Stuck in a rut-need an education!

[glassdancer]

I have the same problem as Wabisabi. I also am largely self taught, but I think I can top her problem with location. I live in Central Indiana. That's just about as 'rural America" as you can get. I would like to advance my glass knowledge too, and have the same budgets constraints as wabisabi. The only places I know of that are decently close to me are the Indianapolis Art Center and they don't really have fusing classes - mostly furnace work. There is Delphi in Michigan, but their classes don't seem worth the trip. They are usually pretty short. North Carolina and Tennessee have some nice sounding schools, but they are a very long drive from here. - at least 8+ hours. It seems Chicago should have some places, but I haven't found them. Chicago would really work for me as I have relatives in the area I could stay with, too. I have considered online classes, but I really like the idea of 'immersion' Where you don't have any distractions and can really get into it!

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Everyone on this board seems to have so many helpful suggestions. I lurk alot, but usually don't feel qualified to give any advise. But I feel I learn something every time I come to the board.

Glassdancer
aka Nancy

[Morganica]

I have the same problem as Wabisabi. I also am largely self taught, but I think I can top her problem with location. I live in Central Indiana. That's just about as 'rural America" as you can get. I would like to advance my glass knowledge too, and have the same budgets constraints as wabisabi. The only places I know of that are decently close to me are the Indianapolis Art Center and they don't really have fusing classes - mostly furnace work. There is Delphi in Michigan, but their classes don't seem worth the trip. They are usually pretty short. North Carolina and Tennessee have some nice sounding schools, but they are a very long drive from here. - at least 8+ hours. It seems Chicago should have some places, but I haven't found them. Chicago would really work for me as I have relatives in the area I could stay with, too. I have considered online classes, but I really like the idea of 'immersion' Where you don't have any distractions and can really get into it!

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Everyone on this board seems to have so many helpful suggestions. I lurk alot, but usually don't feel qualified to give any advise. But I feel I learn something every time I come to the board.

Glassdancer
aka Nancy

Actually, it depends on where you are in glassmaking and what kinds of classes you're looking for, but I have an old list of class sources on my website (haven't updated it in a year or so, so some of these may be outdated). There are several in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio on that list. http://www.morganica.com/glasseryschools.php Not on the list: Chicago Hot Glass, which has both glassblowing and fusing classes. http://www.chicagohotglass.com/ Haven't taken a class there so I don't know what they're like.

It's true, though, that most of the "immersion" kilnforming, casting and lampworking schools are on either coastg. But I'd say it's probably worth it to take a week's vacation there.

[Bert Weiss]

If you live in the boonies, travel to a class. Factoring in airfare and housing are part of the expense. We are incredibly lucky to have this forum on which to compare notes, with a worldwide group of peers. There is still no substitute for a hands on class with a good teacher.

Back in the 80's there wasn't much opportunity for good classes in the Northeast. I took several classes at Haystack which was in my home state (at the time) of Maine. These classes were for 2 - 3 weeks and were expensive. I never regretted spending the money. I always got a sizable commission soon after a class which got me well on the way to making the experience profitable.