This two-day weekend workshop will combine instructor demonstration and student hands-on participation to create a pâte de verre project - casting glass. Eric will share the methods for creating a clay form, casting it in plaster and filling it with glass frit for firing. Students will try the techniques on a small piece to keep. In addition to demonstrations, Eric will emphasize sculptural elements, ways of seeing as an artist, and anecdotally share his experiences making, marketing and selling as a multi-decade full time artist.

Students will leave with knowledge on how to:

• create a form in clay
• cast a form in plaster
• mix and use glass frit
• create a kiln firing schedule
• divest the fired glass artwork from a mold

Prior glass and clay experience is not necessary.  A mold of a simple clay form you make will be made in plaster to then be filled and fired with pate de verre. If you wish to bring a leather hard piece to be cast, it should not exceed 200+/- cubic inches for example 6"x8”x4" (It must have an opening that is at least 4"-5” wide in all directions). Bringing a leather hard piece is  not required, and something simple can be made in class the first morning. Minimal texture is preferred to be sure the project can be completed within the weekend.

Eric Serritella is recognized as one of world’s top ceramic trompe l’oeil artists. He specializes in hand-carved sculptures transforming clay into birch, charred and weathered logs. His one-of-a-kind pieces are known for their hyper-realism, and have been shown, awarded and collected on five continents for their exquisite organic design and incredibly lifelike textures. Works have been contributed to nearly 160 exhibitions with over two dozen pieces in museum collections including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Mint Museum.

Eric was honored by the James Renwick Alliance as the 2016 Distinguished Artist in Ceramics at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. His 2018 solo show at Jason Jacques Gallery was recommended in the NY Times and he has received positive acclaim by Architectural Digest and renowned art critic/historian Daniella Ohad. Serritella is also an accomplished potter, having studied with production potters in the USA and with Ah Leon and other clay masters in Taiwan.

Eric began working in glass during the pandemic and has since had pieces included in gallery exhibitions and a solo show at the Gregg Museum of Art and Design.

Throughout all his workshops Eric emphasizes visual elements, ways of seeing as an artist, and anecdotally shares his experiences making and marketing works as a full-time studio artist. He is a fun, engaging and mindful presenter who is sure to help bring new techniques, ideas and life to your creations.

Learn more at www.ericserritella.com

Workshop includes a materials fee of $40. Please note: students will be required to supply their own safety glasses, gloves for handling glass with sharp edges, and KN95 silica dust mask. All other materials and tools will be provided.