Glass

Glass

Alberta University of the Arts offers the only glass-focused program in western Canada. 

Combine analytical thinking skills relevant to contemporary glass practice with an understanding of material and technical processes to express your own relationship to contemporary art and culture, the international glass movement and craft ideals as you develop a sustained, innovative studio glass practice.

Glass concentration

The Glass concentration introduces students to various techniques and approaches to material and idea development strategies. Students may focus on materially oriented approaches such as kiln forming or hot glass or opt to pursue independent trajectories within our classes in support of conceptually driven ends.   

Popular courses

• GLSS 210 Malleable Methods
• GLSS 222 Alternative Processes
• GLSS 310 Paths and Possibilities
• GLSS 313 Individual Practices in Alternative Processes
• GLSS 412 Research Seminar

Careers include:

• Glass blower or designer
• Production artist 
• Arts administrator
• Educator
• Entrepreneur
• Curator

Studio facilities

Studio instruction is presented in a workshop-style environment. 

• Four Glory Holes: three 12” opening and one 20"  

• Two 300-pound, invested pot glass furnaces 

• Six annealers with programmable controllers 

• Gas and electric garage 

• Seven kilns (4 top loading, 2 front loading, 1 bell style)with GB 1 controllers, providing numerous possibilities for warm glass and casting processes 

• Full range of cold working equipment, including three state-of-the-art cutting lathes, NSK engraving stations, Suhner water-fed hand grinders, wet saws and belt sanders 

• Individual studio spaces for third- and fourth-year students