSED GLASS (jewelry, sun catchers & larger projects); STAINED GLASS (copper foil & traditional lead came); BEGINNER & INTERMEDIATE LEVELS.
If you are interested in a PRIVATE GROUP CLASS for a group of friends, scout troop, or an organization, please call the School at 540-862-7275 to make arrangements.
Clifton Forge School of the Arts offers gift certificates, making it easy for you to give - or get - wonderful classes as gifts!
Buy gift certificates HERE or call the school at 540-862-7275.
*G-106: WEEKEND JEWELRY PENDANTS
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
Special Two-Day Format!
TUITION: $50 (includes materials)
Create unique sparkling glass jewelry for yourself or for gifts, even if you’ve never cut glass before! It’s easy, and fun, using dramatic, dazzling dichroic glass. All supplies are included and tools are available in class. Demos include basic “small piece” cutting techniques, a brief intro to glass fusing, dichroic glass, and composition recommendations. Students will use scrap and cut simple shapes, then stack and glue 3-4 small pendants for fusing in the first session. In session two, students will assess the results of their first batch, in group review of all fused pieces, including before and after photos. Discussion will include changes from the fusing process, and surprise effects, both good and bad. With added insight, students will then create a second batch of pendants. Finally, students will select and attach jewelry bails or pin backs, to complete their fused glass fashion masterpieces!
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
Special Two-Day Format!
TUITION: $50 (includes materials)
Create unique sparkling glass jewelry for yourself or for gifts, even if you’ve never cut glass before! It’s easy, and fun, using dramatic, dazzling dichroic glass. All supplies are included and tools are available in class. Demos include basic “small piece” cutting techniques, a brief intro to glass fusing, dichroic glass, and composition recommendations. Students will use scrap and cut simple shapes, then stack and glue 3-4 small pendants for fusing in the first session. In session two, students will assess the results of their first batch, in group review of all fused pieces, including before and after photos. Discussion will include changes from the fusing process, and surprise effects, both good and bad. With added insight, students will then create a second batch of pendants. Finally, students will select and attach jewelry bails or pin backs, to complete their fused glass fashion masterpieces!
*G-201: FUSED GLASS SUN CATCHERS & NIGHT LIGHTS
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
TUITION: $35 (includes materials)
Make a colorful, charming fused glass suncatcher in this easy, three-hour introduction to the basics of glass fusing! No previous glass cutting experience is required for this brief introduction to fused glass. Students will compose a design, approximately 4”x6”, using small scraps of fusible glass, and fusible glass frit. Each piece is fired to over 1200 degrees, melting the glass into a finished sun catcher, ready to hang in a sunny window. Youth aged 10 and up are welcome to register, if attending with a registered adult. Students may choose to make two fused glass night lights instead of a sun catcher for an additional fee of $9.00 to cover the cost of two fixtures, bulbs and clips, which are available in class. The night light panels are 2-½”x3” each. Finished projects can be picked up at the School office after firing or mailed for a small additional fee.
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
TUITION: $35 (includes materials)
Make a colorful, charming fused glass suncatcher in this easy, three-hour introduction to the basics of glass fusing! No previous glass cutting experience is required for this brief introduction to fused glass. Students will compose a design, approximately 4”x6”, using small scraps of fusible glass, and fusible glass frit. Each piece is fired to over 1200 degrees, melting the glass into a finished sun catcher, ready to hang in a sunny window. Youth aged 10 and up are welcome to register, if attending with a registered adult. Students may choose to make two fused glass night lights instead of a sun catcher for an additional fee of $9.00 to cover the cost of two fixtures, bulbs and clips, which are available in class. The night light panels are 2-½”x3” each. Finished projects can be picked up at the School office after firing or mailed for a small additional fee.
*G-301 MOSAIC GARDEN STEPPING STONES
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
TUITION: $30 (includes all materials)
Simple to make, colorful and durable stepping stones set a path through crowded gardens and provide extra color when flowers aren’t in bloom. A fun class for both adults and kids, age 10 and up. Students create a concrete and glass, 8x8” square stone. Concrete needs 24 hours to harden before removal from molds. Completed stones can be picked up at the School after a few days. If you like, purchase the reusable mold for an extra $14 and take your project with you immediately. No previous glass-cutting experience is necessary.
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
TUITION: $30 (includes all materials)
Simple to make, colorful and durable stepping stones set a path through crowded gardens and provide extra color when flowers aren’t in bloom. A fun class for both adults and kids, age 10 and up. Students create a concrete and glass, 8x8” square stone. Concrete needs 24 hours to harden before removal from molds. Completed stones can be picked up at the School after a few days. If you like, purchase the reusable mold for an extra $14 and take your project with you immediately. No previous glass-cutting experience is necessary.
G-101: BEGINNING STAINED GLASS
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
Tuesdays
TUITION: $90 (plus a $45 materials fee due to the instructor at the first class session.)
An intriguing five-week introduction to the art of making stained glass using the basic copper foil technique. Topics include glass cutting; foil and solder techniques; selection of colors, glass, and patterns; and rules for design and pattern-making. Students will select a panel pattern from a set of designs provided by the instructor to create a beautiful finished piece up to 10” x 15” in size. The School will provide tools for use in class.
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
Tuesdays
TUITION: $90 (plus a $45 materials fee due to the instructor at the first class session.)
An intriguing five-week introduction to the art of making stained glass using the basic copper foil technique. Topics include glass cutting; foil and solder techniques; selection of colors, glass, and patterns; and rules for design and pattern-making. Students will select a panel pattern from a set of designs provided by the instructor to create a beautiful finished piece up to 10” x 15” in size. The School will provide tools for use in class.
G-102: WEEKEND BEGINNING STAINED GLASS
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
TUITION: $90 (plus a materials fee of approximately $45 due to the instructor at the first class session)
No time for a five-week course? Learn the tools and technique of basic glass cutting and copper foil construction in a condensed version of our five-week course. Students will select a panel pattern from a set of designs provided by the instructor. All will be 20 pieces or so and about a square foot in size. No previous glass cutting experience is required. Students are encouraged to bring a camera to record the progress as their first glass piece takes shape! Add to the fun of the experience - take the class with a friend or in a small group!
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
TUITION: $90 (plus a materials fee of approximately $45 due to the instructor at the first class session)
No time for a five-week course? Learn the tools and technique of basic glass cutting and copper foil construction in a condensed version of our five-week course. Students will select a panel pattern from a set of designs provided by the instructor. All will be 20 pieces or so and about a square foot in size. No previous glass cutting experience is required. Students are encouraged to bring a camera to record the progress as their first glass piece takes shape! Add to the fun of the experience - take the class with a friend or in a small group!
G-700: FLAME WORKED BEADS
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
TUITION: $50 (tools and materials fee of $150)
Make beautiful, expressive beads from real glass! Melt, shape, and transform glass in the intense heat of a special torch. Get “up close and personal” as you join the dance between fire and glass to create each bead - an original work of art. Discover the basics of torch setup, safety, glass and color selection, shapes, decorating, and embellishments. Due to the use of torches and the intensive hands-on nature of this class, attendance is limited to only 3 to 5 students. Students must enroll at least two weeks prior to the first class (by April 3) and prepay the $150 materials fee to allow time for ordering the tool kits, including special bead-making glass. Provide an email address(es) to receive additional pre-class information. Students will need to purchase and bring a canister of MAPP gas to class.
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
TUITION: $50 (tools and materials fee of $150)
Make beautiful, expressive beads from real glass! Melt, shape, and transform glass in the intense heat of a special torch. Get “up close and personal” as you join the dance between fire and glass to create each bead - an original work of art. Discover the basics of torch setup, safety, glass and color selection, shapes, decorating, and embellishments. Due to the use of torches and the intensive hands-on nature of this class, attendance is limited to only 3 to 5 students. Students must enroll at least two weeks prior to the first class (by April 3) and prepay the $150 materials fee to allow time for ordering the tool kits, including special bead-making glass. Provide an email address(es) to receive additional pre-class information. Students will need to purchase and bring a canister of MAPP gas to class.
G-699: FRITS & PIECES: FUSED GLASS LANDSCAPES AND MORE
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
Noon - 2:30 p.m.
TUITION: $90 plus a materials fee of $50, paid to the instructor at the first class session.
Use fusible glass, frits, and stringers to create dramatic landscapes, seascapes, etc. Frits are ideal for creating detail, shading, or filling background around complex shapes. Learn to create lifelike garden scenes, landscapes, and seascapes, in this five-week, intermediate-level fusing class. Previous fusing experience is required.
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
Noon - 2:30 p.m.
TUITION: $90 plus a materials fee of $50, paid to the instructor at the first class session.
Use fusible glass, frits, and stringers to create dramatic landscapes, seascapes, etc. Frits are ideal for creating detail, shading, or filling background around complex shapes. Learn to create lifelike garden scenes, landscapes, and seascapes, in this five-week, intermediate-level fusing class. Previous fusing experience is required.
G-700: GLASS OPEN STUDIO SESSIONS
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
TUITION: $18 per session
Get back into glass, complete an old project or knock out a new one, in these unstructured sessions with instructor George Ayars. Includes the use of equipment and technical advice in a comfortable group setting. Open to all grads of our previous glass classes, whether stained or fused glass. Each session is 2 ½ hours; take as many or as few as you like. Come shop for glass during Open Studio at no charge!
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
TUITION: $18 per session
Get back into glass, complete an old project or knock out a new one, in these unstructured sessions with instructor George Ayars. Includes the use of equipment and technical advice in a comfortable group setting. Open to all grads of our previous glass classes, whether stained or fused glass. Each session is 2 ½ hours; take as many or as few as you like. Come shop for glass during Open Studio at no charge!
CLASSES ALREADY COMPLETE OR NOT OFFERED THIS TERM. LOOK FOR THEM IN FUTURE SCHEDULES!
G-105: WEEKEND BEVELED GLASS TRADITIONAL CONSTRUCTION
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
TUITION: $85 (plus a materials fee of $50 due to the instructor at the first class session)
Lead came construction is ideal for traditional or geometric panels, bevel panels, but it is VERY different from copper foil work. In this short-two-day introduction to the traditional lead came method, create a panel about one square foot in size. Students may choose one of several panels, including a small bevel cluster and a beveled border.
Instructor George Ayars will show helpful tips for cutting glass specifically for lead came projects; making and using piece patterns; assembly, and cleanup techniques. Some previous glass cutting and soldering experience is recommended, but not required. All tools are provided, or you may bring your own glass tools to class.
REGISTRATION FOR THIS CLASS IS NOW CLOSED.
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
TUITION: $85 (plus a materials fee of $50 due to the instructor at the first class session)
Lead came construction is ideal for traditional or geometric panels, bevel panels, but it is VERY different from copper foil work. In this short-two-day introduction to the traditional lead came method, create a panel about one square foot in size. Students may choose one of several panels, including a small bevel cluster and a beveled border.
Instructor George Ayars will show helpful tips for cutting glass specifically for lead came projects; making and using piece patterns; assembly, and cleanup techniques. Some previous glass cutting and soldering experience is recommended, but not required. All tools are provided, or you may bring your own glass tools to class.
REGISTRATION FOR THIS CLASS IS NOW CLOSED.
G-600: STAINED GLASS PANEL LAMPSHADES
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
Thursdays, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
TUITION: $90. Materials fee deposit of $65, paid to the instructor at the first class. Actual cost will vary with choice of pattern and glass. Lamp base not included.
Students create a unique and useful lampshade in this intermediate level class. Unlike complex Tiffany-style shades (which contain hundreds of glass pieces and are built on an expensive lamp form), panel lamps are a set of flat panels, joined to make the final shape, usually with 4 to 6 sides. Recommended patterns range from a finished size of 6 to 12” in diameter for this class. Demonstrations include selecting the pattern and glass; tips on accurate construction methods; joining the panels; adding a cap; cleaning and patina. Additional tips will be shown in class. You must have previous copper foil construction experience to take this class. Please enroll at least one week prior (that is by February 6) to the start of class to allow time for the ordering of supplies.
REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
Thursdays, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
TUITION: $90. Materials fee deposit of $65, paid to the instructor at the first class. Actual cost will vary with choice of pattern and glass. Lamp base not included.
Students create a unique and useful lampshade in this intermediate level class. Unlike complex Tiffany-style shades (which contain hundreds of glass pieces and are built on an expensive lamp form), panel lamps are a set of flat panels, joined to make the final shape, usually with 4 to 6 sides. Recommended patterns range from a finished size of 6 to 12” in diameter for this class. Demonstrations include selecting the pattern and glass; tips on accurate construction methods; joining the panels; adding a cap; cleaning and patina. Additional tips will be shown in class. You must have previous copper foil construction experience to take this class. Please enroll at least one week prior (that is by February 6) to the start of class to allow time for the ordering of supplies.
REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED
G-200: MOLTEN MAGIC: THE ART OF FUSING GLASS
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
TUITION: $90 (plus a materials fee of $50 due to the instructor at the first class session)
Learn the basics of the art, and science, of glass fusing in this introductory five-week fusing class! Explore the exciting transition of glass from hard, brittle pieces to a mystical, moldable state where glass flows like molten lava, pieces join, and art is formed under intense heat. Students will create a free form fused panel and a dimensional project of their choice - either a plate, bowl, or a free-standing piece. Learn the techniques used to create many kinds of fused glass projects, including glass compatibility, ramping schedules, flash venting, and more. Some previous glass cutting experience is recommended, but not required; we will cover the basics of cutting glass in class.
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
TUITION: $90 (plus a materials fee of $50 due to the instructor at the first class session)
Learn the basics of the art, and science, of glass fusing in this introductory five-week fusing class! Explore the exciting transition of glass from hard, brittle pieces to a mystical, moldable state where glass flows like molten lava, pieces join, and art is formed under intense heat. Students will create a free form fused panel and a dimensional project of their choice - either a plate, bowl, or a free-standing piece. Learn the techniques used to create many kinds of fused glass projects, including glass compatibility, ramping schedules, flash venting, and more. Some previous glass cutting experience is recommended, but not required; we will cover the basics of cutting glass in class.
G-220: FUSED GLASS II: SPECIAL MATERIALS, SPECIAL EFFECTS
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
For graduates of our Molten Magic fusing class. Create more exciting fused pieces, using more advanced techniques for materials introduced in the Molten Magic class, including frits, stringers, and dichroic glass. New techniques will also be introduced including stencils and multi-fired projects. Learn to coax more special effects out of these remarkable fusing materials!
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
For graduates of our Molten Magic fusing class. Create more exciting fused pieces, using more advanced techniques for materials introduced in the Molten Magic class, including frits, stringers, and dichroic glass. New techniques will also be introduced including stencils and multi-fired projects. Learn to coax more special effects out of these remarkable fusing materials!
G-203: COZY QUILTS IN FUSED GLASS
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
Homey, classic quilt designs - who doesn’t love’em? Inviting, comforting - antique in essence, but somehow timeless and modern. No previous glass experience required. Students will learn basic glass cutting, with added tips for speed cutting strips, squares, triangles and diamond shapes so popular in traditional quilt designs. Make one of several classic patterns, such as Basket of Scraps, Oh Susannah, Eight Point Star, etc.
Students assemble an 8” square panel which is then fused to over 1200 degrees, melting the glass into a finished suncatcher, ready to hand in your window. Finished projects can be picked up at the School office after firing is completed, or mailed for a small additional fee. Class includes a short break (bring a bag lunch).
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
Homey, classic quilt designs - who doesn’t love’em? Inviting, comforting - antique in essence, but somehow timeless and modern. No previous glass experience required. Students will learn basic glass cutting, with added tips for speed cutting strips, squares, triangles and diamond shapes so popular in traditional quilt designs. Make one of several classic patterns, such as Basket of Scraps, Oh Susannah, Eight Point Star, etc.
Students assemble an 8” square panel which is then fused to over 1200 degrees, melting the glass into a finished suncatcher, ready to hand in your window. Finished projects can be picked up at the School office after firing is completed, or mailed for a small additional fee. Class includes a short break (bring a bag lunch).
G-105: WEEKEND TRADITIONAL STAINED GLASS CONSTRUCTION
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
Lead came (lead channel) construction is ideal for traditional or geometric panels, bevel panels, and large architectural construction, but it can be challenging to learn because it is so different from copper foil work. Using simplified techniques, artist and instructor George Ayars will guide you through the process, teaching you how to create beautiful lead came work in this five-week class. Topics include helpful tips for cutting glass specifically for lead came projects, making and using piece patterns, assembly, cementing, and cleanup techniques. Students will choose a pattern from a group selected by the instructor for this class. Some previous glass cutting and soldering experience is recommended, but not required. All tools are provided, or you may bring your own glass tools to class.
INSTRUCTOR: GEORGE AYARS
Lead came (lead channel) construction is ideal for traditional or geometric panels, bevel panels, and large architectural construction, but it can be challenging to learn because it is so different from copper foil work. Using simplified techniques, artist and instructor George Ayars will guide you through the process, teaching you how to create beautiful lead came work in this five-week class. Topics include helpful tips for cutting glass specifically for lead came projects, making and using piece patterns, assembly, cementing, and cleanup techniques. Students will choose a pattern from a group selected by the instructor for this class. Some previous glass cutting and soldering experience is recommended, but not required. All tools are provided, or you may bring your own glass tools to class.