Review of powder and frit class at Vitrum Studio

[Cliff Swanson]

As much as it may seem to be preaching to the choir, I'd like to provide the board readership a brief consumer report on Bob Leatherbarrow's powder and frit class held at Vitrum Studio on May 26, 27. Please recognize that all of the following statements are my personal opinions, others may have differing views.

The class was well organized and conducted at a pace that enabled everyone to accomplish the project goals without being rushed or pressured. The salient techniques were presented, discussed, and reviewed; and a substantial handout was provided. In addition to the technical information, Bob also made clear his personal creative philosophy and carried it into the work projects completed during the class days. As a university faculty member myself, I think that a large part of mentoring aspiring students rests in being able to sincerely transmit one's own joy of the subject, and engage the participating students in both the objective and subjective aspects of the techniques and information being presented. Bob hit the mark in this regard, adn I'm certain that this contributes to his positive reputation and high regard as a teacher in the warm glass world. Having experienced the class first hand, I'll add my kudos to those that have preceeded this review.

Vitrum Studio is a perfect environment for workshops. The space is large, well supplied, and layed out for teaching. Beyond the physical attributes, owners Judy Conway and Kevin O'toole are gracious and generous with both knowledge adn supplies. Bob's class is the second workshop I've personally attended at Vitrum, and I find the environment personally stimulating and enjoyable.

I'd like to extend my most sincere thanks to Bob, Judy, and Kevin for their effort. I've deliberately restrained my more subjective enthusiasm in this review hoping to present my opinions without gushing over in praise. Suffice to say that I'm a generally gregarious and animated person in real life (!), and if I were to be asked about these same opinions in person, the recipient of my review might be overwhelmed by my enthusiasm and its accompanying physical dynamics. In short, this class, the teaching personnel, and the studio in which it was conducted rocked my world. I'm certain most would agree.

I also want to add that I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the other board members also in attendance at the class. Putting names with faces in person is a fun part of being a board citizen. I'm looking forward to WGW for more of the same.

Cliff

[Joanne Owsley]

It's very kind of you to take time to post like this. It does us all good. You, too, deserve kudos.