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Art Glass Center of San Jose
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Education Specialty Schools Art Schools Arts & Entertainment, Art Schools [Edit]
465 S 1st StSan Jose, CA 95113
(408) 971-1530
- Hours:
Wed-Fri 1 pm - 9 pm
Sat-Sun 11 am - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
30 reviews for Art Glass Center of San Jose
30 reviews in English
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Review from claudia a.
San Jose, CA
2/12/2012
I and 8 friends had 2 fantastic hours creating glass coasters this afternoon as part of a birthday party, complete with food and beverages which the birthday girl provided.
Janet Peace(sp?) gave us a clear, thorough explanation of the chemistry involved in glass fusing, so we could avoid bubbles and fingerprints and other mistakes that could detract from or ruin a project. She provided many examples of finished dishes, demonstrating different approaches using frit, thin glass sticks (cappellini size), curly glass bits not much thicker than hair, and larger pieces of glass in all colors, opaque and translucent. We all created unique and beautiful pieces. I'm sure when they come out of the kiln, there will be 9 new glass addicts in San Jose. -
Review from Lisa T.
1/13/2012
I signed up for the Glass Artist for a Day class. We had to wait outside until nearly everyone had shown up and it was really cold waiting for people who could not show up on time (or at least have the decency to be 5 minutes late). It was fun once we got inside and could warm up. It would have been more fun to take the class with a friend, but it didn't work out.
We did stained glass, fusing, & torchwork. I used to do stained glass many years ago, so most of it was familiar, but some things had changed. I was able to successfully make my suncatcher without having to make a single cut. The fusing instructor taught us how to cut glass using "new to me" techniques, which were really cool to learn a better way. I tried something different, hope it works out. Then the torchwork, which was like torture because I was tired and hungry. My stir stick end turned out great, but the making my swirl, not so good because my arms & hands were tired. I decided to keep it as a stir stick because it could have been better.
It would have been nice to have a little break between the lessons to eat a quick bite, as the class was from 10 - 2. And of course it ran over the end time from all the people showing up late. -
Review from Marek B.
Sunnyvale, CA
12/11/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal
Didn't know at all what I'd be getting myself into when I signed up for a Glass Artist for A Day class. I now have a new hobby, and several friends want to join me to go back after they saw my little creations.
There were three stations that we cycled through over 4 hours. All the instructors were really helpful and attentive At first I thought that the stained glass instructor was disinterested, but after a bit I appreciated his dry dead-pan sense of humor. At each station, we learned a different set of techniques for working with glass, as well as different bits of science behind it. It was informative, engaging, and really rewarding.
Few setbacks I had is that a could not get information on the website on what the three stations were and what you actually will learn at each. There is a stained glass work (welding diamond shaped glass pieces together into patterns), glass dish making (cutting up glass and creating patterns on a dish), and torch work (make glass stirring sticks). Stirring sticks aren't terribly exciting, but it was difficult enough just to learn the techniques to make one of those.
I wish you could watch your glass dishes go into the oven and work their magic, but you just make the design, and then get to pick it up a few days later. Still, I kind of just threw something together for the dish, and it came out awesome. This is the first glass art class I've taken so I'm not sure how to rate it compared to anything else. -
Review from Suzi H.
San Jose, CA
11/5/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal
I used a Yelp Deal to purchase a "Glass Artist for the Day" class. Over the course of four hours we did the following lessons:
- Torchworking: Make a stir-stick with a twisted top
- Stained glass: Solder pre-cut glass pieces together to create a suncatcher
- Glass Fusion: Design a 6 inch tile or dish
Torchworking was pretty fun, but scary because you work over an open flame. (I had nightmares about turning the gas too high and burning my eyebrows off.) The project wasn't too interesting - I have no idea what I'm going to do with a swizzle stick; I've never needed one before - and it's just clear glass. There was an option to leave your stick and have the twisted top transformed into a pendant, but frankly mine wasn't pretty enough to wear. I've read that some other classes get to make flowers during the torchworking lesson; I think that would have been much more fun.
Stained glass wasn't very exciting either. There was a limited selection of colors to choose from - seven, if I remember correctly - and every piece was diamond-shaped. This can look pretty cool in a large mosaic, but when you can only use three or four pieces the results are pretty limited: cube, chevron, diamond and pointy almost-flower-like shape. I thought my cube turned out OK in terms of color and construction, but when I got home I realized the glass was quite opaque, so if I hung it in a window not much light came through. It was fun to learn about the soldering techniques, though!
The last mini-class was the most fun. The instructor spent a good long time teaching us how to cut glass to create designs on a 6" dish, then set us free to do whatever. I never quite mastered the art of cutting glass (much to my friend's amusement) but I wanted to do a Jackson Pollock-esque design so that was quite fine with me! Since it was the last class of the night, it felt very rushed, and that was too bad, because this was the only time the night where I felt truly creative.
I did learn a lot, and I'm looking forward to doing more with all three techniques. Although I had fun in my classes here, I'm not sure if I want to continue taking classes here. The class sizes are rather large, so it's hard to get individual instruction from the teachers, and at times (especially towards the end) I felt rushed to finish my project. -
Review from Martha L.
Palo Alto, CA
2/5/2012 Purchased a Yelp Deal
Fun to do with a friend! Love my glass cocktail swizzle stick :)
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Review from Shru N.
San Jose, CA
11/6/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal
I had a Yelp deal for glass artist of the day, and it was a pretty good deal... finally got to use it yesterday.
Same lessons as Suzi... torch-working, stained glass and glass fusion(were we in the same class?)
glass fusion was cool as it gave us an opportunity to be creative and had a variety of materials to choose from, as someone in the class mentioned its much better than crayons! Cant wait till a week to see how my plate looks, after the class i thought of more ways i could have designed the plate, maybe i will go for another session
loved the torch-working exercise, felt like i made something on my own! with glass! woud have loved to get colored glass instead of plain ones foe this, but the whole process was quite exciting. The instructor was really patient and helped each student individually as well, it was good that we were a smaller sub-group (just 4)
The stained glass station was less stimulating, we did not have a lot of pre cut glass choices and they were mostly opaque, plus we only get to pick 4 (since time is limited soldering more than 4 may not be practical), so not much room for creativity here, i have some experience soldering electrical circuits but then making it look pretty is probably the tough part when it comes to soldering glass.
Overall it was a fun class, great instructors and would definitely recommend it as a group activity, -
Review from William S.
Sunnyvale, CA
8/4/2011
We got the Glass Artist for a Day Groupon and had a fun experience. The three activities were a nice, varied introduction to glass work. The instructors were very knowledgable, friendly, and took the time to answer any and all questions.
Unfortunately, I had to deduct 1 star for bad communications. I added a note to our on-line reservation that we would be joining with a friend but this was misinterpreted by one of the owners to mean that we were paying for another person. One of the owners called and left a message to clarify, but both times I returned her call, it went straight to answering machine. I tried my best to clarify our details in messages, and even an email, but I was called again with a threat that my reservations had been cancelled. It took a complaint to Groupon to finally get the issue resolved so we could take this class with our friend whom also had a Groupon. I also never, received a follow-up email with a 'coupon' for a return visit. Either this is another example of poor communications, or they don't want me back since I had to file a complaint with Groupon (most likely the latter).
Anyway, the glass-making experience was very memorable and we have 6 mementos around the house to remind us of the fun time we had at this artist for a day class. -
Review from Laurel P.
San Francisco, CA
I was a "glass artist" for the day. 'twas a fun and educational experience indeed. Friendly, helpful,knowledgeable staff were there to assist and direct our class every step of the way. I loved working with the torch-made me a nifty stirring rod that's gonna be someone's Xmas gift this year. Lucky them!
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Review from Michael N.
San Francisco, CA
6/20/2011
This was a fun experience. We had the "glass artist for a day" groupon.
It was a good time and I learned a lot. We did three stations and came home with three different pieces that look pretty nice. We made glass pendants, fused glass plates, and stained glass light catchers. Definitely worth it. -
Review from Jenny S.
San Jose, CA
7/30/2011
Just did the Glass artist for a Day using a Groupon, with my husband. I really enjoyed the whole thing, having never done any of that type of art before. The torch work was pretty cool, although it was challenging. I would take a longer class just to learn that more. We also made some stained glass using copper tape and soldering. The last project was a fused glass plate, which I think will be my favorite project in the end. Some reviewers complained that there was too much lecture in that section, but it seemed fine to me. Since it was our last area, I had plenty of time to do my project and still be done with the whole class within three hours. I am definitely interested in taking another class and recommend this as a good survey class for beginners.
It was a plus that there was convenient private parking. -
Review from K C.
Sunnyvale, CA
12/6/2010
My girlfriend and I had a Groupon for this. We wanted to try something fun and new to us.
The staff are very helpful, friendly, and informative. The classes were fantastic and I can't wait to do more in depth classes. We learned how to make glass plates, an ornament, and stained glass piece.
If you are a creative person, this is definitely the place for you. If you are not creative, you will quickly learn how. ;-) -
Review from Robin H.
San Jose, CA
11/29/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal
My Aunt, My Mother and Myself took a "glass artist for a day" class. I gave the class as a gift to my Mother for Mothers Day. I expected it would be a good time with my mom getting to spend time together doing something fun and creative. The class exceeded my expectations. All of the glass artists teaching the classes are really wonderful and patient. We got to create 3 projects that were designed and hand crafted. I cant say enough about how well the Art Glass Center of San Jose is set up. If you have ever wanted to try Glass crafting you should take a class. You get to try 3 different kind of glass work and get to take home 3 projects at the end. Great Fun. I cant wait to go back for another set of classes.
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Review from Miss C.
Boulder Creek, CA
7/27/2011
I did the Glass Artist for the Day. If you are looking for instruction, this very well may be a good class for you, but if you are looking for time to create, this may not be the best program. The facilites were comfortable and the instructors were nice and I did get some good information in the process, but I really really felt rushed, particularly on the fused glass station.
The class started a bit late, so that caused an even shorter time for each segment of the experience.
There is a small gift shop area that had some very nice work. It was fun to look at that. -
Review from C C.
San Francisco, CA
6/24/2011
As a birthday gift, my husband surprised me with the Glass Artist for a Day class which he'd purchased through Groupon. I was really excited for a creative day of working with glass!
We had 4 hours to rotate through 3 stations: stained glass, fused glass, and torchworking. We started off at the stained glass station. We were given our choice of colored glass pre-cut into diamond shapes. We formed them into a design and then soldered them together. I felt that this station was really an exercise in soldering and had less to do with actual glassworking. I realize it is an aspect of glass working, but I didn't feel this was the best application of it.
From stained glass we moved to fused glass. After hearing a description of the work we would do at this station I was really excited. I couldn't wait to start designing my plate and working with the colored glass, which we would be able to cut ourselves. Therefore, I was really disappointed when our instructor Janet spent most of the hour we had at this station talking to us about her 35+ years of experience and trashing the habits of adult students. She went on and on about how horrible adult students are, about how we don't listen, don't follow instructions, and will inevitably mislabel the colored glass, or put the colored glass into the wrong bin, or won't listen to what she says about the colored glass and complain to her later that our green glass should have been yellow. We were not able to work on our designs while she was talking, although she did have us practice cutting during part of her talk.
Once she was finally done with her lecture, she told us we had about 20 minutes to actually cut glass and design our pieces. So little time! We got to work immediately and it could not have been more than 7 minutes later that she was telling us to wrap things up. There's no way she gave us 20 minutes to work on our pieces. Even if she had, 20 minutes would not have been enough time to design a concept, cut the glass, clean each piece and place it on the plate. I wish Janett had spent less time bad-mouthing students and given us more time to work. I think she could have found a way to structure her lecture so that she gave us the pertinent information we needed to get started and could have continued lecturing while we worked.
Even worse, she gave us some misinformation. Some of the colored glass was labeled and she told us that if we placed the glass with the writing side up, the ink would burn off in the kiln. My husband had a piece with writing on it, placed it writing side up, and the ink did not burn off but is instead burned into the design. It's a minor imperfection but he was disappointed. Both of us started off so excited to work at this station and we were both very dissatisfied with the experience.
Thankfully we ended with torchworking. There were two instructors, one who explained the process and provided visual instruction, and one who walked around the table and offered hands-on help when needed. Both instructors (I'm sorry, I can't remember their names, I think one was Tony?) were well-spoken, well-organized and did a good job of explaining and demonstrating the steps and then allowing us to do the steps ourselves. Working with a torch that reaches 5,000 degrees can be intimidating but both instructors were calm and patient and taught us in a way that allowed us to be creative and confident. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the torch and I was surprised to see that even though six students were following the same steps, we each arrived at distinctly different and individual results. It made the glasswork even more fascinating to me.
I'm sorry to say that I don't believe this experience is worth $140 a person, even with a Groupon deal to save some money. Janet's negativity and the small amount of time we had to work on the fused glass station left a really bad taste in my mouth. Happily I enjoyed other parts of the experience and it was nice to spend the day with my husband. -
Review from Mary S.
San Jose, CA
9/11/2011
I participated in the Glass Artist for a Day class on Friday night, and it was a blast! At first it felt a little intimidating to work with glass and torches, as I am a fiber artist and am used to softer, gentler mediums.. But the instructors were really wonderful and patient, and we had enough time at each station -- fused glass, torch work and stained glass. I was happy with the piece I got to take home and am looking forward to seeing my other two finished pieces when they are fired.
if you are interested in trying glass work, I highly recommend the Art Glass Center for a fun and educational experience. -
Review from Tony P.
San Jose, CA
7/17/2009
Disclosure: I am the husband of the president of the SJGAA, so I'm biased towards the facility. I'm also one of the instructors here, so you might see me in torchworking or fused glass.
The Art Glass Center of San Jose is now officially open!!!. It is the home of the San Jose Glass Artist Alliance (SJGAA). The Art Glass Center will offer classes in glass fusing, stained glass and lampworking (torch manipulated glass.) It also has a gift shop and a shop where one can buy Bullseye glass supplies for fusing.
The hours are Friday 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm and weekends 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. We may be around at other times, so call in to see if we'll be there.
Class schedules and more information are posted on the SJGAA website, http://www.sjgaa.org once they have been scheduled. -
Review from Michael H.
San Jose, CA
3/8/2010
Friday night I took my cousin, her boyfriend, my wife and another friend of ours to check out the displays on Friday's Art Walk.
This was our third stop along the South First Friday crawl and the place was packed with glass trinkets as well as some other artwork that didn't look like glass, but I wasn't going to touch it and find out. While I'm not that into glass work myself, I did enjoy watching the artisans in the middle of the showroom crafting figurines and jewelry.
I had a chance to briefly talk to the owner, though she was clearly being pulled in many directions that night, she was genial and gave me the information I needed on their displays. I don't know if I would go back, as I'm not that into glass, but my wife really liked it as well as my cousin. -
Review from Mike M.
Los Gatos, CA
2/6/2010
Last night, while visiting various galeries participating in the San Jose South First Fridays event (first Friday night of the month, on the several blocks of South First Street between San Carlos and 280), we visited the Art Glass Center of San Jose.
There is a small retail area where glass art from the members is sold. The rest of the place has places for artists to work on fused glass and torch work. There were several artists there last night, all working on their art.
My wife, a mosaic artist, is interested in fused glass and is interested in the classes and labs that they offer.
After visiting the various galleries participating in the South First Fridays events, we returned to the Art Glass Center and watched Lionel Chapital (http://www.lionelchapi...), a master lampwork artist, create a beautiful glass hummingbird (amber body, cobalt blue accents in the body, and cobalt blue wings and beak).
If you are interested in glass art, this is a place for you to visit. -
Review from Camilla M.
Monterey, CA
4/19/2011
I attended the glass artist for a day using a groupon certificate with two friends this past weekend. We did three projects - a torchwork glass pendant, a stained glass sun-catcher, and a fused glass dish - during the 4-hour class. It was something completely new to all of us and, therefore, simultaneously exhilarating and intimidating, especially working with the torches. But what a great girls' day out! We will definitely go back.
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Review from Mo B.
Santa Clara, CA
2/21/2011
I had been to the Art Glass Center as part of an art walk downtown and wanted to try the class. When the Groupon came along I figured I had no excuses to not try it. I found the staff informative and helpful. Being a scientist at heart it was really cool to hear about all the physics and history behind glass, glass properties, glass art etc.
You get to take home your newly made treasures and actually use them. They construct the activities so that they are fun and educational but you don't have to be an expert artist to create some cool pieces that you can use or give as gifts.
I really enjoyed the glass fusion part. The stained glass part was really fun and if you are creative you may even get to make more than one piece. The glass torching section was really cool, we got to make 2-3 pendants each. One thing to note is to be careful with your attire and not wear anything flammable. Ask the staff for pointers when you schedule your class. Also, if you have a pair of safety glasses at home that fit well you may want to bring those.
I would recommend this activity to anyone. -
Review from Tom W.
Santa Clara, CA
11/17/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal
I bought this for my wife and daughter's and the LOVED it.
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Review from Lindsey K.
San Jose, CA
4/19/2011
Got the groupon for the "glass artist for a day class." needless to say it was a great experience. knowledgeable and helpful staff, and an overall fun day. only note is that there is no break to eat, so bring some snacks to eat when you get a chance.
highly recommended. totally worth it for a fun and crafty afternoon :-) -
Review from Carol S.
Burlingame, CA
4/17/2011
Bought a groupon for 2 and it was money well spent. This was a great introduction to 3 methods of glass art; fusing, stained and torch. The staff are wonderful and very patient. Can't wait to go back to collect my projects. No need to worry about creativity, there are lots of samples to look at and re-create your own originals. A good way to dabble in different glass art techniques to decide where your interest lies.
Hope they had a groupon for the different class series in the near future. -
Review from Lisa G.
Mountain View, CA
4/19/2011
Bought a Living Social coupon for a 3 hour class on glass fusing. It was a great girls day out. The teacher (forgive me, I forget her name, but I think she's also the owner) was a very good instructor. I'd do it again.
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Review from Michael H.
Hayward, CA
9/6/2009 1 photo
Visiting Art Glass Center during San Jose's Art Walk was a fun diversion. They had a demo on how they create different shapes and textures. It looks rather fun. They also had different glass artists doing their own pieces live. It's always cool to talk to artists and hobbyists alike. My friends and I were so fascinated that we might take classes. The only problem is that they couldn't answer any of our art class questions on location. They responded with "Go to our website." But, I'm already here?
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Review from Mary D.
Los Gatos, CA
11/21/2010
I had a wonderful experience as a "glass artist for a day." In four hours, all participants were able to make a small stained glass window catcher, a fused glass tile (to be picked up or mailed after heating in the kiln) and a small torchwork pendant. Great teachers. All materials provided. Very positive introduction to the techniques of creating art with glass. Take yourself out for a wonderful date for your inner artist.
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Review from Amy C.
Newark, CA
5/9/2011 3 Check-ins Here
My boyfriend bought groupons for us for this place. Made the reservation online & we were good to go on Saturday. They have a parking lot that's right across/behind them on Market St that you can park. It has a sign that says "Glass Parking Only." The instructors were helpful & friendly. It was a 4hr class while you rotate between 3 sections: torching, stain glass, & fusing. We got to make a small pendant with the torching, a suncatcher stained glass piece, & a dish with the fusing. Be careful with glass in the fusing section cause a glass piece poked me in my finger & bled. Owwie... I would say the torching would be the most fun, then the fusing, & last the stain glass. Although, the torching can make your arm sore cause you're hold the glass piece for awhile & turning. They offer other classes that are several wks sequence in which you can make really cool glass figurines. It was a great fun experience :)
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Review from Ginny L.
Mountain View, CA
6/13/2011
Attended their "glass artist for a day" course by using a Groupon. It was a great experience! The instructors were informative, friendly and very relaxed. This is a great class to give you an idea of different types of projects you can do with glass. There is something here for everyone. I will be back to take more classes!
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Review from Joni W.
San Jose, CA
6/4/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal
Got a groupon for glass artist for the day and had a fantastic time learning how to fuse, torch, and create stained glass. I am hooked and have just purchased a yelp deal to continue learning how to torch glass. The volunteer staff are very knowledgeable and helpful. You will learn more than you thought regarding glass and its properties. Highly recommend.
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Review from Lala M.
Mountain View, CA
6/1/2010
We had my daughter's birthday party at the Art Glass Center and it was an amazing experience. In just under two hours, the girls created wonderful fused glass pieces that would be cherished keepsakes. The people at the Glass Art Center were great, very helpful and patient. I am definitely coming back to make some pieces of my own.
