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Tuesday March 1, 2016 Edition
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Celebrating The Ancient Art Of Glass Blowing And Anticipating Classes For All Ages At Orwell Glass


John Chiles working at the bench.
photo by Photo Provided
John Chiles working at the bench.
A young student working on a project.
photo by Photo Provided
A young student working on a project.

photo by Photo Provided

photo by Photo Provided

Tuesday March 1, 2016

By Cookie Steponaitis

Orwell Glass owned by John Chiles opened its doors in 2002 and produces glass for galleries, architects, lighting designers and local shops. Glass artist Chiles began making glass in the early 1980’s and worked in shops and factory settings. Working with glass for Chiles is a lifetime pursuit and one he enjoys sharing with people of all ages and walks of life. “For me the actual making part is like a sport, you can always get better at it, it is very physical and challenging,” explained Chiles. “I get a lot of satisfaction and inspiration from the process itself and find designing both product lines and one of kind pieces to be equally challenging and rewarding in their respective ways.”
   Orwell Glass is hosting March classes designed for anyone as young as seven years old that is curious and no experience is required. Chiles and other instructors will demonstrate the skill and be at the person’s side as they make the projects. “We take students individually through two projects - a blown ornament and a pressed sun catcher,” commented Chiles. “Sessions are fifteen minutes long per participating individual. Some people like to reserve their time as a family or group so a family of four can spend an hour and participate in each other’s projects. We also offer half day and full day classes for small groups up to five or six people where you learn to work together as a glassblowing team and explore glass more deeply.” People looking for information on the classes should check out www.OrwellGlass.com where they can find all the details and what to expect. Chiles also encourages interested people to check out Orwell Glass on Facebook and browse the photos and videos showing what the classes are like.
   While many artist trades have evolved and changed immensely over time, those who work with glass have a window into an ancient art form. While it is true that sheet glass making and light bulb making have been modernized, the art of handmade glass blowing has not altered much over the centuries. The experts at Orwell Glass still use some of the same materials and tools and use furnaces to keep the process going. “It would surprise the Voice readers to know how much fun it is,” commented John Chiles. “People are usually intrigued by how it looks when watching someone work with glass, but they are also quite surprised with how enjoyable it is to work with hot glass once they try it. People are usually pretty impressed with how hot the molten glass is at about 2200 degrees and how heavy it feels on the end of a blow pipe. Kids are usually amazed at how much it glows. I tell people that it is like working with honey the way it moves. Glass needs to cool slowly or it can crack so we move quickly in the shop, always keeping the glass heated. Once a piece is done it goes right into an oven where it is cooled down very, very slowly.”
   If you have an artist’s soul, a great curiosity or you are just looking for a great family adventure for the winter months, check out the classes being offered at Orwell Glass and stop by the studio at 690 Route 73 in Orwell, Vermont. Ask to talk to John and see why what is centuries old is viable and an art form as unique as each piece made. Be prepared to have a great time and to amaze yourself with how creative you can be.


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