Class Information
class registration now open
Studio classes are offered year-round at Dickinson Glass Studio and Showroom, located in picturesque Sonoma County. We offer classes in a variety of techniques and for all skill levels in a comfortable setting with small class sizes. We are passionate about glass, serious about play, and dedicated to providing education encompassing an ancient art form.
This packet contains important information about class information, available resources, and safety guidelines, as well as helpful information about The Barlow, Sebastopol, and the surrounding area. Please let us know if you have any questions by contacting hello@dickinsonglass.com.
Course levels defined
All levels: Students who have no experience, some experience, or significant experience are welcome. Instruction is tailored to the needs of each student.
Beginner: No experience or little experience — A beginner is someone who has never worked with glass before or has had very limited experience with it. A beginner may be a student who is learning the basic skills to manipulate glass. Students who have taken a few weekend workshops are beginners.
Intermediate: Have taken a previous flameworking class; curious to get creative — An intermediate student should be comfortable with manipulating glass and anticipating the results. Intermediate classes are intended for those who have worked with glass previously. Students of intermediate classes are expected to have a solid working knowledge of vessel-making and transferring, as well as a variety of color application techniques.
Advanced: Solid 1+ years of experience; confidence in skills — An advanced student will have solid glassmaking skills and extensive experience over the course of at least one year. Advanced classes provide instruction to artists who are refining their established skill sets. Advanced students are expected to utilize their experience to excel with challenging techniques and new styles of working.
Hours of Studio Operation
Please see class schedule as class times may vary. The Studio will be open for practice time on select afternoons and evenings depending on class interest. Should there be an interest in “open studio hours,” arrangements will be made with your instructor. For regular hours, Dickinson Glass Studio and Showroom is open Friday through Monday 11:00am - 5:00pm or by appointment. Please pick up glass work during open hours, contact us to schedule an appointment, or arrange for shipping.
Shipping
If you are scheduled to leave town before your glass work will have time to properly anneal, please arrange for your shipping. Dickinson Glass offers pre-paid shipping options to domestic destinations. Some restrictions apply. In person pick-up is always provided free of charge and glass work is available as early as the following day.
Class Policies
Age Restrictions
Students participating in a youth-specific class offered by Dickinson Glass must be 12 years of age or older. Parents must sign a liability waiver for children under 18 years of age.
Class Size
Each course is limited to a maximum of six students to ensure individual attention.
Dress
For safety reasons, students must not wear clothing that has long, loose sleeves that can get close to the torch flame. We encourage all-natural fiber clothing, long pants, and closed-toe, closed-heel shoes. Long hair must be tied back. Provided safety glasses must be worn when working with glass or assisting others.
No smoking
There is no smoking allowed anywhere in the building.
Course Program Format
When you Arrive
Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to class to fill out a waiver and get settled. We will be conducting health screenings upon arrival, and ask that you please stay home if you are experiencing any Covid-19 symptoms. Please bring a reusable water bottle.
Classes generally run from 9:00am to 12:00pm with a 15 minute break. The Studio will be open for practice time select mornings before the start of class depending on class interest and skill level.
A full schedule of demonstrations and projects will be given to each student on the first day of class. All glass work requires overnight cooling in an annealer. Pieces may be picked up beginning Monday for a weekend workshop, the day following a one day workshop, or shipped for an additional fee.
Longer intensive classes will generally be held from 10:00am to 4:00pm, including a one-hour lunch break. There are a number of popular restaurants onsite at The Barlow and if you prefer to bring your own lunch, there is a refrigerator available.
Please wear natural fiber clothing without long, loose sleeves and comfortable closed toed shoes. Please tie back long hair.
At the end of class, we distribute a newsletter including information and resources. If you need to make any changes to the information provided during booking, please let us know. We are always striving to improve our classes and facilities. We ask that you help us by taking the time to fill out an evaluation form, which will be provided. Thank you for joining us at Dickinson Glass Studio and Showroom!
Equipment
Our studio is equipped with six Glass Torch Technologies (GTT) torches utilizing propane and oxygen, two Paragon kilns, an array of thoughtfully designed hand tools, and an assortment of borosilicate glass.
Glass Supplies
We will supply glass and tools during your class, but if there are specific colors, etc. you would like to bring, please feel free. Beginner’s kits will also be available to purchase and/or order.
Refund/Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel, please contact hello@dickinsonglass.com or +1 (707) 690-4136. Students who withdraw at least seven days prior to the first scheduled session of a class will receive a full refund, minus the non-refundable $50 registration fee. No refunds will be given after that time. If, for any reason, it is necessary for us to cancel a class, a full refund or credit will be issued.
Location and Travel
Dickinson Glass Studio and Showroom is located at The Barlow, in Sebastopol, California. Conveniently located off Highway 12, we are easy to get to and just 15 minutes from Highway 101. There is ample free parking in The Barlow’s complex.
Our address is 6770 McKinley Street, Suite 120, Sebastopol, California 95472.
“The Barlow is a 12-acre Bay Area outdoor market district in Sebastopol, California featuring local food, wine, beer, spirits and crafts made onsite by Sonoma County artisans. Stroll our industrial-chic, dog-friendly campus and savor the organic edible landscaping — a nod to the rich agricultural history of The Barlow.”